The Freedom Project:Helping Refugees in Africa

PTL, 5 MORE KIDS GET FORVER FAMILIES.

2010-04-04T01:01:00.000-07:00

I wanted to add another blog that I follow and at the same time congratulate two of my friends. The first couple are the parent of 3 biological sons. Recently they saw pictures of their daughter, Hannah Grace. She is a beauty. Hop over to his blog to see her. Their blog is located at http://www.amorrisfamilyjournal.blogspot.com. They are selling t-shirts to travel in the next few weeks to pick up Hannah Grace from Asia. Sometime this year they will be adopting from the same country our ministry is building the sight for the Freedom Center. Legally they cannot share her name or her face until the adoption is final. So for now, I ask you pray for Mom and Dad, Charity and Andy, their three son, Heath, Noah, Elijah, little Hannah grace who will be home soon and E-baby who will be home a little later. Go to their blog and buy a shirt. They are cool and will help two little girls find their way to their forever families. Make sure you take a minute to go see sweet little Hannah' face and but a shirt. It will be so helpful.

I can say much letter about the other family, as they do not have a blog and they are not allowed to day much. I do not my friend and his wife are adopting a sibling set of 3. Great ages and the coolest names. Pray for these families.

The first family will be in my blog roll. Our Family journal is where you can find it.

2010-04-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

BEAUTY IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

I love this kind of weather. The high was 80, the low will be upper 50's. Love it. Often for a week or so when everything begins to bloom and turn green I put my camera in my car and keep it there because you never know when you will find that perfect shot. Today I found it. I think I may be the only one in the world that thinks it is beautiful. It is an old, abandoned, southern, house. In it I saw the beauty of lives lived in that houses, the songs that were once sung, the joy that poured out of every window, the secrets those walls will always keep. This house has a beauty.

When I went to Africa and saw the slums and the

lack of sanitation and the filth on each child's clothing I did not expect to find beauty. But I looked around and I found a school that we would not see as beautiful but I did because it m

eant children were being educated. And I found children who reflected the beauty of their Savior despite the circumstances. I found

beauty where I last thought I would find it. It was Beauty is an unexpected place. This school is not beautiful in its construction but it is SO beautiful because children are being educated there, children with out

hope unless they are educated? Does the Galilee School of Nairobi look a little more beautiful now that you look at it. Beauty in Unexpected places, just like you will see in the children in another photograph below. They were dirty and the smelled and they touched my hair all the time and they sang off tune and they were beautiful, not as the world may see it but as the rest of saved by grace sees it. Beauty in the midst of the hardest life I have seen, or maybe beauty because of it. Maybe it is the beauty that comes with hope, the beauty that comes with expectations of a better tomorrow. Remember soon, we will have a chance to make that expectation come true.

Today's World

2010-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

We are looking at a world in Crisis Haiti was tragic to me, the death toll heart breaking. But did you know far more people have died in the genocide in Sudan, Chad and the Congo? Where is that on the news. PLEASE UNDERSTAND I CARE ABOUT HAITI AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, but my heart is in Africa and where is the media coverage about the lost people of Sudan, the poor, the homeless, the raped, the murdered? We need to tell their story too. Choose to tell their story to someone today.

Passion for Orphans and Widows

2009-11-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

One of the very worst things that came about because of my surgery was not being about to go to Ethiopia with Sara beth Fentress. It is clear from talking to her and people that have met her that she has a real passion for the children of Africa.

I have often said to people who have never been to Africa that you just cannot understand what an amazing place it is. I know we are talking about many nations but about half of them fall into the category of needing help with Orphans, Widows and HIV. I, obviously want to share the blogs of anyone who has fallen in love with Africa. If you have been there and left, you know that you left a part of your heart there. I am OK about that. It just me more incentive (like I needed anymore) to go to Africa.

Sara is selling an awesome shirt and most of the proceeds will go to help widows and orphans in Africa. I have a feeling that one day our ministries will cross and we will be able to do great things for the Lord and for the people of Northern and Eastern Africa especially. I have not only added a picture of the shirt but a photo of Sarah loving on some kids in Africa.

Check out her blog: http://www.sarabethfentress.blogspot.com/ and if you are interested in buying the church for $20.00 plus a couple dollar for shipping, contact me at jarnwine@charter.net and make sure you put the word "SHIRT" in the subject line.

