MEN’S DINNER

In the beginning of February we hosted a men’s dinner at our center. About 30 key supporters came together for not just to eat and fellowship; but also to pray and discuss the future possibilities of expanding the Gates of Freedom ministry. There were numerous ideas discussed about how to further cultivate our prison ministry and community outreach.

An initiative arose to branch out into the prevention of human trafficking. We would like to help those that are entrapped in this type bondage and be able to provide a safe way out. Human trafficking sounds like a problem of a third-world country, but in reality the problem is on the rise here in America. In fact the Department Of Justice has identified the top twenty human trafficking jurisdictions in the country, Seattle being one of them. We recognize that this problem is so vast and it cannot be tackled in one, we need a lot of prayer and support in this area. Eventually our ministry would like to be able stand in the gap and branch out to those that are enslaved and not just bring them to earthly freedom – but through the Word of Jesus Christ – lead them to the freedom of their soul.

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” – Mother Teresa

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

 

PRAYER MOUNTAIN

The volunteers of Esther House and everyone in the women’s program had a wonderful opportunity to go to Prayer Mountain. It’s beautiful property located on the Columbian Gorge near Lyle, WA – dedicated by the Waltz family, who by the grace of God built a chapel and a few rooms for people who want to come and seek of the presence of God.    The focus of this trip was to separate us from every day routine and to seek the face of God for three days through prayer and fasting.

We wanted to come to God and lay down our passed sins and burdens at the feet of Jesus. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Also to give thanks, glorify and worship God for everything that He has done in our lives. Psalm 105:1 Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.

Additionally we wanted plea to God for blessings of the future: of the Esther House, Gates of Freedom Ministry, for personal needs, and for increased individual spiritual growth of every soul that went. Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Even though for some, this was a first time experience, each person had received an answer from God that they have been searching for. God answered people in deferent ways:  through prayer, through the reading of the Word, to some even by the hike up the mountain and the wonder of the Lord’s beauty that it contained, and throughout the three days there was a prophetic word that was spoken to every single individual that went.

This was an amazing experience that we will never forget and also a practice that we would like to continue in our lives.

 

Esther House Fundraising

Over the past months Gates of Freedom has had many opportunities to reach out to the community of Slavic churches and share about the new Esther House project.

While visiting churches brothers have a chance to share testimonies of how through the Gates of Freedom Recovery Center – God has helped them to restore their lives; with the message of Jesus Christ being the only source of healing and strength that one might receive. Many of these churches have contributed greatly to the funding of the men’s recovery center and are now reaping the fruits of their labor. The graduated students are moving onto becoming positive influences in churches and local communities, bringing the light of Jesus to those around them.

There is still hope for many more men and women who have fallen into addiction. Through the mighty power of the Lord’s saving grace we believe that countless more will be able to receive freedom through this ministry and go on to serve the Lord in ways that we cannot imagine.

We thank everyone that has been supporting the Esther House project. You have already given an opportunity for young women to start receiving the help that they desperately need in order for their destroyed lives to be restored and renewed by Jesus Christ.