Written Dec 29th, 2009
It's been a year now since our move from Wichita to Stilwell, Oklahoma. Our ministry has serviced close to 50 people. We have prayed with and helped several pastors, couples and families going through divorce, students who are placed in the care of the state courts, and transitional high school and college students. Some of the most common factors we deal with in our sessions are fear of the future, shame based on past mistakes, guilt for not being able to change and feeling trapped due to family, community and church induced wounds. Hopelessness is the word that frames it all up. Most folks we see have hit a huge road block they can't seem to overcome. The lie, "measuring performance based on others opinions" is usually the root cause of the road blocks. If we aren't measuring up to someone’s expectations, then we must not be worth much. That's the lie we expose in each session. Our worth is not based on our performance and/or other people's opinions. God came in Jesus to save us from ourselves. He knew we would struggle in our thought processes and struggle to find significance from only Him. It's been this way since the great deception that took place in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve believed they needed more out of their situation than what God had already given them. So, they measured themselves by their own deceived thoughts and sought after something they already had, God’s full acceptance. So God, in His infinite wisdom, purposely planned to undo the whole human predicament brought on by that deception. Even at the very first of human creation, God deemed us His creation, worthy to be made even in His image and likeness. He also made us acceptable by solving our predicament through the sacrifice of Himself in Christ. No other essence of power as creator has ever gone this far in proving our value and worth. Lack of value and worth are the root cause of our depression and loser mentality. They cause us to medicate ourselves on the false perception that we’re doing okay, yet all the addictive behaviors we use to medicate ourselves fall way short of fulfilling our deepest need – “To be made worthy.” Christ sacrifice proves we have not only been made worthy to be saved, but also proves we are worthy of His acceptance. Therefore, we are now able to begin to trust this great truth. God made us worthy of acceptance in and through Christ and now we can begin to accept ourselves. Our worth is also proved by God allowing His essence (Spirit) to live in us. Would God allow His Spirit to dwell in something worthless? I doubt it. The word worthless most likely doesn’t exist in God’s mind. Therefore, God makes us acceptable and worthy all in the one act of sacrifice and the indwelling of Himself in us. If the previous statement is true and believable, then I’m pressed to ask this question, will God ever reject His essence in those who have trusted this truth?
Romans 8:1-17
Life Through the Spirit
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, 14 because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Nov./Dec. Newsletter
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40
A Season to be thankful!
This past year, we have learned from people we’ve met that this ministry is needed for many different situations and people here in Adair County.
We are here for the mother of three kids who lost their father in a car accident.
We are here for the two little 7 year old girls of that family that are starving themselves so that they can die and go be with their daddy.
We are here for a 7 year old boy of another family that doesn’t know the father he’s had growing up isn’t his real father.
We are here for that mother who has to decide when to tell him.
We are here for the social worker and the victims of abuse who work together for answers day in and day out.
We are here for the Pastors that are overwhelmed by the many needs around them and that need help.
We are here to help people heal from wounds from, their family, church and community.
Adair County has a population of approximately 22,000 people. There are only a few counseling agencies within Adair County.
Our services meet a critical need for affordable counseling services. Adair County has a high poverty rate. ($21,835 average annual income for Adair County, $34,997 average for Oklahoma, $38,615 average nationally)
Adair County is one of the highest counties in Oklahoma for the number of protective orders filed due to domestic violence. Within our county, many statistics show that there is a need for families and individuals to have affordable counseling options. We offer marriage counseling as well as individual counseling for both a husband and wife who find themselves stuck in a pattern of abuse or abusing.
67% of people of 25 years of age do not have a high school diploma. Many of our young people are not finishing high school. We want to offer workshops to area junior high and high schools working to help students answer the question, “Why Try?”
We are called to help these families in our community. Thank you for supporting this ministry. We cannot stress enough how donations big or small, can be multiplied to do great things. Thank you for choosing to be a part of the great things that are happening in Adair County.
Your donations are not taken for granted.
When we receive a contribution, a few of things happen in our minds and hearts:
We are grateful for whom God calls to share their blessings with us.
