Freedom

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:34-36
 
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
 

Freedom.  This is why Jesus came.  He came to set us free from the chains that bound us – from the “sin that so easily entangles” (Heb 12:1).
 

Just a few blocks from where I live rests a home.  This home is filled with men who are working on being set free.  They are not working in their own strength, but they are seeking the strength of the Lord to set them free from their addictions and bad habits.  This recovery home is a part of the ministry of the family of one of my students.
 
This parent offered to show some Faith Academy staff this rehab house in order to share the reason why they are in the Philippines and to thank us for the work we have done to educate their children.  Being at Faith all day doesn’t often allow me the privilege of seeing the ministry of the parents, so this was an honor!  This parent explained how they could not do the full work that they are doing if they didn’t have Faith Academy there to educate their children.
 

While we were touring the rehab house, we heard two testimonies of the men that are there – one in the program and one who graduated from the program and is now a staff member.  It was amazing to hear how God had transformed their lives and how He was using them.  We were told that three or four days a week, the men who are farther in the program will go out and talk to people on the streets about their lives and share with them about Jesus.   There is also a feeding program associated with this ministry where then men are able to help out.  In addition, the men make bamboo speakers and pencil holders to sell.  They learn many life skills while they are recovering from addiction, and they are learning about Jesus in the process.
 
This is why I am in the Philippines.  I am here to assist in the spread of the gospel.  If you heard me speak before I came to the Philippines, you heard me say that I am not a member of the front lines of reaching the world with the gospel, but also that we cannot all be on the front lines, or the job would never be accomplished.  The role where God has placed me is crucial for the spread of the gospel through this family’s ministry and through all the ministries of the parents of my students.  And, many of these kids will grow up to serve the Lord and share the gospel wherever He leads them.
 
Your part in this ministry is just as important as this family’s and mine.  Without you and others like you, we could not be in the Philippines.  All of the staff at Faith Academy have raised support, just like I did, as did most of the parents of my students.  Without you, this school wouldn’t exist, and the gospel would not be spread in the same way. 
 
As I come to the end of my first school year (only five more weeks!), I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your role in this ministry.  Thank you for being a part of the advance of God’s Kingdom.  May He bless you richly.
 
Amanda