Summary of 7 Steps
April 24, 2011 at 11:11 pm | Posted in Forgiveness, Summary 7 Steps | Leave a commentSummary of The Steps to Freedom in Christ
A Freedom Appointment, also called Discipleship Counseling,
Is a structured series of prayers
Which allow the ministry recipient to systematically address
Areas of spiritual bondage in the past.
Things that keep them from being close to God and others.
So they can walk in freedom into the future.
Knowing and living their renewed Identity in Christ.
A typical prayer session can take between four and eight hours.
A ministry recipient is joined by two trained volunteers.
The encourager explains the steps and the prayers.
The prayer partner prays and listens for guidance from the Holy Spirit
Seven Steps to Freedom in Christ
Overcoming False Guidance with Renunciation
Overcoming Deception with Truth
Overcoming Bitterness with Forgiveness
Overcoming Rebellion with Submission
Overcoming Pride with Humility
Overcoming Habitual Sin with Surrender
Overcoming Ancestral Sin with Blessings
Bitterness to Forgiveness The most powerful step.
The recipient prays to ask the Holy Spirity to bring to mind
Those they need to forgive and begins to make a list …
The encourager goes over some teaching.
What forgiveness is:
A Biblical mandate, releases bondage to Satan, live with consequences.
What forgiveness is not:
A Rationalization, forgetting, a feeling, a thought, reconciliation.
Forgiveness is an act of the will
Like choosing Jesus as Savior and Lord is an act of the will.
The lists look like this:
Who / when What happened Feelings/lies
ex. parents ex. abuse ex. shame
others abandonment anger, rage
yourself gossip hurt, anguish
God anything hurtful “I am unlovable”
Lord Jesus, I choose to forgive (name the person)
for (what he or she did or failed to do)
because it made me feel (angry, bitter ashamed.)
Lord Jesus, I choose not to hold on to my resentment,
I relinquish my right to seek revenge.
I ask you to heal my damaged emotions.
Thank you for setting me free from the bondage of bitterness.
I now ask you to bless those who have hurt me.
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
God’s Light to Dispel the Darkness
April 18, 2011 at 9:30 pm | Posted in God's Light into Darkness | 1 CommentTags: Counterfiets vs Truth
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God’s Light to Dispel the Darkness of Animism: A Biblical response to traditional beliefs and rituals
In the beginning Ge 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
God created light. Ge 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light.” and there was light.
Before He created sources of light; Ge 1:16 God made two great lights — the greater light to govern the
The sun, the moon, and the stars, day, the lesser light to govern the night. He made also stars.T
He created light because He is light. 1 Jn 1:5 God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.
In heaven, God and Christ are the light. Rev 21:23 For the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
In heaven, there will be no more night, Rev 22:5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of
Only God’s heavenly light. a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.
On earth darkness is in hearts of men Jn 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men
Because many continue to disobey God. loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Traditional beliefs and rituals continue to be followed by twenty five percent of Christians in Africa (Pew 2010)
The Bible teaches
Darkness came into the world through Adam.
God created Adam and Eve good. .Ge 1:27 So God created mankind … male and female he created them.
God commanded they not eat of the fruit Ge 2:17 “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and
Of the tree of Knowledge of good and evil. evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.”
Satan tempted them to eat the core sin: Rev 20:2 the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or satan,
“You will be like God.” Ge 3:5 “you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
We are like God, made in His image. Ge 1:26 Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.
But mortals (people) are not God or gods. Eze 28:2 In the pride of your heart you say, ”I am god.”… but you are
We do not have God’s wisdom. a mere mortal not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.
Through the sin of Adam all have sinned. 1 Co 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the
Through Christ is resurrection of dead dead comes also through a man.
In Christ all believers will be made alive. 1 Co 12:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
Christ will return for those who believe. 1 Co 15:23 when he comes, (for) those who belong to him.
In traditional beliefs: the supreme being is distant, uncaring, and uninvolved in our personal affairs.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God continues to seek us.
God turns our darkness into light. Ps 18:28 God turns my darkness into light.
God gave us the Law as light. Ps 19:8 The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
God gave us His Word as light. Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
God gave us His Son as light. Jn 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.|
God gave us the task to be light. Mt 5:14, 16 You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
God wants us to earnestly pursue light. Lk 11:35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.
God gave us the role to be light: Ac 26:17, 18 I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn
To turn them from darkness to light, them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to God, so that
To show them the Way to be forgiven, and they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who
To show them how to have faith in Jesus. are sanctified by faith in me.
Traditional beliefs and rituals have been passed down through generations in almost every culture in the world.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
The Word of God is light. Ps 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Scriptures are written by humans. 2 Pe 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but
Scriptures are inspired by Holy Spirit prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along
Scriptures are the very Word of God: by the Holy Spirit.
To teach us the ways of God 2 Ti 3:15-17 The Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for
To give salvation through faith in Christ, salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed
To teach us how to live holy lives, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
To equip us for ministry, righteousness so that you, a man of God may be thoroughly equipped
To encourage us to do good works. for every good work.
