Shame is a powerful tool often used by the devil to keep us from experiencing a rich relationship with Christ. Being reminded of our past sinful actions, thoughts, or words, or playing them over in our minds can hinder our growth as Christians. Many of us have shameful memories that we keep close to our hearts, reluctant to share them with even our most trusted friends. The blood of Jesus and the forgiveness of our sins can and should give us complete freedom from our shame. On Good Friday we held a special Stride service to remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We had 6 stations where people were encouraged to think about how God could be a solution to the troubles they were facing in their lives.
One of the most meaningful stations involved a giant bell we have on our front porch which was once on top of an old farm school in Wisconsin. I had asked Airman to anonymously write down shameful things from their past on a notecard and allow me to later pray over their notes in private. Once they had written out their card & placed it in a secure basket, they would ring the giant bell signifying the release of the shameful bondage. The bell acted as a celebration of the new freedom they received in Christ to be fully forgiven. Over a period of about an hour it was such a blessing to hear people ring the bell. At the same time, my heart was burdened by the vulnerability with which these Airmen shared with me the deepest aches of their hearts.
Would you consider doing the following? 1) Write down a shameful memory from your past and ask God to forgive you and heal your heart from that memory. Then go find a bell and ring it! 2) Commit to pray daily for 7 days for Airmen who are carrying heavy burdens of shame from the sin in their past life.
Typical small group discussion during our Stride Friday evening teaching
Every fall and spring we teach Airmen how to do car care on their own vehicles
Justin on a "Dan challenge" Skylar our weekly dessert Queen
Our new Evans family photo spring 2021 (Audrey is 17)
Dan has been quite sick this winter/ spring, after serious meds and steroids, thank God I think the most of it is behind me. Pray for continued strength and recovery and sleep!
Audrey's ambitious college classes during high school and managing life responsibilities yet still being a teen. She also plays H.S. Lacrosse!
Godly Christian friendships/ fellowship with our peers: Audrey's and Ours
Outreach to the lost on Hill AFB when we are still on a limited access due to covid19
Praise God for key discipleship and growing leadership among our airmen!
Andrew's 4pm Baptism today And Colin & Emily's wedding May 22nd: Airmen in our ministry
Stride Ministries is a registered Utah and federal IRS Nonprofit 501c3 Donate to help our military ministry by clicking above or by contacting us below! Our Stride Ministries Administrative office mailing address:
15 Ensuenso West, Irvine, CA 92620-1845
Phone number: 949-777-5490 (Ann) Hill AFB Ministry & Evans address is
1459 N Fort Lane, Layton, Utah 84041
Dan Evans 907-223-4059 Has your email changed? click the update subscription preferences link below.
Typical small group discussion during our Stride Friday evening teaching
Every fall and spring we teach Airmen how to do car care on their own vehicles
