The House of Mercy ministries is located in a small village outside Odesa, Ukraine. It is led by Pastor Nabil Babbisi and supported by the Odesa Church of the Nazarene. This ministry has become a beacon of light for over 40 individuals internally displaced due to the war or needing rehabilitation services.

House of Mercy is a home where men find refuge to recover from addiction, a safe place to live, and a path towards rebuilding their lives. The men who live in the house are actively involved in the local church, serving, learning, and growing in Christ.

Among those whose lives have been transformed by the House of Mercy is Vladimir, who was once trapped in the grip of addiction for 21 long years. Today, Vladimir stands as a testament to the power of redemption, having found support within the walls of this tiny house. He now dedicates his life to serving others, extending the same compassion and understanding that helped him find his path to recovery.

Despite the challenges of limited space and resources, the spirit of generosity and compassion is evident in everything the ministry supporters do at the House of Mercy.

“Although the house is very full, we meet people on the streets every day who are in need of help,” explained Vladimir. “We want everyone to be saved.”

This ministry’s unwavering commitment to reaching out to those in society’s darkest corners underscores its mission.

Vladimir’s guiding passion finds its source in the grace and transformation Jesus offers. 

“It’s not just about providing temporary shelter or rehabilitation; it’s about empowering individuals to reclaim their lives,” he said. “The House of Mercy isn’t just a house; it’s a nurturing environment where seeds of hope are planted and cultivated, fostering personal growth and transformation.”

Pastor Nabil elaborated on the ministry’s journey, particularly in the wake of the war that has ravaged Ukraine for over two years. As the conflict escalated, many families found themselves displaced, their lives uprooted by violence and uncertainty. Despite this chaos, the House of Mercy emerged as a sanctuary, offering shelter and a sense of belonging and purpose.

“We had the House of Mercy and beds available,” Pastor Nabil recounts. “So we started housing as many families as we could.”

As the war wages on, the ministry continues to serve internally displaced Ukrainians by bringing them together once a week and cooking for anyone who needs food in the community. The group then goes beyond the walls of the church and the house to serve food in three locations throughout the city.

It’s a testament to the resilience and compassion of the human spirit, turning adversity into an opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need. But the work doesn’t stop there. Pastor Nabil and his team are tirelessly working to expand the facilities. They are building more bedrooms and creating additional space to accommodate the growing number of individuals seeking refuge and rehabilitation.

The House of Mercy is more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It stands as a testament to the power of community and compassion. In a world often marred by division and despair, the House of Mercy shines brightly as a beacon of light, guiding the lost and the broken toward a brighter tomorrow.

This story originally appeared in NCM Magazine’s 2024 Issue 2, which was released in late 2024. To see the original, click here.