Mercy in Action is a faith-based non-profit organization founded by the Penwell family over a quarter century ago dedicated to mercy ministry among the poor around the world. Mercy In Action exists to bring hope and healing to the poorest of the poor, wherever they are found, by serving with practical acts of compassion, as did the Samaritan in the story told by Jesus of what it means to "Love God and love your neighbor". Their focus has been on Maternal and Newborn Health, and Primary Health Care for Children under Five, because these populations are the most vulnerable and most likely to die in the poorer areas of their world. Because of their focus, they are involved in Midwifery education and Primary Health Care training.