October 2010

It’s crazy when love gets a hold of you!

Just a few short months ago, we wrote about our concern regarding balancing the increasing demands of FreshWater with Chris’s full-time job at the school. Last month, God revealed such a major answer to that prayer that our heads are still spinning a little. Chris has started working at First Christian Church in Stilwell as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Families. We were excited to notify all our summer clients that he now has day time appointments available! And we love being ‘back in ministry!’ We feel blessed that God has opened doors for us to minister in so many capacities here in Adair County. We also feel extremely humbled by the generosity of those God has called to love and help FreshWater continue in its ministry goals. We are very excited about the future and what God has in store for our family, for First Christian Church, and for FreshWater.

These changes did lead us to question if it would be necessary to maintain FreshWater separate from what Chris does as a Pastor. This past month has shown that answer to be “yes!” People who know of our ministry are referring us to their friends. They call us, in large part, because we are free. They know they need help, and that they can no longer do life on their own. This past month, we’ve continued to add unchurched clients to our schedule. They call FreshWater because we are an organization whose focus is to provide free counseling. That is what we do. We are not a church, so there is no need to be a member or part of a congregation (most churches do not help only ‘their own’, but that is sometimes the perception.) With FreshWater, financial barriers are removed, churched/unchurched barriers are removed, and people are free to get help. We are excited and privileged to work in the Spirit of Christ to help heal hearts and lives around us. We, and our clients, cannot thank our faithful supporters enough! We are making a bigger difference than you’ll ever know, and it’s all because God’s love has a hold on you and us.

It’s crazy things that love will make you do.

Because of God’s crazy love for us, I know that our ministry focus (how we do this), doesn’t make sense to some. In fact, it’s so crazy to some that they won’t even give a small amount because they believe we are enabling some form of laziness. We’ve heard comments, such as, “It will never work, people don’t want free counseling. When things are free people don’t appreciate it. You will get taken advantage of.” Well, I’ve learned from God’s love, that His counseling is free. He gave it to us without a sense of return. He knew we would and could take advantage of it and even misuse it, but that didn’t stop Him. He knew the sacrifice He was making held within it a built in full proof system of “checks and balances”. It cost Him dearly, yet it paid Him in full, not that He (God) needed paid, but that it was just the way it was going to work. Christ sacrifice satisfied God’s need to bring us back to Him and allowed us to take advantage of the free grace built into that sacrifice. You may say, “Did God have a need?” In a positive way, I believe God’s need was for us to understand His love. Isn’t this the most important attribute of God, that He gets our attention with His love? When you can see this deep truth and bring it fully into your life, I promise you may go a wee bit crazy...but this craziness comes from perfect love. Find this love, and you may need to call Freshwater for a session for more. :)

FreshWater Ministries, Inc.

Rt. 6 Box 1095

Stilwell OK 74960

918-696-3793

A 501c3 non-profit, tax-deductible organization

www.freshwaterministries.us

September news

September 13, 2010

Dear friends of Freshwater,

Some exciting things have developed in the past 6 weeks. It has been our dream since the beginning of FreshWater for a church to see the vision of what we do, embrace it, and allow us to serve within their body. On September 12, the First Christian Church of Stilwell voted to allow us to do exactly that. I will serve as an Associate Pastor for Families and Youth and will continue the ministry of FreshWater within the church and community. FreshWater will continue as a separate organization raising its own funds.

At times, the purpose of the church and the purpose of FreshWater will cross. Both First Christian (FCC) and FreshWater have a passion for reaching out to the community and helping people. The partnership of FCC and FreshWater will enhance the ability to provide free counseling for those in the community who need it.

My salary will be largely supported by FCC. Future funding for FreshWater will continue to buy the resources our clients need (most of whom are unchurched at this point) and will help pay for the ongoing accounting and administration needs of the ministry. FreshWater will also continue to offer Leadership Retreats, Pre-marital, and Marriage Retreats.

The majority of my day will be devoted to ministry at the church. The beauty of this partnership is the flexibility (and office space!) it will give FreshWater in meeting with clients. As we shared in our last newsletter, since school has begun we have had to be creative in scheduling our clients, because day appointments have been unavailable. Working at the church will allow me to have day appointments when needed.

