Anytime I encounter people from Mercy Street I am inspired and challenged.  It was no different at this year’s  Mercy Street’s Fundraiser Luncheon.

This year’s luncheon was held in the super trendy Trinity Groves area that is just across the beautiful Margaret Hunt-Hill Bridge.

The theme for this luncheon was Come to the Table.  Many times relationships are built around the table.

Nichole is the events coordinator for Mercy Street, and she planned this year’s luncheon.  She did a fantastic job.

Sweet Mother of Pearl!  As we entered the building the first thing we noticed was this humongous “chandelier” that Nichole had created.

Silver plasticware was suspended from this humongous hoop.  It was like a giant mobile, and it was awesome.  No telling how many hours she spent on this “chandelier”  It did make an impression.

Chairs were also suspended from the ceiling.  I liked it.  I loved it!

Crates were made by the Irish interns and then filled with various bottle vases.  Impressive!

Be still my heart!  Just look at these cool placemats.  Do you know how expensive these are when you buy them at the speciality stores?  Well, guess what?  Nicole found a listing on Pinterest for a FREE download, and they ran them off.  Good looking!  Just search for “paper placemats” when you go to Pinterest, and you can find the FREE download.

Food was catered by Bubba’s, and as usual, it was yummy.

Fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, and rolls filled our plates.

For dessert, they served the most delicious banana pudding.  Yummy!

There were 500 guests gathered around the tables.  Many of these people volunteer tirelessly as mentors and coaches to support the ministry of Mercy Street.  Mercy Street is about establishing relationships with the students and the community of West Dallas.

This is the staff from Mercy Street. Most of these wonderful people choose to live in West Dallas in order to build relationships.

The main reason I so look forward to the Annual Fundraiser Luncheon is to hear the speakers tell of God’s work that is being done in West Dallas.  This year Melissa Hill, wife of Executive Director Trey Hill, spoke of what life has been like during these last eleven years. She was truthful, and to hear her talk of their journey and their commitment to making a difference in this neighborhood was inspiring.  She talked of having guests almost daily at their table. She talked of having four children and also providing a home for several homeless boys.  She talked of challenges and blessings.

Trey Hill shared again the mission of Mercy Street -MERCY STREET hopes to be used by God to spark Christ-honoring community restoration by engaging in mutually-transforming relationships with the future leaders of West Dallas.

Change has come and is coming to West Dallas, and it is always exciting to hear success stories.  All of the Mercy Street seniors graduated on schedule last year.  What an accomplishment.  But much still needs to be done.  Trey mentioned that a recent article  referred to Dallas, Texas as the Richest Poorest City in the Nation.  What a sad commentary.  The luncheon was not only about raising needed funds, but it was also called a “friend raising” event.  I like that!

Visit the Mercy Street website for more information.  You can even donate on their website.

Blessings to you and yours,

Members of the Living Stones and Men’s Bible Study Fellowship classes enjoyed our day.  The cute girl in the red skirt and boots is sweet Jill.  She is the reason we are involved with Mercy Street, and we are so proud to know her.