This week

2009-11-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about a couple of things that are going on right now. First, this is the very first blog entry using my new Mac Book Pro. It is very exciting. Until now I have been a faithful PC user and all of the notebooks I have had have been HP. But, I decided to take the leap into the glorious world of Apple and so far, so good.

I also had a great time speaking at two events for the Baptist Women's Day of Prayer. I love talking to people about missions and the people group that I am called to minister to. I love that I got to talk about THE FREEDOM PROJECT and that the women were excited. So many people, many of these women included are unaware of the awful conditions that have plagued Sudan for so long. It is not on the news and if it not something you actively seek to learn more about, you can easily miss it. I fail to understand why it is not on the news every single night. Part of the reason I feel this way is the passion I have for this people group and what is happening to them, but the senseless murder rape of so many is news!!!

The women asked a lot of really good questions. They were touched by the trauma that these women have gone through. They even collected clothing that I will sending to an orphanage in the country we will eventually open The Freedom Center. I just loved talking to these women, answering their questions and knowing people are praying for The Freedom Project.

WHAT A WEEK. . . . and it is only Wednesday.

Missions Education

2009-10-29T02:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had to the chance to talk to more than 700 children about the needs of refugees in Africa. We talked about the Freedom Project and why it was something that we needed. They were so great. The event was JAM, a missions educations event for children. They had so many questions and were amazed at the needs of the people in Africa. Some even told me about the work that their church was doing in Africa. They were great.

Next week for the Baptist Women's Day of Prayer I have the honor of getting to talk to two meetings. We are going to talk about Islam and the things that are going on in that area of the world. These wonderful women are even collecting clothes for me to send to orphans and refugee children that are in need. I cannot wait to share with these women about the needs of refugees. I will be sure to share more about it later. Remember to pray for The Freedom Project. It is coming along, slowly but it is coming along.

Better

2009-08-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the prayers. We are going to look into our first fund raiser. We have had fun creating animated versions of ourselves. We are doing it ultimately for security reasons once we are out and meeting more people and have official links to the blog. For now it is just fun. Be looking for things that we are doing later in the year. For now. Here is the animated me. Fun to be able to be whatever size you want. The rest is pretty close. Thanks for the prayers for my back. I am excited about getting back in the groove and getting the info we need. I am planning trip to Africa in May or June 2010 and will know so much more then.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Today in Darfur

2009-08-15T00:22:00.000-07:00

Today many women were raped in Darfur. They watched their husbands die and some lost children but they will carry the bodies around for days, loving them too much to just leave them. If the babies are left at moment of death some are put in the water to contaminant the water. They lose their home, their husbands, they gain the fear of rape and trauma. How can we do nothing???? How can we watch this happen?

The Big Freedom Project is in tentative negations to build a safe house, actually a safe compound. The women will learn a trade and we will help sell the things they make in the US with all the money going to them. Students must be educations we will have a school and a clinic for the family. We have also felt that we will have 2 day clinics for those in need in the host nation.(A clinic for the people involved with the center and a free clinic to be staffed by mission teams that come in) We know that we will run small orphanage 5-20 HIV, AIDS positive kids. The clinics will oversea the med, they will go to school, we will have 2 full time care given for the 5-15. The Sudanese women who want to learn the care givers.I am rambling, there are so many things we want to do for the women of Sudan and for the host country. Pray with us and do what you can. No one should carry their dead baby around for days for love and fear they (the child will be used to to containment the water. Just let you voice. There is a cause in face book under my name, join. The more you know. . . . . comments welcome. I am working on grammar. It is 3:30 in the morning. I covet you feedback.

Don't forget to check out www.EthiopiaKids.com. You will love to pictures painted in words by the members of this forum.

Darfur, Congo, Chad etc.

2009-08-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

There are so many things we hear in the news today. The lead story was about the president having a meeting to deal with an issue that may have been racially motivated. I have no opinion on that. It is not my place.

For many of us, Africa does not seem a part of the world or it is a part we can easily ignore. If you are a human, (and my educated guess is that you are) a citizen of the world this is something you should care about. I know, it is my opinion but . . . .

