Galatians 5:13-14 “You, my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
The idea for this ministry began in me when I was in a very sad and low place. I was and still am suffering in a lot of ways from the tragic loss of a dear friend. While dealing with this I learned about a ministry in my hometown, Pampa, TX where some classmates of mine had moved back and were starting a church that was based in serving others and the community. They are called Paint This Town Red and their goal is to paint the entire town with the love of Christ. I read about them online and couldn’t stop checking them out. I longed to be a part of it. I knew that if I could just find a way to serve others it would help with my healing.
There is something tremendously healing about love and service and letting God’s love flow through you. So I started talking to God about it. I wanted to be a part of this and a group like this, but how. I mean I live 10 hours away from Pampa so being a part of that particular ministry was not an option. I started looking online for local ministries and organizations similar to this one, but nothing felt right. That is when the Voice I couldn’t ignore really began. It kept saying, “You are already a part of a group like this and I put you there for a reason”. I argued for while, because starting something like this is miles from my comfort zone. The Voice didn’t back down. “This ministry already exists in this church, when are you going to do your part.” I finally couldn’t ignore it any more and here we are.
I really wanted to share this with you all, because you need to know that this ministry isn’t something Aaron and I are starting here. We are just organizing it. This church is so different than anything we have ever experienced. We have grown so much here and been challenged in so many ways. When I tried to pinpoint what that difference was it finally seemed so obvious. There is freedom in this church. We are free to be who we are and encouraged to do what God asks us to do. We have leaders who acknowledge and encourage us to act like the freed men and women that we are. Appearances aren’t valued over freedom. Freedom is celebrated here. If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed (John8:36)! So the point of this ministry is what will you do with that freedom?