We are amazed at His timing. Every gift, big or small, has been received at the perfect time,
allowing us to purchase books, mail our newsletter, host a retreat, apply for our 501c3 status, and continue using our time for counseling sessions.
We feel motivated to keep helping people find significance and confidence for their lives.
Thank you!
Spiritual direction and formation sessions are also available.
Call 918-507-3150 to schedule an appointment.
Make a tax-deductible contribution today to: FreshWater Ministries, Inc.
Rt.6 Box 1095, Stilwell OK 74960
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Pastor Appreciation Month
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. If you are finding this website for the first time after seeing our video, then we want to thank you for checking out our website.
FreshWater exists to help people find significance and confidence in their lives. One of the original goals of FreshWater was to be a source of encouragement to Pastors and churches. The executive director of FreshWater, Chris Morton, served as a Pastor for over 10 years before leaving the ministry in 2008 to help care for his father and help him as he battles cancer. Though not currently in a located ministry, Chris continues to serve the community where he currently lives as he continues to help his dad. FreshWater provides free counseling to those who need it and assists the local churches and pastors through counseling assistance, worship leading, or supply preaching.
Thank you, again, for visiting our website. If you have any questions about the ministry, please contact us.
FreshWater exists to help people find significance and confidence in their lives. One of the original goals of FreshWater was to be a source of encouragement to Pastors and churches. The executive director of FreshWater, Chris Morton, served as a Pastor for over 10 years before leaving the ministry in 2008 to help care for his father and help him as he battles cancer. Though not currently in a located ministry, Chris continues to serve the community where he currently lives as he continues to help his dad. FreshWater provides free counseling to those who need it and assists the local churches and pastors through counseling assistance, worship leading, or supply preaching.
Thank you, again, for visiting our website. If you have any questions about the ministry, please contact us.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Sept. 2009
Stories from the Well
Recently, a mom contacted us with concern about her child who had just graduated from high school. The son was experiencing anxiety attacks of such magnitude that they were interrupting his sleep and preventing him from leaving the house for anything other than school or work. After 3 weeks of intense, focused sessions, he is now attending college, away from home, living in the dorms. On a recent visit he reported that the anxieties and fears he had been experiencing, though still present at times, are nothing of the magnitude they had been before his sessions. He continues to reread chapters in the book we gave him, The Search for Significance, and continues to grow in knowledge. He also has referred two clients to FreshWater.
FreshWater hosted it’s first Marriage retreat weekend in August. Prior to arriving in Stilwell, the couple had taken the Prepare-Enrich assessments. During their weekend here, we reviewed their assessment with them. We studied the strengths already present in their marriage relationship and discussed growth areas. The feedback from the couple has been great! They are applying many of the principles discussed. In their words, “It has really helped us!”
When God considers you, does He deceive Himself in some way or does He know who you truly are?
If He knows who we truly are, then why do we preface His understanding of us with phrases such as “in God’s eyes we are righteous” or “forgiven” or “loved” or “pleasing” and so on? Are we trying to say that God is not living in reality? That He is somehow involved in self-deception? Is He just some old grandparent type who wants to overlook the faults of His grandchildren? Either He really knows who you are or He doesn’t. Playing with words this way keeps us from experiencing the reality of who we are. It also dishonors who God is.
The second question is, If you think of yourself differently than God thinks of you, who is mistaken, you or God? How often do we allow our minds to overrule what God says is true? Keep in mind, you were made by and for God. He has placed within you needs that only He can meet. If we try to have these needs met by another person or persons, we will end up frustrated, angry, and unfulfilled.
Excerpt taken from ‘The Search for Significance’, by Robert S. McGee.
This is the primary book used with our clients.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Many employers offer donation matching! This can double the power of your contribution. Please check with you employer to see if they offer matching and consider
contributing to us. Also, if your company makes grants, let us know!