I have a challenge for you. When you watch the news look for stories about the genocides that are happening in the Sudan, Chad, Congo part of the world. Do some research about what is happening. How is this not the lead story on the news daily?

Now, I know we all have our callings and care more about some things that others. I am one that cares about this issue, these people, these survivors. But I do not think this is my pet issue. Yes, it is my calling but I ask you to look into this issue and look into your heart. Read and be educated. Then pray and think about getting involved when the time comes. As Helen Keller said, "The world is full of suffering but it is also full of the overcoming of it." Be a part of the overcoming of suffering in the world! Pray about it. Let me know what you think.

Blessings,

Jennifer

*photo credit from free photos. "Africa from Space."

My blogs, Part Two

2009-07-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

On my blogs look at the LA Connection, she is a very talented designer and on the roll look at Bek Wales blog, a great mom with lots to say. Look at them. They are great blogs.

Children Stole My Heart

2009-07-28T21:10:00.001-07:00

I cannot find the picture of the baby that I held. So many people need help. Please become a follower and share with people you know. The Freedom Project is to help refugees and families but we also want to be a part of the community that we will be lining in and be a part of helping everyone that we come in contact with. The goal is to make the lives better or safer for everyone we meet. I look forward to having more people come along and join the blog and keep up with things that are happening and be a part of the solution. Soon there will be chances for you to add something like a silent auction, come to one of oue fundraisers. Please tell your Friends. Thanks for all you read and are a part.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Children

2009-07-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks fully there are many children who have been adopted from nations in Africa. My friends D and A have adopted an beautiful child, E-girl (names are not given to ensure safety). D had started a web sight http://www.ethiopiakids.com/. If you are an adoptive parent from Ethiopia please visit and help those who are in the long and often hard process. This family is a blessings and if I had permission I would put a picture of the beautiful E-girl and all the kids who have been given forever families.

One of the goals of the Freedom project is to have a orphanage or help one financially that already existed. Please join in me prayer as we look forward to being more active in the work of the Freedom Project.

All of the ministries we will either start or assist in are worthy of your time, prayer and support. Please remember these are people who are hurting. Please join me in prayer for them.

Thanks for caring. It means a lot.

Back to School

2009-07-16T20:18:00.000-07:00

As I walked through Target today I saw "Back to School" and "Decorate your Dorm" signs all over the place. When I was a teacher this was my favorite time of year. I loved getting ready for the students to come to school. Now, when I see those signs and all of the great school supplies (yes, I still buy notebooks and markers, just for me) I am always transported back to the schools I visited in Africa. Where I was in Africa, school was a privilege, not a right. Students yearned for an education, knowing, hoping it would help them have a better life. Of the schools, all 16-20 we visited, a few were concrete rooms with tin roofs but more of them than not were tin buildings held together with mud and straw. The classrooms were overcrowded. Sixty students would sit in a "room" meant for twenty. They had no books or chalk. They had no computers or pencils and paper. Yet, this was the dream. And in that place they learned because there were teachers who wanted them to learn. But primarily, they learned because they craved knowledge. You should have seen their faces. You should have heard the laughter and joy. I wish you could have seen them laugh at our feeble attempts to say something in their language. They soaked in every tiny piece of information they were given. They walked miles alone to get to school because they wanted to learn. Statistically there is very little chance of them getting out of the life they lived but if the could, it would not be without an education. I left some of my heart with those kids, in that country, on that continent.

As you buy new backpacks and paper, as you check things off the list and wait in long lines with children who dread the beginning of the school year, I challenge you to think of two things. First, the right we have to education is a gift, a ticket to the world of adulthood and success. It is everything, second only to a relationship with Christ. Second, think about the schools and students on there other side of the world. There are no supply lists that lead to frustration. But, just as with your child, the education they often fight for is the ticket to life. They do not get to stand in lines while the person in front them runs to get the folder with pockets because they got the one without. They walk miles, sometimes without shoes to have the chance to learn something that one day may help them help others.

