What a joy to be honored with the high privilege of discipling a Freedom House resident! When Liz approached me with the opportunity, I had two immediate thoughts: I am not equipped and I am not sure if I have the time. Am I equipped? That was easily resolved when Liz handed me the Hope for Addiction curriculum with encouraging faith building truths of the Gospel and its importance for everyday life. What a complete joy to watch God work His miracle of new birth in Deidra’s life. Over the course of 12 weeks, I watched God give new spiritual birth to my sister in Christ. Her spiritual eyes opened before my own eyes. Her desire to lovingly obey, sincerely repent and walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel grew each time we met. I found myself crying for joy during and after many of our meetings. In many ways Deidra inspires me.
Do I have time? I now look back at this question and laugh! When we bless others, we are always blessed 1,000% more. The opportunity to serve is one of the great blessings of membership in the Church. (Acts 20:35). God provided the time to study His Word, prepare for meetings and joyfully share the Gospel. Our weekly planned one-hour meetings now often go over as we both have so much to share, with so little time, how God is working in both our lives. Our weekly meetings are a highlight of my week. The Kingdom has another member, I have a new eternal friend and God has given me a new boldness to share the Gospel with others in all walks of my life. Only God could do this work. Thank you, God for the work you have done in the lives of those at Freedom House!
-Pam Owen