Recently, a mom contacted us with concern about her child who had just graduated from high school. The son was experiencing anxiety attacks of such magnitude that they were interrupting his sleep and preventing him from leaving the house for anything other than school or work. After 3 weeks of intense, focused sessions, he is now attending college, away from home, living in the dorms. On a recent visit he reported that the anxieties and fears he had been experiencing, though still present at times, are nothing of the magnitude they had been before his sessions. He continues to reread chapters in the book we gave him, The Search for Significance, and continues to grow in knowledge. He also has referred two clients to FreshWater.
FreshWater hosted it’s first Marriage retreat weekend in August. Prior to arriving in Stilwell, the couple had taken the Prepare-Enrich assessments. During their weekend here, we reviewed their assessment with them. We studied the strengths already present in their marriage relationship and discussed growth areas. The feedback from the couple has been great! They are applying many of the principles discussed. In their words, “It has really helped us!”
When God considers you, does He deceive Himself in some way or does He know who you truly are?
If He knows who we truly are, then why do we preface His understanding of us with phrases such as “in God’s eyes we are righteous” or “forgiven” or “loved” or “pleasing” and so on? Are we trying to say that God is not living in reality? That He is somehow involved in self-deception? Is He just some old grandparent type who wants to overlook the faults of His grandchildren? Either He really knows who you are or He doesn’t. Playing with words this way keeps us from experiencing the reality of who we are. It also dishonors who God is.
The second question is, If you think of yourself differently than God thinks of you, who is mistaken, you or God? How often do we allow our minds to overrule what God says is true? Keep in mind, you were made by and for God. He has placed within you needs that only He can meet. If we try to have these needs met by another person or persons, we will end up frustrated, angry, and unfulfilled.
Excerpt taken from ‘The Search for Significance’, by Robert S. McGee.
This is the primary book used with our clients.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Many employers offer donation matching! This can double the power of your contribution. Please check with you employer to see if they offer matching and consider
contributing to us. Also, if your company makes grants, let us know!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Summer 2009 Update
We have a new mailing address! Rt. 6 Box 1095, Stilwell OK 74960
First, a Family Update
Freddie’s battle with cancer continues to be strong. While not cancer free, he does not need chemo for what will be 4 months! Thank you for your prayers for him!
Chris now has a full-time job working for Maryetta Schools. This will greatly free up the budget for FreshWater as more of the money received can go toward programs and materials. He will still be meeting with clients in the evenings and on the weekends. Many of our contacts for FreshWater has come through his job in the community and we are thankful for how God has provided.
A Story from the Well
God has allowed us to serve 15-20 people a month helping us help them find significance and confidence in their lives! These services would typically cost an individual hundreds of dollars per month. It is often painful for an individual to seek help and many times, money is the final reason they never do. We are seeing that when the money is not an obstacle and/or costs are minimal, individuals are more open to seeking help, to looking into their pain and finding healing. We are also finding that most people are very courteous when it comes to our services. As they begin to experience healing, they begin to ask us ‘what they can do to help us financially.’ We ask them to share the same truths with others about God’s love and refer anyone who may need help. We also show them a suggested donation scale, but always stress that our services do not have a ‘fee.’ We stress that finances should not be an obstacle to finding healing.
In addition to our counseling/spiritual direction services, we also have given resources to many of our clients. We will do this more as the ministry grows. Chris is also available to preach and lead worship for churches as the need arises.
During August…
· Rebecca will be attending a Grant Seeking class in Fayetteville, AR. In this class, she will learn about the grant process in depth and will be prepared to begin seeking grants. Obtaining grant funds can be an excellent way to diversify fundraising income for FreshWater. However, successfully winning grants takes unique skills. During this intensive, hands on, six-week class, Rebecca will learn the grant proposal process from beginning to end and leave with a grant proposal ready to be submitted on behalf of FreshWater.
· We will be hosting our first Marriage Enrichment Weekend with a young couple that went through pre-marital counseling with us. We are excited to follow up with them after their first year of marriage and give them more tools to build a healthy marriage.
· Our client schedule has really picked up! We are excited to have so many opportunities to help people.
· A prayer team...we would like to formulate an email list of people who will pray for our clients. Of course, names will not be given and in some cases the exact situation may even be ‘disguised.’ If you would like to be a part of an email prayer team, send us your email at rebecca.morton@freshwaterministries.us.
