Welcome to Mercy Ministry

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter - when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?" Isaiah 58:6-7

The Bible leaves no doubt of God's heart for the poor and oppressed. It also leaves no doubt that we, His people, are called to help the poor, feed the hungry and clothe the naked. There is a group of people at the Vineyard Church in Wheeling that have answered that call and have made a way for other's to get involved in this "mercy ministry" as well.

The Mercy Ministry is committed to the restoration and reconciliation of the downtrodden poor and oppressed residents of the Wheeling area. One man's vision several years ago that led him to Isaiah 58:1-12 has blossomed into a ministry that touches hundreds of lives each month through Free Stores held at 4 different low-income communities.

The prime directive of the Mercy Ministry is and always has been to build relationship followed by restoration and reconciliation of lives and communities. Free Stores are a great way to accomplish this goal. The Free Stores provide residents with items such as laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, bath soap, toilet paper and toothpaste. Children are ministered to through crafts, games, and school supplies. Hospitality is shared through cookies, coffee and punch, and when available, a nurse provides blood pressure screenings, and a beautician gives free haircuts. Prayer is also offered to the residents.

In addition to the Free Store, the Mercy Ministry meets as a small group on the fourth Thursday of each month to share experiences at the Free Store, seek God's direction and have some fun!

If you have any questions or you would like to be a part of the Mercy Ministry, please give Don and Fran McAfee a call at the church at 242.0463 or click here to email the mercy ministry.