Heather is the founder and president of Global Hope. A native of Virgina, Heather is a graduate from Baylor University with a degree in Education. In 2001, after her graduation, Heather traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan to work and spread the Gospel. On August 3, 2001, Mercer, along with five other women and two men, was arrested by the Taliban for spreading the Gospel, a capital crime in Afghanistan. After September 11, 2001, she and the others were put on trial. Some were sentenced to death. She was held captive by the Taliban for 105 days until the Northern Alliance Force came to her rescue on November 15, 2001. Through projects that tangibly express the love and hope of Jesus Christ, Global Hope builds bridges for meaningful relationships with the Muslim community. Currently Global Hope is involved in two such projects in the nation of Iraq. Hagar House is the only aftercare program in Iraq for abused women. They are focused on a multi-phase restoration process that includes: counseling, spiritual development, life skills, education and job training, employment and independence. Freedom Center is a community center that includes coffee house and internet cafes, English language school, Leadership Institute and Library, Business and Copy Center, Women’s Training Class, Park and Playground, and Recreational and Sports Facility. The Freedom Center will serve about 500 people a day who will experience the love of Jesus Christ.