Our donors are making all this possible! Thank you!
New for donors! (Ideas from other donors!)
· Upon request, we can give pre-printed (addressed) envelopes for your convenience.
· Another way to make donations is through your bank account online. Recurring payments can be scheduled, similar to automatic draft, except you initiate and control it. Your bank cuts and mails the check directly to us.
· Also, remember we accept online payments through Paypal.
· And, of course, we still accept a good ol’ fashioned check in the mail!
Check out our website for more details! www.freshwaterministries.us
For those who have email, we would love to email updates and newsletter via email to as many as possible.
If you have an email address, please send it to us at Rebecca.morton@freshwaterministries.us
Serving with you,Chris and Rebecca Morton
First, a Family Update
Freddie’s battle with cancer continues to be strong. While not cancer free, he does not need chemo for what will be 4 months! Thank you for your prayers for him!
Chris now has a full-time job working for Maryetta Schools. This will greatly free up the budget for FreshWater as more of the money received can go toward programs and materials. He will still be meeting with clients in the evenings and on the weekends. Many of our contacts for FreshWater has come through his job in the community and we are thankful for how God has provided.
A Story from the Well
God has allowed us to serve 15-20 people a month helping us help them find significance and confidence in their lives! These services would typically cost an individual hundreds of dollars per month. It is often painful for an individual to seek help and many times, money is the final reason they never do. We are seeing that when the money is not an obstacle and/or costs are minimal, individuals are more open to seeking help, to looking into their pain and finding healing. We are also finding that most people are very courteous when it comes to our services. As they begin to experience healing, they begin to ask us ‘what they can do to help us financially.’ We ask them to share the same truths with others about God’s love and refer anyone who may need help. We also show them a suggested donation scale, but always stress that our services do not have a ‘fee.’ We stress that finances should not be an obstacle to finding healing.
In addition to our counseling/spiritual direction services, we also have given resources to many of our clients. We will do this more as the ministry grows. Chris is also available to preach and lead worship for churches as the need arises.
During August…
· Rebecca will be attending a Grant Seeking class in Fayetteville, AR. In this class, she will learn about the grant process in depth and will be prepared to begin seeking grants. Obtaining grant funds can be an excellent way to diversify fundraising income for FreshWater. However, successfully winning grants takes unique skills. During this intensive, hands on, six-week class, Rebecca will learn the grant proposal process from beginning to end and leave with a grant proposal ready to be submitted on behalf of FreshWater.
· We will be hosting our first Marriage Enrichment Weekend with a young couple that went through pre-marital counseling with us. We are excited to follow up with them after their first year of marriage and give them more tools to build a healthy marriage.
· Our client schedule has really picked up! We are excited to have so many opportunities to help people.
· A prayer team...we would like to formulate an email list of people who will pray for our clients. Of course, names will not be given and in some cases the exact situation may even be ‘disguised.’ If you would like to be a part of an email prayer team, send us your email at rebecca.morton@freshwaterministries.us.
Our donors are making all this possible! Thank you!
New for donors! (Ideas from other donors!)
· Upon request, we can give pre-printed (addressed) envelopes for your convenience.
· Another way to make donations is through your bank account online. Recurring payments can be scheduled, similar to automatic draft, except you initiate and control it. Your bank cuts and mails the check directly to us.
· Also, remember we accept online payments through Paypal.
· And, of course, we still accept a good ol’ fashioned check in the mail!
Check out our website for more details! www.freshwaterministries.us
For those who have email, we would love to email updates and newsletter via email to as many as possible.
If you have an email address, please send it to us at Rebecca.morton@freshwaterministries.us
Serving with you,Chris and Rebecca Morton
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 2009 Newsletter
I made You promises a thousand times—I tried to hear from Heaven—But I talked the whole time—I think I made You too small—I never feared You at all No—If You touched my face would I know You? -
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?What do I know of You—Who spoke me into motion? - Where have I even stood—But the shore along Your ocean?Are You fire? Are You fury? - Are You sacred? Are You beautiful? - What do I know? What do I know of Holy?What do I know of Holy? - What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame? And a God who gave life "its" name? - What do I know of Holy? Of the One who the angels praise? - All creation knows Your nameOn earth and heaven above—What do I know of this love?What do I know of Holy? What do I know of Holy?
