Dear Friends,

I hope you're doing well and staying healthy. Our family is doing well as we settle into our new life in Atlanta. The transition has brought both encouragement and challenges. I feel fortunate to be among close friends in this vibrant city, full of opportunities to make a positive impact. However, we miss being close to many families and friends, including you.

Amarilis is thriving here. She recently had the honor of speaking at a women's retreat titled "I AM God's Girl," sharing her insights and experiences. She is enjoying building new relationships, serving others, and excelling in her new role at Lanier High School. Amarilis is truly a light, and people are drawn to her positivity. She has been invited to speak to hundreds of students and faculty members at The Gwinnett County Public Schools, imparting wisdom on maintaining a positive attitude and fostering effective teamwork.

On a personal note, we recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary on August 1st! It has been a journey filled with joy and gratitude. Our daughter Lillian has joined us in Georgia and eagerly plans to begin a new job and continue her education. Matthew, our son, is attending Georgia State University and is actively involved in youth work at Northview Church in Roswell, GA, serving as an intern on their staff, as well as coaching middle school soccer at several local schools.

Overall, things are going well for us. However, as I approach my 50th birthday in a few days (November 29th), mixed emotions arise. I want to share a few requests with you:

Your prayers: While you may already be praying for us, I kindly request your continued prayers for clarity and guidance in my life. After three decades of full-time ministry, leading churches, and supporting individuals, I have sensed God's call to help others further establish churches and nurture healthy marriage ministries. I seek God's wisdom to discern the specific path and opportunities He has in store for me.
Support for my work: I have been collaborating closely with The Path Church, and witnessing the transformative impact it has on the lives of young men and women has brought me immense joy. I also have the privilege of assisting my dear friend Dr. Michael Patterson in his nonprofit organization called Be A Peacemaker, Inc., which focuses on tutoring and mentoring, conflict resolution, and other community engagement initiatives. One of the key community initiatives is Family engagement, particularly in promoting healthy marriages. Those who know me are aware that promoting healthy marriages is dear to my heart. Thus, Marriage Beyond the Vows has officially partnered with Peacemakers to serve more effectively. Every November, we launch our annual fundraising campaign. Your generous support will help to fund our podcast and radio show, educational trips abroad, and a relationship seminar for singles and married couples.

To offer your contribution towards any of these endeavors, I kindly invite you to visit my website: www.BeyondVows.com or reach out to me directly for further discussion. Your support would mean the world to us as we continue to develop leaders, plant churches, provide relationship guidance, organize educational trips, and assist veterans in need.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email, and I sincerely appreciate your consideration and support. Together, we can make a lasting impact on individuals and communities around us.

Blessings,

Marcos Mercado

Please note that your generous donation to our organization is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are recognized as a non-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. You will receive a tax receipt for your records. Thank you for your support!

Beyond Vows Year-end Fundraiser

By Be A Peace Maker, Inc.

Beyond Vows Year-end Fundraiser

In Partnership with: Peacemakers, Beyond the Vows, Marcos Mercado

Team Members