Mercy Ministries Pays Tribute to Friend Donna Summer by Sharing Her Ballad "Take Heart" on Website

Specially Recorded Song Offers Rare Glimpse of the Queen of Disco's Deeply Spiritual Side

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As millions mourn the loss of cultural icon Donna Summer, Nashville-based Mercy Ministries honors her as a friend and supporter by posting to its website a limited-release song, "Take Heart," that she recorded to benefit the ministry over a decade ago. "Take Heart" was originally released in November 2000 as part of "The Mercy Project," a special compilation album featuring Christian songs of hope and encouragement from a dozen top female recording artists, including Summer, Amy Grant, Martina McBride and Point of Grace.

Summer's "Take Heart" has been hailed as one of the album's most touching songs, in part because it features a special vocal chorus consisting of children saved through Mercy Ministries' parenting and adoption programs. "Whether parented by the birthmother or placed for adoption, these children were given a chance at life," states Nancy Alcorn, President and Founder of Mercy Ministries. "Their sweet voices are a wonderful reminder of God's love and faithfulness."

Summer became a friend and supporter of Mercy Ministries after hearing Alcorn speak at Christ Church in Nashville in the '90s. Alcorn remembers her "awesome, generous spirit" and how she frequently used her gospel-trained voice to perform for charitable causes like Mercy. "Donna may have played the 'diva' onstage, but I can tell you she was very loving and grounded. She had a true heart for others."

The soaring chorus of "Take Heart" seems especially poignant now:
"If only we could understand what God only knows
Maybe then it would be easy letting go.
But if the Spirit lives forever and true love never dies
There'll always be a light in your soul…
Always remember to treasure the time….Life passes by."

To hear "Take Heart" in its entirety or to get "The Mercy Project," visit www.MercyMinistries.com/takeheart.

Mercy Ministries is a free-of-charge, voluntary Christian residential program serving young women aged 13-28 who have been physically and sexually abused (including sexually trafficked) and/or are facing life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy. To learn more about Mercy Ministries, visit www.MercyMinistries.com.

SOURCE Mercy Ministries of America