The Freedom Center wants to be a part of making a school (hopefully more in the future) where each students has a chair of their own, where each student has paper and pencils, where each student learns something that can better the lives they lead and the community they live in. When you are in line, thank our Father for the privilege of shopping for school supplies. Please pray for those who live in a world where education is not easily obtained and is often abandoned. In that line. try not to get in a hurry or be frustrated, instead pray for those students who sit 4 to a seat and crave everything they can learn. While you wait, pray. While you wait, thank the Father that you live in a nation that has school supply lists that make long lines at Target. Consider thanking the Father for the privilege of having a supply list at all. If your feet hurt from a long day of work, shopping and long lines, pray for the children who walk miles on rocky roads to get to school.

Doesn't the PSA that NBC does end every segment with the statement, "the more you know. . . ." ? Pray they will know more and pray they will know the Teacher of us all.

Progress

2009-07-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know that progress is being made in the whole process. It is slow but is being made.

Remeber the People who have no Freedom

2009-07-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Right now there are women and children all over the world that do not have the freedom that we have. As we begin to enjoy our weekend, think about them as you go to the store and buy the food that they don't and sleep in a bed that many of them do not have. I try to remember this when I am feeling too secure in my life. I try to be thankful. I often fail but I try.

Help the Widows and Orphans

2009-07-08T20:22:00.000-07:00

In the genocide in Sudan, the Congo, Char, Rwanda etc., but specially Sudan, Darfur to be more specific the women and children are spared. Spared, I cannot even really use that word, the are raped, beaten, watch their husbands and fathers brutal killed and their homes destroyed. So I am not sure spared is the word.

A friend, actually, someone I have never met but have connected through Face Book and I consider a friend sent me this verse when she found out that my ministry had a goal of housing these women, treating their trauma the best we can, teaching them a trade, educating and making sure the children are healthy. She did not know me well. She did not know that James 1 held a special place in my heart. The kindest, most wonderful woman and teacher had her students memorise the entire chapter of James 1. Many of them in their late 20's can still say it world for world, but I digress. The verse she sent me, the them verse for The Freedom Project is James 1:27, a verse I have read and heard 100's of times. "Pure, unstained religion according to God our Father, is to take care of the orphans and the widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupt by this world. James 1:27"

The work of The Freedom Project is not easy and it occurs to me that many of you many choose not to read and or follow this blog and ministry because once you have the information you are accountable for it. Please do not overlook the horrible acts going on right on out watch. Soon I will be asking you to participate in on-line auctions, by inexpensive gifts for any occasion, you will be buying anyway. Or maybe I will ask you to pray, pray for my ministry as we move to help these women and children. Pray for the hearts of those of us who do this work.

I have mentioned two women in this post. I will not betray either of their identities only to say this. The teacher had gone on to be with the Lord but in addition to teaching she did not look away. She would be the first to support and want to help The Freedom Project. I miss her daily but in the midst of this work I miss her heart. The second I have never met, though I hope to one day. She did not just send this verse, she lives it as an adoptive parent. And while I have not met them I just know she is a wonderful mother to all her children.

I know this is hard and this project is not glamorous. It would easier to be caught up in the minutia of out lives but that really who you are. Join me in prayer. follow this blog and ask others to. Christian need to know this is happening and we should care because we are Christians, we should care because we are people, we should care because James 1:27 calls this caring pure, unstained religion. Don't look away. Join me in looking closer.

People are dying, souls are in the balance!!!!

2009-07-06T03:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you who feel the call to mission, and really that should be all of us who a followers of Christ, there are those nights, when you are unable to do your job for some reason and you know that you are home and the people God has called you to serve are heavy on your heart. This night, this weekend was that and is that for me. A popular talented NFL player died in my town, MJ died, Farrah died, and there has been so much fanfare. I do not know the conditions of their souls. What I do know is that in Sudan people die without Christ by the hands of the militia everyday and that is not breaking news, no one twitters or face book's when a father is murdered in front of his wife and children and then than woman is raped if front of her kids as her house burns around her. Here we live, in the home of the free and the brave and I would not have it any other way. But today, I want to be the voice for those in Sudan. As soon as I am cleared I want to go to a neighboring nation and see what can be done about housing these women, teaching them a trade and giving them a chance to hear the Truth. Today, in the midst of the fanfare of those among us that have died remember the women who carried her dead baby around because she loves her to much to put her down. Tell people to read this blog so that when CNN covers the funeral for MJ tomorrow, (and he is due his proper funeral) we also remember the father that fought the the death for his children and lost that fight. Share this story. It is not fun, it is not easy but in my heart that is unable to sleep because it breaks for them, this is breaking news. Share this, read this, care about this. Tell others to follow because in the weeks, months and years to come I am going to share ways that they can help. Please care. Somebody has to and lots of some body's should.