I am excited about this new adventure. I feel privileged to partner with FCC in meeting the needs of the youth and families within the church and with helping the leadership grow. We are humbled that God has allowed a way for us to continue our passion for FreshWater and to serve with a body meeting many needs within this community. We appreciate your continued prayers and support.

Serving with you,

Chris Morton
Executive Director, FreshWater Ministries
a 501c3 non-profit, tax-deductible organization

www.freshwaterministries.us

918-696-3793

Rt. 6 Box 1095, Stilwell OK 74960

August 2010 Update

Stranded

Recently, Rebecca and I made plans to go on a date to Fayetteville, Arkansas. We got a kid-sitter and figured out our shopping and eating plans. Everything was going as planned when all of a sudden, in the parking lot of Lowes, our van decided that it wouldn’t start. I was sure that it was something that I could probably fix, so we popped the hood and began to search. On the surface, I found nothing that I could see was fixable. After checking some fuses and wiggling some wires, those are serious mechanical terms for “I have no idea what I’m doing,” we tried to start it again and although it sounded like it should start, it didn’t. Rebecca and I talked it over a bit and determined that the problem was something internal, something that we couldn’t see or fix and that someone with the ability to identify and find the problem would have to work on it. But who would come to the Lowes parking lot to check it out for us? Then the harsh reality sank in—we were stranded. Dollar signs began to pop in my mind with big negative signs beside them. We quickly began to think of someone we could call that may be able to help us. Fortunately, we called a friend who suggested another friend that could help. After an hour of waiting we met him to load the dead van on a trailer. Just before we did that, the friend helping us said, “Let’s try to start it again so I can hear what its doing.” And guess what, it started! After the embarrassment wore off and proclaiming that the van was healed and our prayers were answered, we parted ways with a backup plan just in case we broke down again. I think you can see where I might possibly be going with this in light of our ministry focus.

Some challenges in life are out of our control and can’t be fully planned for. Sometimes these challenges, even though we may try our best to fix them, leave us with the illusion that we are doing fine, or at least getting by, when really we aren’t. The unresolved emotions and feelings, left alone and not properly cared for, leave us feeling stranded, especially if we have no one to call and talk to. Some of the issues we face are unseen and are deeply rooted in our thinking, actually in our belief system. We get stranded in life due to unhealthy choices based on toxic thinking that comes from the past. Some of our issues are from uncontrolled circumstances and others point directly to our unhealthy choices. This toxic belief system gives us a distorted view of ourselves, our world, others and God. If not confronted with truth, continued toxic thinking leads us to a negative cycle of unhealthy life choices. Once we finally realize it, it appears to be too late, but I’m here to say that it’s never too late. Over time the real issues that have become hidden can be found, identified and changed into tools for finding peace for our future. In other words we are only as stranded as we want to be. It’s okay to let someone look inside to see if they can address what we can’t see on the surface. FreshWater exists to help people find the truth that God intended them to believe. We also exist as a backup plan for when something deep inside causes us to believe that we are stranded.

Fall is upon us…

Though the dog days of summer continue, school is starting back up. For us, this means a drastic change of pace from what we’ve had this Summer. Chris has had most of the Summer off from his job at Maryetta Schools. During this time, his time available to FreshWater has really increased. We’ve doubled our clientele over the summer! We have been thrilled to have the time to help so many people. This week, though, as the realization that Chris goes back to work next week sinks in, we realize that the number of clients we currently work with will need to be scaled back or creatively juggled. We love helping people see themselves as God sees them. It is our passion! We continue to ask for your prayers. Prayer that God will devise a way for us to fulfill completely our passion for helping people. Prayer that our donor base will increase so that we can have more time to devote to the ministry of FreshWater. If 10 more people would partner at $50 a month, FreshWater would have enough to support a part-time salary! Every gift makes a difference, no matter the size! Please consider partnering with us.

Summer 2010

Helping our clients develop a healthy view of themselves is the primary mission of our ministry. Unfortunately, all kinds of negative life circumstances subtly deteriorate healthy ways we think about God, about our being and about others. Once our identity sinks to a low, everything from there on out is affected. So what is the answer to this predicament? I believe it’s in finding something greater than ourselves to believe in that can begin to transform our daily thinking. The “greater something” is the truth that comes from God and His Word displayed in the life of Christ through the His Spirit connecting with our spirit. When we find new truth for our spirit, and train ourselves in that truth, we will then slow our frequency of ‘lows’ in our life, slowing then begins the process of freedom. The scriptures below are just a sneak peek of what is true about you and every other person who finds this truth.

