A Guest Post by Andrea Reifsnider, Case Manager at Freedom House.

We are constantly reminding our residents that God does not just exist within the walls of Freedom House.  We remind them that He is with them each and every day as they go about their normal tasks of schooling, job searching, work, apartment hunting, etc.  He is a faithful God who they can call on at any time, any where.  We make sure to mention  this upon their exit/graduation from Freedom House, as we know that Satan will bring many obstacles and hindrances their way in an attempt to attack their progress.  We continually pray that God will raise up Guardian Angels, neighbors, and other concerned church families to come alongside our families and pour truth into their lives.  We know that  the enemy will try to attack the families when they leave Freedom House and tempt them with old thought patterns and unhealthy former relationships.

While this is a prayer for our residents, we do not stop there.  We regularly pray that God will grip the heart of every single individual who walks through the doors of Freedom House; be it staff, volunteers, donors, service providers, supporters — anyone and everyone.  We feel that the time at Freedom House, however short, may be the only exposure that an individual will ever have to the love of Christ.  However, we also know that although we say, “good bye” at the door, God will continue to be with them. 

I have personally witnessed the Lord continuing His work outside the walls of Freedom House in the life of one of our volunteers.  About a year ago, some of the staff said a very heartfelt “good bye” to one of our beloved receptionists as she transitioned to a new season in life and was no longer able to continue her volunteer service here.  I had lost contact with her, but we crossed paths a few short weeks ago as she cheerfully served me at a restaurant over 45 minutes away from the Freedom House.  It was a joy to catch up with her and reminisce about her time as a receptionist.  Fast forward to a conversation that I had with a good friend a few days ago, in which he shared about the great spiritual dialogue he has had with one of his co-workers.  He also shared how he was actively pouring into, and had even attended church with this co-worker.  Needless to say, my friend’s co-worker and our beloved volunteer are one in the same!  It is such a blessing and a comfort for me to know that the Lord is so actively pursuing this girl and while Freedom House’s season of ministering to her has ended, He has faithfully continued to water the seeds that we planted through another member of the amazing Body of Christ.  Praise God for His sovereignty and provision!

How is God calling you to action and to serve as His witness today?  Perhaps it is here with us inside of the walls of Freedom House or perhaps you are being called exactly where you are sitting right now…whatever the case, let us unite, follow God, and reach the whole world for Him!

For opportunities to serve here at Freedom House, visit us at www.freedomhouseministries.org and click on the “How Can I Help” tab.

A Guest Post by Tameika Hughes-Foote, Family Support Specialist and Lead House Supervisor at Freedom House.

No matter what your circumstances may be, you can find hope in God. Finding hope, looking for hope, expecting good things to happen is one of the biggest challenges our families face here at Freedom House.  Our families feel as if they have no control over their lives and have nowhere to turn.  Life looks hopeless and hard to our families. But from my perspective, these are called testimonies in the making.

It is in the moments that look the most hopeless, that God shines the most.  It’s a blessing to encourage our families with God’s Word and His promises. It’s rewarding to see them find hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation. It’s an answer to prayer when our families start acknowledging God and the hope that He is giving them in the midst of their circumstances. Proverbs 3:6 states “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path.”  Wow. This is a reminder, to our families and staff alike, that nothing is too big or too hard for God.  Nothing is hopeless in God’s eyes.  It doesn’t matter how many landlords or jobs have turned you down, with God all things are possible.  There is nothing quite like seeing God put the pieces of the puzzle back together for our families.  Life starts to make sense for our families, maybe for the first time ever and we have the awesome privilege of working with God as He births, restores and renews hope in our families.

To find out ways that you can partner with Freedom House to see hope restored, visit us at www.freedomhouseministries.org and click on the “How Can I Help?” tab.