*this and many of my pictures were taken in Kenya. Though I have some pictures of the horrible things happening in Sudan, I have chosen not to use them on a public blog.

Blogs that I follow and speak to me (Part I)

2009-07-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Like water in an arid waterless place, these are few blogs that I read and I wanted to share them with you. While they have nothing to day with The Freedom Project, the speak to me and therefore, encourage me to do the work that I am called to do. This is by no means an exhaustive list, just 3 I thought I would begin with.

I have know Amy for more than half my life. We are old friends (sorry Amy, ha ha). She often speaks the truth and it speaks to me. Take a look at her blog. http://amy-wilkinson.blogspot.com/. I promise God will use her to speak to you.

I have known Leigh since college. She runs the coolest ministry. I have not asked her to share about her ministry on here but I will share her blog. She is funny and finds God in the day to day and shares it through her blog. Check her out http://www.leighhargisgray.blogspot.com.

Joy's blog is unique. It began as a blog used to update the progress of her baby who was diagnoses with cancer. By the way, he is doing well and is in the maintenance part of his treatment. Take a few hours and read back over all they have been through with baby James (who is not a baby anymore, I think he just turned three). She gives you and honest, wonderful, inspiration account of how God has carried them all, (she is expected James 2nd younger sibling) through this time. Visit http://babyjamesgregoryryan.blogspot.com/. He is a doll by the way just as his little sister is.

I will add more off and on. So many people have things to say that, though often are not mission themed, speak to me about the lost of the world.

Remember, if you are interested in the book, or customized Christmas gift PLEASE contact me at JArnwine@charter.net. You will be shopping anyway.

Check out the blogs of these great women.

*this is not an original photo, I used it from the sample photos on my computer.

Happy 4th, Celebrate our Freedom

2009-07-04T04:07:00.001-07:00

Today as we celebrate our freedom, remember those who so not share this gift. There are many things you can do but one thing you can do is purchase the devotional book for sale about being on mission and the framed mission or Bible verse of your choice with a mat and colored thread to match your decor. Remember you can request your own colors an mat choices no less than 4 weeks before Christmas. You are going to have to give gift anyway and each gift will come with a hand written note, on a car with out logo, explaining the difference made in the life of a child of refugee. Remember that as you enjoy your Freedom today, out goal is to bring the freedom that education, a trade, health care and the savior can give a dying world. My bank and I cannot figure out the pay pal. Just e-mail me and we will get you it to you. We are low tech. Don't each of these children deserve the best education possible, the best health care? That is what THE BIG FREEDOM PROJECT IS ABOUT

Give the gift of Freedom.

Remember, someone gave it to you.

Fund Raising

2009-07-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

Though there is no one that likes to ask for money, The Freedom Center is going to require money to built. In addition to the custom frames and matted Bible verses related to mission, a book I have written, a devotional about how to be a missionary in your day to day life, will be on sale for the holiday season and a majority of the proceeds will go to The Freedom Project. The cost of the book is $10.00 with shipping it will be $12.00. If you are ready to order this book please e-mail me at JArnwine@charter.net and we will discuss the sales of the book. You can do the same of the cross stitch Bible verses but that will be more involved. I would love to customize the verse for your home decor. I will match the color of the lettering, as well as the mat to you home. I am even willing to stitch a verse that is important to your family. Please be in prayer about how you can use this as a gift to anyone for a holiday, birthday, or special occasion.

