Saturday, July 4, 2020

JULY UPDATE

July is here and there is a lot of focus on the word freedom.  A couple of dictionary.com's definitions of freedom are: the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved. The state of not being subject to or affected by a particular undesirable thing. 

The word redeemed means to be free from what distresses or harms, to change for the better (reform), repair, restore, to atone for, etc. 

Both of these words to me are similar in their meanings when it comes to walking with the ladies in our Redeemed Home program. Every day the chains continue to break from their past lives, change begins, trust develops, faith grows and they start to become who God wants them to become. It's a journey and not an easy one. 

The women in our Redeemed program are learning about true freedom. Freedom from addiction, freedom from so many chains from their pasts that are being broken down...every day. What a blessing from God to walk along side of each of them. I asked a few of our residents to describe to me what freedom means to them. I love seeing their minds ponder and work.  Here are their responses:

"Freedom means to break away from something that has held you captive. 
To be able to move forward with God's purpose for you." - Lauren. 

"Free from addiction...free from the devil controlling my mind. 
No longer a slave to heroine or fentanyl." - Holly

"Never having to look behind me and worry. Just look ahead to Jesus." - Jackie

For me (Karen), freedom comes with a great cost that we often take for granted. I am so thankful to be able to do the work I do, to share a meal, to pray, have Bible study, speak about Jesus with the ladies that God sends to us. You simply cannot do this life without Jesus's sacrifice on the cross, His grace, forgiveness and love. We cannot do this alone. Time and time I am witness to a changed life and watch the ways God is involved. Sometimes He shows off!  It's amazing.  Not all ladies we get choose this life and leave, sometimes even before they allow anything to start or take route. That is heart-breaking. We can't do this for them or want it more for them then they do for themselves. But we can pray. A freedom we are given. 

"Christian freedom does not mean being free to do as we like; it means being free to do as we ought. -William Barclay

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Freedom... 2 immediate thoughts come to mind... being an Army Veteran (Military Police) it ISN'T FREE!  It came at a major cost for the birth of this nation and to help keep us free!  The other is having the Freedom in Christ that also came at a MAJOR cost!  Jesus Christ died for my sins and yours!

A lot has been keeping me busy even though the prisons are not open yet because of Covid-19.  I have however been able to get into the Hamilton County Justice Center and talk to the inmates through the window and phone.  It's been a privilege to share God's love to a couple inmates the last couple weeks.  After I met with Kenny, (whom I've never met before, he was a roommate of the gentleman I met a couple weeks prior and agreed to meet with me) I had a chance to tell him how much God loves him and I'll be here for you when you get out any way I can.  When I left the J/C,as I was walking to my truck a feeling came over me that God was telling me I'm exactly where I need to be!  Such a peaceful/joyful feeling!  Thank you Lord!  

As we were in our staff meeting sharing stories of the week and taking communion, Dwight asked our team for someone to share what taking communion meant to them?  Amanda spoke up. She works & lives as house manager of BLOC's EPOH House, working with teens who have been in trouble most of their lives. Amanda shared how she's been mentoring one of the young women and resident for months and in turn she (Lauren, the 18 year old resident) was excited to share the death, burial and resurrection  story of Jesus with the other girls. Along the way Amanda has been discipled/mentored by Stephanie Young for the past few years.  This is what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus here in Price Hill or anywhere we are.  Fun Fact: EPOH is HOPE spelled backwards 💗. Pouring in to someone's life to help them learn, except and grow in their faith is something we will never take for granted. 

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As we serve together, we are a team. We laugh often as we share our daily stories, we pray together, and cry together. God is funny and our journey getting to where we are today is nothing short of a miracle.  Our 'fix it' guy Dave has not returned since the quarantine and Jim has stepped in somewhat doing odd jobs here and there for many of our ministry spaces including the 2 Redeemed Homes which I'm in charge of.  I laugh when I say "I need help doing...", knowing it's not 'his job', but also knowing he knows fixing a knob, a lock, a grill, picking up a purchase I can't do alone - it's what it takes to keep things going. I'm thankful for Jim's giving serving heart. 

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Our team has been asked to take 1 day a month during our work week off as our 'sabbath'. A day to refocus, spend time with God, to unplug & relax.  Last month we chose to take a day together and traveled for an overnight to Amish country in Holmes County, OH.  It was peaceful, beautiful and restful. Here's a few pictures of our day together there.  We love to hike, spend time in nature and breath in creation. We love what we do, honored to be where we are, but a little r&r is always good. 


Thank you for your continued prayers and support. How can we be praying for you. 

We live in a different world.        

Forgive, give mercy, show the world the love of Christ. 

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WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO YOU? 

Leave your thoughts in the comments. We would love to hear from you! 


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