Fresh Start Stories
Be encouraged as you watch and read these real life examples of
transformed lives that have all experienced a Fresh Start!
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Debbie
Having worked with inmates for 10 years, I know that what puts them behind bars are the unresolved issues of their hearts. Fear, unforgiveness, hatred, bad childhood experiences, gangs, and more. Fresh Start helps them to start processing the issues of their hearts. I have counseled some inmates after they have gone through the Fresh Start process. Some expressed the pain they felt as they encountered the truths of their own hearts, but they were relieved to have experienced freedom as they came to a better understanding of their own feelings and actions. The problem (crime) that locked them up was inside of them. I would encourage every facility that houses the incarcerated to pass out the Fresh Start booklet.
My husband and I have taught the principles from the Freedom Series to the inmates. This Series really gets to the roots of the heart. It truly helps them to become fully alive and to receive freedom. Part One of the series, is the building foundation, especially Sessions 4-7: Free to Forgive, Free to Reconcile, Free to Confront, and Free to Love and to be Loved. So many inmates are hung up because of relationships. Many of the men with their fathers, (alcoholism, abuse, telling them they're worthless, they'll never amount to anything, etc). Women also had issues with their fathers for stealing their innocence. Bringing them to the freedom of forgiveness truly humbled our hearts. Once they forgave, the session "Free to Confront" came easy, especially when they could love their fathers in spite of what they had gone through. Why? They had come to the knowledge of how much they were loved by Jesus!