Freedom House Church and Healing Centre

In my last blog I shared the amazing things that happened in houses according to the scriptures.  As promised, this blog is filled with stories and testimonies of what God is continuing to do as we gather together in houses.  Glory to God!  Be encouraged!

Testimonies from a 12 year old boy who is part of a beautiful family who all follow Jesus!

“From before I was born, my parents wanted to teach me about the Word of God.  I heard the Word of God while in my mother’s womb and I continue to hear, read and love the Word of God to this day!”

“My patience is being tested by my brother and as a result my patience is growing.” 

“A young boy came to live with us in our home and as a result of hearing the gospel and seeing the gospel demonstrated, he came to know Jesus and grew in his relationship with Him.

“This past year I was baptized in the bathtub in our home!”

A story of obedience and courage and what God does when we step out in faith!

 “We are a fairly new Home Church group, initially formed in the fall of 2020, about six months into the COVID-19 pandemic, by four women from the church that meets in Wendy’s house. Venturing timidly into a new identity as a "house church", we had a definite sense of God's call to where we live, Rockwood.  Our number has modestly increased over the past year, and we continue to wait on the Lord to reveal His plan for us as to how we can benefit this community to which we are sent. We have been blessed to enjoy the hospitality of two members, who have generously shared their homes. 

 Our meetings follow a simple format, as the Holy Spirit directs.  Worship is sweet, accompanied by music generated through modern technology!  In the intimacy and safety of our fellowship, simple refreshments are shared, while discussion on Scriptural topics, current events or more personal concerns flows comfortably, followed with a time of prayer and usually concluded by sharing communion. There is a consensus among our members of loving interpersonal relationships, personal growth, and faith-based solidarity in the midst of the societal shakings and uncertainties generated by a long pandemic season.  We are delighting in our Lord together, deepening our friendship and growing in faith as we experience God's answers to our prayers for one another.”

Community is key in the Kingdom of God!

“House Group is so special and unique in that it is small and a home setting. This has encouraged a safe and intimate environment for all of us meeting.

As we have gathered over this past year, there has been a deeper connection with one another, having more insight into each other’s lives. As we study and ponder the scriptures of God’s Word together, we have all been challenged and encouraged. As God leads each of us to share by the convictions of God’s Word, we have had the opportunity to pray for each other and to see the Word of God and the power of prayer transform us. The transforming has been in many ways-our minds being renewed, our thinking being renewed, habits being renewed, healing in our broken hearts, and awareness rising up, of what God is speaking and showing us. We have seen significant spiritual growth in each person in the group. We are on this journey together, sharpening one another. Community is key in the Kingdom of God.”

 Psalm 133:1 tells us, “How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!”

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (Ja 5:16)

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb 10:24-25)

A story of God’s goodness, faithfulness and love!

 “My 81 year old mother became a widow in April 2020.  She was left to complete legal issues my father was unable to complete and a 100 acre farm to sell. I can attest to the goodness and faithfulness of God to care for the widows. We moved mom to Chartwell retirement home. God gave her the very best apartment there even though He knew it wasn’t the place for her.  In His mercy He allowed her to go where she thought she wanted and provided her His very best.  When we finally realized this was not the right place for mom, that she had so much more life to live, we looked to God. Again, He provided His best. A condo with an amazing view and a community of people to take care and embrace my mother.  The condo was a very desirable one, easily sold but this one God kept for my mother. It was in need of prayer and cleansing which both I and a friend did and now hosts the Presence of God. People come and don’t want to leave. My mother knows that she is not alone, that God is with her in her new place. He allowed her to see what she didn’t want, in order to embrace what He had intended for her all along. Mom’s new home is a place hand-picked by God her Husband, and is a place where people can come and experience His presence and love.”

Encourage and be encouraged!

While meeting together with the church that meets in my house we were sharing testimonies, singing, sharing together and reading Eph 4:11-16 about maturing in the Lord.  We shared about how we each see ourselves maturing in the Lord and that we are all more mature now than we were a year ago.  Whenever we gather in my house, my heart is to encourage whomever is present.  On that particular morning I was so encouraged!  It was overwhelming!  It stirred me up to continue in what God has called me to do!  This scripture was fulfilled!  Glory to God!

When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. (Ro 1:12 NLT)

God can use anyone who is willing-including you!

 "You don't have to be perfect to be used by God. God calls us each so differently to serve Him.  It is so exciting to see what He can do when we open up our homes to praise Him!!  During our Bible Study times here many were saved. We had many baptisms in the tub, wonderful teachings, friendships were formed, meals shared together around the table and healings happened both physically and emotionally.  The worship music and singing and dancing that went on are forever imprinted in our hearts. 

 The great news is that although that particular Bible Study may be over for now, God keeps calling for you and me to open up our homes to worship and serve Him in many, many different ways."

I hope you are encouraged by these stories and testimonies.  True stories of God continuing to work in the houses of people who love Jesus and desire to do extraordinary things for Him!  I pray that you will be encouraged to continue to invite people to gather in your house or that you will begin to invite people to your house and see what God will do!

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches...” Rev 2:7