By Addison Road
The partial lyrics to the song “What do I know of Holy?” capture the longing and desire of many people when they consider their relationship with God.
The mission of FreshWater is to help people find significance and confidence in their lives. We do this by using the principles of Spiritual Direction and Formation. One of our goals is to take people from the “what do I know of holy?” place, to a place of “confidence.”
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb. 4:14-16
The principle in the above passage is that because of Christ death, the obstacles to approaching God were removed. Not only that, he chose to have his Spirit live in us. No longer do Christians have to make a journey to the temple to ask a priest to approach God for them. All our sins are forgiven...forever.
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Heb. 10:19-22
Spiritual Direction teaches people how to ‘draw near to God.’ Spiritual direction sessions allow people to experience his grace and holiness in new ways. It directs people to know what to do with their quiet time besides letting their minds ‘talk the whole time.’
Through these principles people find deeper understanding to the question, ‘what do I know of holy?’ They find healing from their shame. They find release from their guilt. They find that the holiness of God gives them power to live in confidence. This is the heartbeat of FreshWater. All people need to be free in Christ and to know that they can ‘approach the throne of grace with confidence.’
About our neighborhood (Adair County, Oklahoma)
In 2007, Adair Co. had a per capita personal income of $21,835. The state average is $34,997, and the national average is $38,615.
Adair County population is 43% Native American.
67% of residents over the age of 25 in Adair County have their High School Diploma. (Compared to 81% average in the state of Oklahoma)
25% of Adair County residents live below the poverty level. (Compared to 16% in the state of Oklahoma)
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?What do I know of You—Who spoke me into motion? - Where have I even stood—But the shore along Your ocean?Are You fire? Are You fury? - Are You sacred? Are You beautiful? - What do I know? What do I know of Holy?What do I know of Holy? - What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame? And a God who gave life "its" name? - What do I know of Holy? Of the One who the angels praise? - All creation knows Your nameOn earth and heaven above—What do I know of this love?What do I know of Holy? What do I know of Holy?
By Addison Road
The partial lyrics to the song “What do I know of Holy?” capture the longing and desire of many people when they consider their relationship with God.
The mission of FreshWater is to help people find significance and confidence in their lives. We do this by using the principles of Spiritual Direction and Formation. One of our goals is to take people from the “what do I know of holy?” place, to a place of “confidence.”
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Heb. 4:14-16
The principle in the above passage is that because of Christ death, the obstacles to approaching God were removed. Not only that, he chose to have his Spirit live in us. No longer do Christians have to make a journey to the temple to ask a priest to approach God for them. All our sins are forgiven...forever.
19Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Heb. 10:19-22
Spiritual Direction teaches people how to ‘draw near to God.’ Spiritual direction sessions allow people to experience his grace and holiness in new ways. It directs people to know what to do with their quiet time besides letting their minds ‘talk the whole time.’
Through these principles people find deeper understanding to the question, ‘what do I know of holy?’ They find healing from their shame. They find release from their guilt. They find that the holiness of God gives them power to live in confidence. This is the heartbeat of FreshWater. All people need to be free in Christ and to know that they can ‘approach the throne of grace with confidence.’
About our neighborhood (Adair County, Oklahoma)
In 2007, Adair Co. had a per capita personal income of $21,835. The state average is $34,997, and the national average is $38,615.
Adair County population is 43% Native American.
