Freedom Friday

We are blessed to hear countless stories of transformation and ultimately, FREEDOM, as people learn to abide in Christ and find a new way, a new life. We want to share some of these stories with you in coming weeks. So, each Friday, we will feature a different story. If you would like to submit a testimony, please let us know by registering. TESTIMONY REGISTRATION

Submitted by Jason Habbershaw, Influencers Prison Ministry, Mississippi

God is able! I want to tell you about a man named Merlin. He is a man who is a self-proclaimed special education student when he was young. He is now a grown man and resides in a place known as Parchman. He needs help reading and has teamed up with another member of our group to help him with that. Merlin will write out his answers, but they’re usually either very short, or spoken when asked for them. 

To put it into simple terms, he is borderline illiterate. But I was able to hear a testimony of how our God is able to do mighty things!

Merlin, came to me today and told me that over the last two weeks, he has been able to start reading and writing all on his own. He prayed for this! He has read all his scripture homework, written all his answers AND God wasn’t done… Merlin read a 72 page book not once, but wants to read it for a second time!!! 

When this happened he immediately started telling people around him! He also stood up during chapel on Sunday and told everyone (something he said he would never have done). 

Please hear me when I say that the same God that split the Red Sea, the same God that defeated Satan, the same God Whose Spirit lives in me, is fulfilling His promises! 

John 15:7 (NLT): But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!

Doug Dority, Norman, OK

"What is the one thing you desperately want in your walk with God?" This is the question I was asked when I was first approached about the Journey.

I didn't even need to think about my answer. I said: "I want to hear God speak to me."

Being "saved and baptized" at 8 years old, I went on to become the poster child for the story of the Prodigal Son. After years of alcohol, drugs and Agnosticism, I finally surrendered and returned to Jesus. For the next 20 years by the grace of God I rebuilt what I thought was a good Christian life... replacing my bad behaviors with good, tithing and serving regularly, everything I was supposed to do.

So why could I not hear God speak to me? I was hungry for an answer.

As it turned out, the next Journey group was not starting for several months. Being my usual inpatient self, my new mentor Bob agreed to meet with me individually to start going through the first couple of chapters of the Journey workbook. I read Journey to the Inner Chamber, started getting to know God and began journaling.

In less than 2 weeks I was hearing God speak directly to me! I was blown away. In fact, I was so excited about the Journey that I wanted to wait until the next group started so I could do it with other men. I actually stopped using the Journey materials for the time so I didn't get too far ahead, and concentrated on daily devotionals and bible reading instead. My excitement only grew while I waited.

That first Journey group changed my life in more ways than I can express here, but I can honestly say I found my calling and my purpose in God's Kingdom... to invite and train other men to become true disciples and warriors for our Savior King, Jesus Christ!

I'm now Co-Guiding my 3rd Journey group and I've never felt so alive and full of purpose! Praise God for bringing one of His disciples into my life. His Holy Spirit is alive and active in our groups, church and community. Finding and growing disciples for Jesus is what it's all about. All praise and glory to our King!

Register HERE to give your testimony:

https://influencersglobal.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1593257