BECAUSE CHRIST IS IN ME:

I AM ACCEPTED
John 1:12 – I am God’s child.
John 15:15 – I am Christ’s friend.
Romans 5:1 – I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 – I am united with the Lord. I am one spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – I have been bought with a price. I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 – I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:1 – I am a saint.
Ephesians 1:5 – I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 2:18 – I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:14 – I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:10 – I am complete in Christ.

I AM SECURE
Romans 8:1-2 – I am free forever from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 – I am assured that all things work together for good.
Romans 8:31-33 – I am free from any condemning charges against me.
Romans 8:35, 37 – I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 – I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:3 – I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 – I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 3:20 – I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 – I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 – I can find grace and mercy in my time of need.
1 John 5:18 – I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I AM SIGNIFICANT
Matthew 5:13-14 – I am the salt and the light of the Earth.
John 15:1, 5 – I am a branch of the true vine and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 – I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 – I am a personal witness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16 – I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 – I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Corinthians 6:1, 1 Corinthians 3:9 – I am God’s co-worker.
Ephesians 2:6 – I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 – I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 – I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Taken from The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson

Additional scriptures to study:

Titus 1:2
Numbers 23:19, 20
Zephaniah 3:17
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Galatians 5:1
Psalm 139:17
Galatians 1:10
1 Corinthians 12:10-18
2 Timothy 2:13
2 Samuel 7:28
Hebrews 13:3-6
2 Corinthians 6:1-2

July marks the beginning of our 3rd fiscal year! We have been blessed beyond measure during our journey! From this time one year ago, our donations have doubled! Our client base has steadily increased as well! God is using FreshWater in many ways! We’ve had opportunities to do marriage and pre-marriage counseling, individual counseling, and family counseling. Because of the generosity of our donors, our clients receive free resources to aid them in their healing. Most of our clients have received our services for free. Some would not have received the help they desperately needed had we ‘required’ a fee. We do have a few clients that are able to give back to our ministry as well. We’ve also started a small group of mostly young adults and are currently studying The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith. Chris is also teaching a Sunday School class at Prairie Grove Christian Church in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Word of mouth continues to be a powerful communication method for us. Please let others know of our services and consider partnering financially with FreshWater. The generosity of our monthly donors play a critical part of what we are able to accomplish.

May 2010

Strawberry Festival 2010 was great!


A testimony from one of our clients:


I don't know where I was before I was introduced to FreshWater. I don't really know who I was, etiher. On the outside, I was okay. I smiled, always seemed positive, and had a go lucky attitude. But on the inside, I was dead. I wasn't the person I use to know.

I don't really know what happened to bring about this change, and truthfully, at the time, I didn't care. I just wanted to feel like me again. I kept hoping someone would notice, understand, and give me some hope.

With time, FreshWater taught me that the feeling of significance can only come from God. And we cannot allow worldly things or people's opinions to affect how we feel about ourselves. Finding confidence in God helped me find confidence in myself, which was exactly what I needed. I don't have to please people or be perfect for God or others to love me! That was a big step for me to understand!

FreshWater is a true light in this dark world. I don't know where I would be without their help. They accept anyone, regardless of background and financial situations. I do not know of another counseling service that is free if need be. I was nervous to start sessions with them, but I immediately was comfortable and felt at home. It saved my life, and brought me back to...me.

April 2010

FreshWater Ministries is about helping people change. Change doesn’t come easy. Consider this quote from a new book “The Good and Beautiful God” by James Bryan Smith. “I have come to believe that the problem is not that we do not want to change, nor is the problem that we are not trying to change. The problem is that we are not training. We have never been taught a reliable pattern of transformation.”