67% of residents over the age of 25 in Adair County have their High School Diploma. (Compared to 81% average in the state of Oklahoma)
25% of Adair County residents live below the poverty level. (Compared to 16% in the state of Oklahoma)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
From our May 2009 Newsletter
A Story from the Well
Ministry happens everywhere, you just have to be aware that the opportunities are right under your nose. In the context of 2 Cor. 5:11-21, God has reconciled the world (all people) to Himself through Christ. We can’t escape this amazing truth. So, what does that mean for the lost and the forgotten? It means that this message of hope is still for them. Verse 16 says, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” We have a deep foundation from where to share this truth with the world and all the reconcilable people Jesus died for. Who is this message for? This week, I learned from people I’ve met recently that this message is for a mother of three kids who lost their father in a car accident. It’s for the two little 7 year old girls of that family that are starving themselves so that they can die and go be with their daddy. It’s for a 7 year old boy of another family that doesn’t know the father he’s had growing up isn’t his real father. It’s for that mother who has to decide when to tell him. It’s for the social worker and the victims of abuse that work together for answers day in and day out. Dear friends, the reconciling message we hold in our hearts is for the normal everyday conversations we have, even from those who cry out for help in the faintest whispers. Listen for the whispers.
Ministry happens everywhere, you just have to be aware that the opportunities are right under your nose. In the context of 2 Cor. 5:11-21, God has reconciled the world (all people) to Himself through Christ. We can’t escape this amazing truth. So, what does that mean for the lost and the forgotten? It means that this message of hope is still for them. Verse 16 says, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” We have a deep foundation from where to share this truth with the world and all the reconcilable people Jesus died for. Who is this message for? This week, I learned from people I’ve met recently that this message is for a mother of three kids who lost their father in a car accident. It’s for the two little 7 year old girls of that family that are starving themselves so that they can die and go be with their daddy. It’s for a 7 year old boy of another family that doesn’t know the father he’s had growing up isn’t his real father. It’s for that mother who has to decide when to tell him. It’s for the social worker and the victims of abuse that work together for answers day in and day out. Dear friends, the reconciling message we hold in our hearts is for the normal everyday conversations we have, even from those who cry out for help in the faintest whispers. Listen for the whispers.
From our March 2009 Newsletter
A Story from the Well
We have seen incredible growth in people’s lives. After being referred to me by the counselor in town, John* and incarcerated drug addict, hit rock bottom. After trying to re-enter life and the work force he found himself no different than before. What happened? Listen to his words.
“I have no way of understanding how to like myself. In prison I learned how to be tough and not care about anyone but myself. This kind of attitude obliviously doesn’t work in the work force or in my family. So I just went back to what I was taught and then I lost my job and now my wife is leaving me. I just drink or drug myself to forget about my pain and inability to do better.”
John and I sat down for three sessions and looked at his past and how life wasn’t taught to him in a proper manner and that now he could make a choice to search for significance and reinvent himself. After the second session, John hit a huge depression low and called me to intervene one evening. His kids and wife were in the car ready to leave, his youngest boy clinging to him saying, “Don’t go away again, Daddy!” What an amazing opportunity for God to work. I simply stated to the terrified boy that I wasn’t taking his Daddy anywhere and that I was here to help him. The little boy sighed in relief and let go of him to go with his mom. I went to the mom and said, “Try to be patient as we work through this, give us 30 minutes and then come back home so we can sit and talk.” Reluctantly with tears, she agreed. That night was the beginning of the healing for their lives. Is everything perfect? No. But, John has committed to working on his life and trying to think better about himself. I also shared with him how God was the only way he could find the proper way to think about himself. We are pleased to report that John is now employed and maintaining better relations with his wife and kids. With the help of others in the community we hope to sustain this family by regular checkups and visits to the home. They are now part of the FreshWater family. Thank you for giving.
*Real names of people we work with will never be revealed.
We have seen incredible growth in people’s lives. After being referred to me by the counselor in town, John* and incarcerated drug addict, hit rock bottom. After trying to re-enter life and the work force he found himself no different than before. What happened? Listen to his words.
“I have no way of understanding how to like myself. In prison I learned how to be tough and not care about anyone but myself. This kind of attitude obliviously doesn’t work in the work force or in my family. So I just went back to what I was taught and then I lost my job and now my wife is leaving me. I just drink or drug myself to forget about my pain and inability to do better.”
