Bridging the Gap

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries’ free-of-charge, voluntary Christian residential program has served a diverse population of young women ages 13-28 who have been physically and sexually abused, as well as those who face life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy. Our mission is to provide opportunities for young women to experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and life-transforming power. Our guiding principles include:

• Taking girls in free of charge

• Tithing 10% to other ministries

• Never accepting funds that would interfere with our ability to share the Gospel (we do not accept government funds)

Mercy Ministries of America serves hurting women from across the United States and has residential homes in Monroe, LA; Nashville, TN; St. Louis, MO; and Sacramento, CA. We also have three international locations in the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

*Sponsored by the Cannon Eye Clinic and Nancy Holte

"Together, we can make a difference."

Trendsetters Jewelry & Purse Boutique has been a God given dream of mine for many years. Until 7 years ago, it was just that...a dream. The concept behind Trendsetters is simple: Affordable, inspired women’s accessories without the high designer price tag.

For me, there's a much deeper meaning behind opening the boutique. What really made this dream come alive was a deep desire to meet the needs of those less fortunate. The world is full of injustice and poverty and I want to make a difference. 

One such place filled with injustice is right here in Minnesota. Breaking Free helps young women who are forced into human trafficking. Every single county in Minnesota has been reported to have human trafficking. Trendsetters Boutique gives thousands of dollars from their profits to Breaking Free. While these young women are at Breaking Free they are loved, given a place to be counseled, learn a trade and learn to love themselves and trust again. Breaking Free is one example of many local charities Trendsetters Boutique donates to. We also support many missionaries in other countries that aid in feeding & clothing the poor, giving medical help and building fresh water wells, just to name a few. 

Over the years the question has been asked of me, "What are we all here for?" To that I simply answer, "To give of ourselves unselfishly & love boldly without expecting anything in return." That's what I believe will make a difference. 

Mission: To educate and provide services to women/girls who have been victims of commerical sexual exploitation/sex trafficking and need assistance escaping violence in their lives.

Breaking Free is a 501c3 non-profit based in St. Paul, MN that since 1996, has helped to rescue thousands of women and girls from commercial sexual exploitation by providing direct services, housing, education and hope to victims. The majority of the clients we serve our young African American women, girls and their children. Our Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Vednita Carter and our organization has been recognized nationally for our innovative culturally specific model program design. Vednita was recently invited to the White House to participate on special human trafficking advisory committee and to testify before congress and will speak before the United Nations in February 2013. Please see our website for more information regarding our programs (www.breakingfree.net).

 “Gracious, Caring and Engaging Making a Difference in the Lives of Others Both BIG and Small”

The Embassy Suites Minneapolis North is a beautiful 175 room upscale all suite property and connected to the Earle Brown Heritage Conference Center. Conveniently located to downtown Minneapolis City Center, The Embassy Suites is proud to offer transportation to popular destinations in and around downtown. The Embassy Suites has over 5,000 square feet of meeting space onsite.  Offering complete catering services, state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities, Complimentary wireless internet access in all public areas, easy and convenient freeway access and free parking.  Our exceptional amenities include: complimentary cook to order breakfast, nightly manager’s reception, 24-hour business center offering guests complimentary copy, fax and computer processing equipment.  Plus, each guest room is equipped with the MP3 clock, complimentary high speed Internet access, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker with free coffee refreshed daily.

The National Women’s Department of the Assemblies of God is a team committed to providing resources to equip every woman to positively influence the women in her life. We believe in women ministering to women. We will recommend or create effective tools for intentional relationships. We will help local churches understand the needs of women and provide strategies for establishing intentional ministry to women.

We are so grateful to our sponsors for partnering with us in accomplishing the vision of Bridging The Gap.  All of our sponsors are an active part of the BTG community and bring great value.  Please take time to support them as they have supported us and check out their information below!