The clients we work with are taught how to change their thinking. First, they need to be taught to identify the false, negative thoughts that have crept into their everyday thinking. Second, replace those negative thoughts with true positive thoughts, and third train themselves to remember and listen to the truth God has given them. Inner personal conflicts come from life's challenges such as poverty. We do not claim to be experts on this topic nor do we wish to sit in the seat of judgment on those who 'have' and those 'who have not'. In most communities, there are clear social lines drawn between those ‘who have,’ and those ‘who have not.’
Stilwell is no different. Poverty has left its mark on our community and each individual that struggles in it. But, does it make a person any less important or valuable? The answer is no, and our responsibility as citizens of our community and citizens of the greater Kingdom of God is to learn and teach God's value system. This is the core of our ministry.

Because of the high poverty rate (23% live below the poverty line,) seeking help for life issues is impossible for most of the families in our community. Most of the people we minister to simply cannot afford to pay anything! Yet, they need help. And in our current economy, raising the necessary funds to support FreshWater is difficult. To those who ‘have’ please consider the powerful difference you can make when you share financially in this mission. We desire a constant ability to get resources into the hands of the people we serve and helping them change their lives to change a generation.

Just this past month, we were talking with a college-aged young man. He expressed frustration that many of his friends seem content to live off of welfare. This young man wants better than that. He wants to provide a good home for his future family. But he needs help, direction, and encouragement to move toward those goals. He’s swimming upstream against a culture that says it’s easier to maintain than to do something different.

We tell all of our clients, that once they seek help from FreshWater, that they are a part of our family. We operate, in many ways, more like Life Coaches, or mentors than a traditional ‘counselor.’ All of our pre-marital clients have returned to our home, after their marriage, to share their struggles, dreams, and goals with us . We love this part of what we do!

This summer, we will be starting a Young Adult Group at our home. The goal of our time together will be to help young adults in our community as they journey through one of the toughest stages of development… “Who am I? and What am I going to do with my life?” and “Does it even matter what I do?” We are excited about investing our life into these young people and helping them discover the uniqueness that God has placed inside of each of them. Thank you for praying for us and supporting this mission.

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Our goal, by the end of summer, is for FreshWater to begin paying Chris on a consistent part-time basis. When this happens, Chris will be available for up to 5 more sessions a week, 20 more per month, for a total of 32 a month.

Currently, we are available to provide 3 sessions week. As of right now, we have clients in all 3 of those sessions. Without your help, we lose opportunities to minister to individuals due to the current schedule constraints and lack of flexibility. If someone calls today needing help, they will be put on a waiting list because there are no appointments available at this time. We hope to see that change in the future.

Fee assistance is always needed for our clients. In fact, if full payment were ‘required,’ we would lose opportunities to empower people with the confidence that God wants to give them. All of our clients are aware that FreshWater is supported by donors, and they are asked to also support as they are able. Some have been able to, some have not.

Please consider making a monthly financial commitment to FreshWater. No gift is too small and every gift makes a difference.

February 2010 Update

2010 Off to a Great Start!
Our client base and interest in the services FreshWater provides is steadily growing. We now have counseling or spiritual direction appointments, on average, 3-4 nights a week! It keeps us busy, but energized as well. There is a big need for what FreshWater provides in our community—helping people find significance and confidence in their lives! And we are grateful for those who continue to give so that FreshWater has the resources to continue this
important ministry!

February Calendar
Chris preached at Cherry Baptist Church on February 14th during their Valentines Banquet, sharing the vision of God’s love for the world.
Chris will be preaching in Fairfax, Oklahoma on February 21. He will also have an opportunity to share the vision of FreshWater with that congregation as well as offer encouragement and insights on how to care for their church, community and world.
On February 22, Chris will be in Joplin, MO at Ozark Christian College attending a seminar to be certified to administer the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis test. We are excited about adding this tool to the unique offerings of FreshWater.
Chris also continues to assist the youth group at First Christian Church, Stilwell with their worship on Wednesday nights.

Grant Updates
Obtaining grants during a sluggish economy has proven difficult, as we were told it would be. We continue to put out applications. So far, we have not been selected for funding. We hope to see that change soon!

Office Space
Pray with us about the need for a consistent place to meet that offers confidentiality, spiritual renewal and rest. Our ideal meeting place would best be described as an oasis. A little building in the country would be great. If anyone has any ideas that fit this description please send us an email at cmorton@freshwaterministries.us.

Evening counseling appointments are available in the Northeast Oklahoma area. 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

Thank you for your support of FreshWater!