What if I told you that eating a cookie could change the city of Houston, could offer hope in places of hopelessness, could even empower victims of human trafficking? It sounds farcical: “too easy,” some might say. Nonetheless, a group of powerhouse grandmas, dedicated volunteers, and yes, some very delectable baked goods are doing just that.

Boundless Mercy goes beyond just “doing good” to make a real impact. In the perceived “darkest” places of the city of Houston, light and hope are shining brightly. How do they do this? Using the ice breaker of cookies (darn good cookies), they form friendships with individuals in the sex industry via their biweekly route to a sizable group (12-23) of northeast Houston’s strip clubs, brothels, and sex shops. For over 12 years now, they have served as a consistent, stable frontline of care to people who have no consistency in their lives and no one caring for them. The nonprofit team offers encouragement, a listening ear, resources, and prayer (when requested) tailored to each person’s needs. The unique part about these relationships is that no agenda is attached. That offer of agenda-free friendship provides a relationship of trust that is so unique in the lives of these individuals. It allows the Boundless Mercy team to connect with these women and men with a level of authenticity that leads to life-changing conversations. The team regularly fields conversation topics including health issues, abuse, and depression. The team even finds ways to communicate to women in brothels where English is not spoken. 

The Ark Bakery is the store whose sales provide the funds for Boundless Mercy’s outreaches. Its offerings include the infamous cookies given out in the clubs, but also a wide array of entrees, breads, and side dishes. This bakery offers the Houston community a way to engage in the work of combating human trafficking via their purchasing power. Behind the scenes of the bakery, you will find a bustling group of volunteers with a strong community of their own: a group filled with purpose and friendship. That theme of connection and wholeness permeates each facet of the ministry, both on the outreach teams and sales sides. 

For centuries food has brought human beings together. Boundless Mercy takes this historic ritual to a people and place cast aside, exploited and abused, filling tummies and hearts with hope and a message of human value.

Will you eat that cookie?    Sara Barnes,  Board Vice-President