Big Changes for Our Small Ministry

December was a whirlwind of changes for Mercy Ministries, mostly on the American side of things. In November David Shelton (former ministry president) decided it was time for him to step down as president. He has been running the administrative side of things for 12 years now and he's pretty much the only one who knows the ins and out of all things 501c3, banking, sending money, and all the things behind the scenes of Mercy Ministries. Clearly this change meant lots of change for us and that we quickly needed to restructure and add to our support team.

Over the last 6 years Mercy Ministries has grown so much that we have really needed a larger and more active board, but it is hard to ask others to come on board and do lots of work to help you do what you feel like God's called you to do. Because God is so good and gracious, He has guided, directed, and filled needs we have had and we now have a board of 9 members! We have lots of planning and changes coming, but we are trusting that this whole ministry is God's and that He knows what is best. While our website hasn't fully been updated yet we wanted to let you know of these major changes before time gets away from us. Our new board of directors is set up like this :

Jeff Bys-President and board co-chairman
Josh Eaton-Vice President and pastoral oversite
China Schmitz-Treasurer
Tanya Eaton-Secretary and mission trip coordinator
Mike Mazyck-co-board chairman
Larry Bouligny-pastoral oversite
Kenneth Henrichs
Melanie Boles
Stephanie Bys

Of our 9 board members 5 have been to Mercy Ministries in Kenya (multiple times), 1 has been a missionary before, and all eyes are on those who haven't been to Kenya yet. I can't really explain what it is like to get on a board call and see that some of the best people have stepped in and linked arms with you to help advance what God is doing in our small village in Western Kenya. God has been so gracious through this major transition.

For us a new board means new ideas, new suggestions, new guidance, more help, more support, more connection, and more communication. For you a new board might mean you see new mailing and shipping addresses, new emails, new people to talk to when you have a problem or question. We are trying to get our website updated quickly, but we've had a few issues getting our new email addresses working. So if you need something and the email you are using isn't working right you can always reach out to Jeff or myself through Facebook or email.
jeff@mercyministries.ngo
mrsbys03@gmail.com

The new email addresses are:
info@mercyministries.ngo
Jeff@mercyministries.ngo
Stephanie@mercyministries.ngo
China@mercyministries.ngo
Tanya@mercyministries.ngo I'm

Jeff and I are so incredibly grateful to David Shelton for sending us to Kenya 6 years ago and being our main support all this time. We are very well aware that while David was excited to be sending missionaries to Kenya that we caused him A LOT of work and many headaches. The freedom he has afforded us has allowed the ministry to grow and flourish these last 6 years. And while he is no longer on the board, the roll he played and the blessing that he has been here will not be forgotten and will continue to bless many for many years to come.

Thank you for helping make an impact here. There is so much work to be done, but I'm confident with the Lord's help and our new board we will get a plan together and start working that plan, furthering His name in our village and the surrounding villages.

If you mail in checks to us please update the address to
Mercy Ministries - AFM Africa
2502 Shorewood
Rowlett, TX 75088

If you are shipping shoes and/or Legos to us please update the address to
Mercy Ministries - AFM Africa
6228 Raccoon Road
Granby, MO 64844

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out and ask!