Testimonies from Behind the Walls
“Before I joined Living In Freedom. I was a broken spirit, eat up with self-hatred. But in these last 12 weeks, I've learned so much. Not only about Jesus, but about myself. These ladies have taught me about forgiveness, unconditional love, and that I have a purpose here. These classes have taught me how to fully surrender. I've laid all my broken pieces at God's feet. I'm now free of my guilt and shame. I am now allowing God to put me back together again to his will. This is the start of my new identity. To me, that's something to be excited about. I'm not the same person I was 12 weeks ago. I'm not only spiritually free, but I've got JOY!”
~Amanda Martin
He’s real, He’s faithful, and He loves me
He’s real, He’s faithful, and He loves me
He’s real, He’s faithful, and He loves me.
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He’s real, He’s faithful, and He loves me He’s real, He’s faithful, and He loves me He’s real, He’s faithful, and He loves me. · · ·
I was saved at age ten, but truly Living In Freedom has changed my life completely. God opened my heart to things I never knew. For so long, I tried to please everyone around me, especially my parents, but deep down I didn’t just want to be a Christian, I wanted to be free in Christ. My relationship with God means everything to me. I’m learning how to feel, understand, and express what’s really in my heart. I’ve found peace and joy in knowing there is no wrong too big for His forgiveness, and that His love covers every part of my story. I look at my life now and I see the love of my kids and granddaughters, and above all, the love of God. I can honestly say I need Him to guide and control my life. I’m happy with my family and everyone He has placed around me. Whenever something weighs on my heart, I turn myself back to God and to the freedom He’s given me. I’m no longer living for myself. I’m giving my life to Him fully, freely, and without fear. His love is amazing. He’s real, He’s faithful, and He loves me.
God’s child,
Anne
First and foremost, thank you, Living In Freedom Ministries Behind the Wall, for helping God save my life and my faith, and for helping me rebuild what was so broken in me. You all have been an answered prayer from God. I was drowning in sadness, night terrors, fear, doubt, unworthy, unlovable, discarded, and abandoned by the world. Riddled with shame, guilt, and brokenness. Look see, God's footsteps in my life were not evident to me when I was arrested, BUT he sent me these amazing God-filled women and these classes that guided me step by step, not only back to God, but to self-love, confidence in my faith and myself. My entire outlook on this almost took my life, changed, and was molded into beauty and salvation. The devil had me so tightly in his grip, but with each class I met these amazing women, and they began sharing their testimonies and God's work. The vulnerability, tears, and pure honesty in each one's testimony loosened Satan's grip on my heart and mind. God saved me through each woman and each class. They bring us God's love, his word, his unwavering foreverness. The sacrifices and companionship God gave and continues to give are so beautifully evident in these classes. He has used to refill our faith, love, and hope. I believe God heard the pleas and cries in the darkest part of Knox County Jail and knew that Living In Freedom Ministries Behind the Walls would ignite the flame in us, so that, in return, we could be the light for others. God is taking over the Roger D Detention Facility, flame by flame. We ignite and spread love and light to everyone around. We are sharing the glory in our story. Thank you, Living in Freedom Ministries, for standing with God and coming for us day after day. Thank you not only for loving us but also for having God's love for us. Thank you for your light so I could find my own. Thank you to each class and teacher, and to all you've done, in the mighty name of Jesus. keep saving lives and shining bright. We love you all!
~Amber
“God Met Me in Room 207”
When I came here, I put myself in protective custody because I had never been to jail before. I was intimidated and overwhelmed. In PC I was housed alone, transported alone, and came out on rec alone. My “out time” was one hour a day; the other twenty‑three hours I sat in a room by myself. Although being alone might sound peaceful, I promise you, it’s not. I asked several times to have my PC removed, but I was told it wouldn’t be lifted because I had worked here as a nurse ten years ago. I filled out two forms, both denied. During that time, I sent a message to the chaplain. When I was finally pulled to see him, he asked what I needed. I began to weep. I asked him why someone would deny me Jesus. I told him that being in PC meant I couldn’t attend church. He said, “Let me see what I can do.”
Later, a sergeant told me to fill out another form—number three. The next morning I submitted it, and within two hours, it was lifted. I had been alone in that room for 79 days. It was a long 79 days. But it was also 79 days where I was still enough and quiet enough to finally listen to God. All I could think about was how many times God had wept for me, waiting for me to draw near to Him. I promise you—He wept for me far more than I ever wept for Him.
During those days I read as much as I could and listened to every sermon on 106.7. Not once did I weep about where I was, because I serve a God who has my case under control. So many God‑stories happened in Room 207.
I kept remembering a verse a special person shared with me years ago during a very hard season of my life: Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Because of my charges, I was placed in MAX security. But on my first day off PC, a special woman pointed me toward Freedom for Life. When I got approved, that short season of weeping ended. The tears I cried before were nothing compared to the amount of knowledge and truth I was about to receive.
I was raised in a Baptist church, saved at 17, and later joined another church. But I didn’t dedicate my life to God the way I should have. I strayed far—very far. And during that time, He was weeping for me.
These classes have been such a blessing. The old me felt unworthy, unloved, broken, drifting, scared, hopeless, and ashamed. Every week in these classes has given me tools and resources to grow closer to God. I wasn’t confident in sharing the gospel. I will never be abundant in knowledge, because as long as I live, I will be learning the goodness of God. I have no doubt I was placed inside these walls for a reason. I have gained far more than I ever lost by coming here. I now have worth, love, redemption, closeness, hope, and a deeper relationship with God. As I sit here behind these walls, I’m reminded that in every situation, faith and patience are vital. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Many people never know the “whys” behind their situation. I have many whys that God has revealed to me—and that will be another testimony when I leave this temporary place. Until then, I’m soaking up every ounce I can. God is not done with me yet. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you…” I will put faith and patience into that promise and do my work in here diligently.
This would not have been possible without Living in Freedom Ministries.