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- Apr 25, 2006
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Finding Freedom
Scripture Reading — Luke 4:14-21
“The Spirit of the Lord . . . has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. . . .”
— Luke 4:18
In our city there is a center for forensic mental health. Part of its work involves care for people with mental illness who have been part of the criminal justice system. The center aims to help individuals begin a journey of recovery, and that includes providing some of them with day passes to volunteer in the community.
Our church has had the opportunity to meet a number of these individuals, and many have become a regular part of our church life. They have volunteered in the kitchen, in the community garden, and in other areas. They also attend worship services on Sundays. It all started with one young man being invited in. He felt safe and invited others to join him. Some have even been baptized.
I remember asking one young man about the difference Jesus has made in his life. He explained that he has been able to feel something for the first time in a very long time. His smile that day was radiant. One Sunday another young man from the health center read Scripture at the beginning of the worship service.
I have also been able to spend time at the center hearing stories in which individuals share about the freedom Christ has brought them in the midst of tough situations. And as relationships have grown, our church has been invited to conduct worship services on-site.
In what ways is Jesus calling on you to help others find freedom in him?
Dear God, thank you for connecting us with people who need to hear your truth and who then quickly pass it along. Thank you for helping us to imagine where we can share your love. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
Scripture Reading — Luke 4:14-21
“The Spirit of the Lord . . . has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. . . .”
— Luke 4:18
In our city there is a center for forensic mental health. Part of its work involves care for people with mental illness who have been part of the criminal justice system. The center aims to help individuals begin a journey of recovery, and that includes providing some of them with day passes to volunteer in the community.
Our church has had the opportunity to meet a number of these individuals, and many have become a regular part of our church life. They have volunteered in the kitchen, in the community garden, and in other areas. They also attend worship services on Sundays. It all started with one young man being invited in. He felt safe and invited others to join him. Some have even been baptized.
I remember asking one young man about the difference Jesus has made in his life. He explained that he has been able to feel something for the first time in a very long time. His smile that day was radiant. One Sunday another young man from the health center read Scripture at the beginning of the worship service.
I have also been able to spend time at the center hearing stories in which individuals share about the freedom Christ has brought them in the midst of tough situations. And as relationships have grown, our church has been invited to conduct worship services on-site.
In what ways is Jesus calling on you to help others find freedom in him?
Dear God, thank you for connecting us with people who need to hear your truth and who then quickly pass it along. Thank you for helping us to imagine where we can share your love. Amen.
About the author — Beth Fellinger
Pastor Beth Fellinger is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has more than 40 years of experience in pastoral ministry. She and her husband, Barry, have created a missional community in their neighborhood called the Ugly Couch Cafe. From serving coffee at a blue picnic table on their front lawn, to praying with neighbors, to hosting faith gatherings on a weekly basis, the Ugly Couch Cafe has grown—and nothing gives Beth greater joy than introducing people to Jesus.