John and I sat down for three sessions and looked at his past and how life wasn’t taught to him in a proper manner and that now he could make a choice to search for significance and reinvent himself. After the second session, John hit a huge depression low and called me to intervene one evening. His kids and wife were in the car ready to leave, his youngest boy clinging to him saying, “Don’t go away again, Daddy!” What an amazing opportunity for God to work. I simply stated to the terrified boy that I wasn’t taking his Daddy anywhere and that I was here to help him. The little boy sighed in relief and let go of him to go with his mom. I went to the mom and said, “Try to be patient as we work through this, give us 30 minutes and then come back home so we can sit and talk.” Reluctantly with tears, she agreed. That night was the beginning of the healing for their lives. Is everything perfect? No. But, John has committed to working on his life and trying to think better about himself. I also shared with him how God was the only way he could find the proper way to think about himself. We are pleased to report that John is now employed and maintaining better relations with his wife and kids. With the help of others in the community we hope to sustain this family by regular checkups and visits to the home. They are now part of the FreshWater family. Thank you for giving.
*Real names of people we work with will never be revealed.
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Child Like Faith
Sounds all cute and cuddly, but when you think about it, it's anything but cute a cuddly.
Parent to child - 'Try this. I promise, it's really good (even though it looks totally different than anything you've ever tried before!)"
Parent to child - "Come pet the doggy (with really sharp teeth and sharp claws!)"
Parent to child - "Jump off the diving board (into 6+ feet of water that you could never swim on your own in!)"
Parent to child - "I'm letting go of the bike (even though it's going to shake and wobble a bit!)"
Parent to child - "You'll be fine here (with these people that you've never met before!)"
Child like faith...cute and cuddly, I don't think so.
God to us...All you have is mine anyway...trust me with your stuff.
God to us...Your family, yeah, they're mine, too...trust me with them.
God to us...Your next paycheck - don't worry!
Child like faith calls us to fully and completely trust God with the stuff that looks scary and unreliable. The stuff that we think we need to control. Child like faith gives us the power to do that which may seem totally ridiculous and foreign to those around us. Child like faith gives us the power to pull ourselves away from our carefully prepared budgets and carefully outlined calendars - to give it ALL to a God that loves us so much more than we can fathom.
Child to parent - "Hey, that was good!"
Child to parent - "He's so soft and cute!"
Child to parent - "Let's do it again!"
Child to parent - "I did it!!"
Child to parent - "I missed you, but I did ok."
Us to God - "I really don't 'need' as much stuff as I thought I did."
Us to God - "You really love my family more than me!"
Us to God - "We got a check for what?!"
When we have child like faith, our eyes open even more to the perfect love our Father has for us!
Us to God - "Let's do it again!!"
- Rebecca
Parent to child - 'Try this. I promise, it's really good (even though it looks totally different than anything you've ever tried before!)"
Parent to child - "Come pet the doggy (with really sharp teeth and sharp claws!)"
Parent to child - "Jump off the diving board (into 6+ feet of water that you could never swim on your own in!)"
Parent to child - "I'm letting go of the bike (even though it's going to shake and wobble a bit!)"
Parent to child - "You'll be fine here (with these people that you've never met before!)"
Child like faith...cute and cuddly, I don't think so.
God to us...All you have is mine anyway...trust me with your stuff.
God to us...Your family, yeah, they're mine, too...trust me with them.
God to us...Your next paycheck - don't worry!
Child like faith calls us to fully and completely trust God with the stuff that looks scary and unreliable. The stuff that we think we need to control. Child like faith gives us the power to do that which may seem totally ridiculous and foreign to those around us. Child like faith gives us the power to pull ourselves away from our carefully prepared budgets and carefully outlined calendars - to give it ALL to a God that loves us so much more than we can fathom.
Child to parent - "Hey, that was good!"
Child to parent - "He's so soft and cute!"
Child to parent - "Let's do it again!"
Child to parent - "I did it!!"
Child to parent - "I missed you, but I did ok."
Us to God - "I really don't 'need' as much stuff as I thought I did."
Us to God - "You really love my family more than me!"
Us to God - "We got a check for what?!"
When we have child like faith, our eyes open even more to the perfect love our Father has for us!
Us to God - "Let's do it again!!"
- Rebecca
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