Almost forgot

2009-06-30T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is one of the two verses for the project. This will be framed with a mat in a number of colors. All together they will be $12.00, also with the other one that I will be working on. ALL proceeds will go to the Freedom Project and with shipping it will be $16.00. A great gift. I will get one of the other ready. It will be a great gift, for any missions minded person. We may begin selling this all year. Yes, they raise money but are such a great gift at a fantastic price. I will even do it in the color you want. E-mail me at Jarnwine@charter.net or try and leave a message her (good luck? I would love feed back. In the next few days I will be completing the other verse and framing this with a complementing color. This is a great gift for a mission lover and all the money will go directly to The Freedom Project, You can even request the color of the verse and the mat so it will go with your house. I will also do other verses at no additional cost as long as you allow 4 weeks. This is a great gift for the lover of missions and it will come with a card explaining where all the money is going. In the next days I will finish one with a mat and frame, as well as the other verse. Please, please be aware every penny goes to The Freedom Project. I will explain how I am taking orders. While these are the verses I love for this project, I will gladly stitch your life verse and frame it in the colors you wish. As long as we are raising money for refugees in need, I am good with it all.

I just love you all for having a heart for refugees.

Jennifer

Fun News

2009-06-30T21:51:00.001-07:00

There is another ministry that is working in Africa and thought the things we are doing are different, they are similar. One of the things I have figured out is that while I am on my back I am going to be doing grant research and completing grant applications for The Freedom Project and this other ministry. While I am not giving up and will FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT and I know God wants me in this, this ministry is run by men of God and if for some reason God finds another plan for me due to my health, I feel totally confident sharing the funds raised to this ministry. I will try and get permission to link you to this ministries home page. God is good. All the time. All the time, God is good. As much as I dislike being on semi bed rest and total inability to leave the house, I have 11 months to research and apply for grants for both ministries. I wish I could tell you the other ministry. Most ministered would kill for time like that to deal with grant research and completion. This time, and all I have is time had been such a blessing to me. May God convict you to pray for the Freedom Project and the other wonderful ministry. Who knew being stuck here, useless I though would provide me with time to help secure fun for The Freedom Project? God knew and wove the other ministry to my heart and they have not had the time. When I can post a link I will. Thanks for sticking with us. I know next years holiday on-line auction will be great. With my surgery it would be rushed and that is something I do not want. Keep praying. Comment to jarnwine@charter.net. You need a degree in particle physics to leave a comment here. I love to hear from you. In the mean time, let me remind you of the reason we are doing this. Blessings! The kids are from an after school program in Kibera slum (no, Kenya is not where we are going and soon I will be able to tell you, I hope. RED TAPE, RED TAPE, RED TAPE! Have a blessed week and please do not forget the work GOD called us to do.

Many Blessings,

Jennifer

Sorry, Late Post

2009-06-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I have not posted in a while a promised. I was a little more out of it that I thought it would be. After a great deal of prayer, I have decided to postpone the holiday on-line auction for next Christmas. I honestly have a hard time sitting for long and am needing to focus my energy on getting well. I will however be keeping you posted and I, in no way have given up on this project. I know it is something that I need to do, am called to. As I am getting better, as moments present themselves I am doing research and completely grant requests for funding for the project. I will be working. I will update more often. This recovery, though better than I thought, has left me a little out of it and I could not get my mind around updating my blog. I will do better. Please do not give up on the Freedom Project.

OUCH!!!!

2009-05-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

My dear friends on mission. This has been quite a rough week. I had spinal fusion surgery on the 26th and I will be "going off the grid" for a while. Please check back in a week or so where we will begin to discuss the process for the on-line holiday auction. Two books that I have written will be on sale on the sight and 60% of the proceeds of the books will go to The Freedom Project. But until then, I am going to take a very strong pain pill and go to bed.

Late post, sorry.

2009-05-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

I said I would update the next day but that did not happen. Sorry. I am so excited about the things that we are already doing with the freedom project. We are working on grants and on-line auctions. All things that can be done here, from home. That is a huge blessing. I had planned on going to Africa to meet with officials from different ministries to invite them to join me in anyway they would feel comfortable. More accurately, I was going to ask to join them. I found out that I will have to have a spinal fusion next week and will have a very long time recovering. While I am very frustrated that I will not be going to Africa, I know that God has a plan and that I am not alone in this ministry. So, I will be here, with lots of time to complete grant applications and research. It will be a minimum of 18 months before I can fly that long again. Please pray for the ministry and for all who will be helping in the next few years. I do not want any of this to derail what God is doing and that means I have to trust Him more and more and depend on Him totally. I know He was leading me but I was holding too tightly to the controls. I love God's timing and know that all thing work together for the good and all of this is going to be good. Having said that, I do not think I will ever complain about needing more time to complete grant applications. God bless you all for caring about the hurting in Africa.

Tomorrow

2009-05-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

This has been a long week. Satan is throwing up road blocks. I am very tired right now but tomorrow I will post about things that are happening and what it means to the ministry. I am so excited about The Freedom Project!!!!!!!!!!! I know God is the author of this project and He is in it all. Nothing I going to stop this project. I pray that your passion grows. Come back tomorrow.

Look at the faces in this picture. Statistics say that 4 of them have AIDS right now and are not being treated. God is bigger than numbers but I also believe He gives us these numbers as a call to action. They need a home a treatment and love. You can help make that happen. Please be in prayers about how that can happen and the role you are meant to play.

New Logo is Here!

2009-05-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

The logo for the Freedom Project is here and I love it. LA Associate Ad Agency did a great job with the design. You can see more of their work at http://www.laassociatesadagency.com/. The project is off to a great start. We have already talked to someone about building options. Do we build one center or do we help improve the ministry centers that are in place helping women and children and providing free health care and education. No matter what, we will see the vision through that refugee women will be taught a trade and house. Resident and community children will given free education and health care and we will have a special program for orphans. Please come back and check often. Thanks again, Lynn for the great design work.

Three Important Points

2009-05-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

First, this project is no small thing for my ministry to take on, in fact it is impossible but, "With me this is impossible, with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. Second, a new a very precious friend pointed out this verse as my passion in this project and she was right, "Pure and undefiled religion before your Father is this: to visit the orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." Please, Lord give me the strength to so this. Finally, this a picture I saw on a Facebook page of someone who has ministered in the nation we want to build The Freedom Center in. How can you turn away your heart, your love and your compassion from this little face. Please come back and look over and over. New things will be added every few days and soon we will be selling books and holding holiday auctions to raise money to make the The Freedom Center a reality.

So What is the Big Freedom Project???

2009-05-02T12:50:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I began a ministry and had a vision (not the supernatural kind) but an idea, that I believe God planted in my mind. It was that of a Center that would house women and children that were refugees or victims of extreme poverty. The Center would house a few women and their children and teach the women a trade and educate the children. That vision has expanded to educate not only the resident children but other children in the area. The Freedom Center will also have a clinic that is dedicated to the care of those who reside at the Freedom Center but also provide free or discounted basic health care to the people that live around the Center.

While teaching the women a trade, we will sell the things they make here in the US and put all of that money in a trust for each women so that when she moves out with her children she will not only have a skill/trade but will have a little bit of money to start out with. Though the women will have a generous time to live at the home before they will be integrated into life on their own, their children will be permitted to finish their education at the Freedom School.

This is a HUGE undertaking for my ministry and we are just beginning to put the vision on paper. The next step will be to work with the government of the nation we wish to build the Center (we are keeping that quiet for now, just know it will be in Africa). We will begin to hold fund raisers and apply for grants. This task is my ministry's Everest. But with God all things are possible and as I write this today with thoughts of budgets and red tape and millions of dollars it all seems impossible but, God assures me it is not. Several fund raisers we will do through this blog like selling donated products in time for Christmas, Art sales, book sales, etc. Other fund raisers will take place in communities around the country. Please come back soon to see our logo and more information on The Freedom Project.

Do unto the least of these. . .

2009-04-30T16:17:00.001-07:00

Right now, there are refugees in needs of food, health care, shelter, education and counseling. The Freedom Project will one day provide all of those things for refugees and those who live around the Freedom Center, free of charge. To do that, we will need a lot of help. Come back and visit soon for ways that you can help make a difference in the life of these delightful people. The Big Freedom Project was a vision given to us by God and we are trusting Him to show us how to see this vision come to be.

Welcome to the Freedom Project

2009-04-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

In the month and years that I have had my ministry, I have always had a passion for helping widowed women with children in Africa. The Freedom Project is a working name. Through As One Ministry and the help and support of many others, we are planning on opening a residential trade school for women, a school for their children and a free medical clinic. This is a HUGE undertaking but the vision has been in my heart and the heart of the ministry for years. Please check back for more information later. In the coming months we plan on holding holiday auctions to raise funds, informational postings, progress reports. Please join us in prayer as God leads us in beginning this amazing journey.
Jennifer