In traditional beliefs there are: many gods, many spirits of ancestors and things to be pleased or worshiped.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God is the only one God. Ro 3:30 There is only one God.
We are not to worship any other gods. Ex 20:2, 3 I am the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods.
A Holy Trinity One God three Persons: Mt 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
God, the Father, is the one true God Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all
God is over all. and in all.
God is the creator. Col 1:16 In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth.
God is the sustainer. Col 1:17 In him all things hold together.
God is over all nature. Job 25:2 God is in control and rules the heavens. (CEV)
God is over all humans. Jer 32:27 I am the LORD, the God of all mankind.
God is over all evil spirits. Rev 12:11 They triumphed him (the evil one) by the blood of the Lamb.
Jesus is God’s one and only son. Jn 3:18 God’s one and only Son.
Jesus is the only Way. Jn 14:6 I am the way, and the truth and the life no one comes
Jesus is the truth and the life. to the Father but by me.
Jesus is the light of the world. Jn 8:12 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never
Jesus calls us to leave darkness. walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Jesus has authority from the Father. Mt 28:18 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Jesus is our example. Jn 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done.
Jesus is our Savior. Lk 2:11 a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Jesus is our forgiveness of sins. Lk 1:77 salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.
Jesus reconciles us with the Father. 2 Co 5:18 God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.
Jesus intercedes for us to the Father. Heb 7:25 He (Jesus) always lives to intercede for them.
In traditional beliefs there is still need for sacrifices and rituals to please spirits of ancestors or other beings.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
We are not to worship other gods. 2 Ki 17:35 Do not worship any other gods or bow down to them,
We are not to sacrifice to other gods. serve them or sacrifice to them.
Jesus’ Blood the only sacrifice for all sin. Heb 7:27 He sacrificed for their sins once for all.
Jesus sent to the world to die for our sins Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son
So those who believe in Him will live. that who so ever believe in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Salvation is through faith, a gift of God. Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this
We receive by believing in and following.. is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Jesus gave us The Great Commandments: Mk 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
To love God, soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
To love others. Mk 12:31 Love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus gave us The Great Commission: Mt 28:19, 20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
To go and make disciples, them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
To teach obedience, and and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And
To trust in His presence. surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Jesus is The Great Physician. Mt 4:23 healed every disease and sickness.
Jesus sent us Holy Spirit. Jn 16:7 I will send him to you.
Holy Spirit is the only one Spirit of God. 1 Co 12:13 One Spirit so as to form one body.
Holy Spirit speaks the Father’s words. Jn 16:13 He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears.
Holy Spirit goes from the Father. Jn 15:26 the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will
Holy Spirit testifies about the Son . testify about me.
Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus words Jn 14:26 will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Holy Spirit convicts us of sin. Jn 16:8 He will prove the world wrong about sin.
Holy Spirit guides us to truth. Jn 16:13 the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into truth.
Holy Spirit teaches us what to say. Lk 12:12 Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say
Holy Spirit empowers us. Ac 1:8 receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will
Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses. be my witnesses.
Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Ro 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do
Holy Spirit intercedes for us. not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes
Holy Spirit prays for us. for us through wordless groans.
Holy Spirit is given to those who ask. . Lk 11:13 Father in heaven [will] give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.
Holy Spirit gives us Gifts of the Spirit: 1 Co 12:7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for
Manifestations: wisdom, knowledge, the common good.
Faith, healing, miraculous powers, 1 Co 12:8-10 (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers,
Prophesy, distinguishing spirits, prophesy, distinguishing spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of
Speaking and interpretation of tongues .tongues.)
Holy Spirit gives us Fruit of the Spirit. Gal 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance,
Love joy, peace, patience, kindness,. kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Holy Spirit is the power against evil. Mt 12:28 it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons.
In traditional beliefs there is a concern about many spiritual beings, of ancestors and objects that are evil.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
There are other spiritual powers, Eph 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the
There are other forces, and rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world
They are aligned with the evil one. and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
The evil one, or satan, is a fallen angel. Rev 12:9 Satan who leads the whole word astray. He was hurled down to
Demons are angels who follow satan the earth, and his angels with him.
Demons do perform signs. Rev 16:14 They are demonic spirits that perform signs,
The evil one pretends to be light. 2 Co 11:14 For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
The evil one is a liar and father of lies. Jn 8:44 for he is a liar the father of lies.
Do not believe every spirit. 1 Jn 4:1, 2 do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see
Test spirits to see if from the evil one. whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out
If they are from God, they will say into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every
Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.
In traditional beliefs and there is a powerlessness against bewitching, curses and spiritual beings.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Remember that God gives us victory 1 Co 15:57 Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord
Through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ.
Remember Jesus keeps believers safe .1 Jn 5:18 the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil
So the evil one cannot harm believers. one cannot harm them.
God gives us authority over the enemy: Lk 10: 19 given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy.
First. submit to God. Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will
Then, resist the evil one and he will flee. flee from you.
Ask the Lord for protection from evil. 2 Th 3:3 He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
Put on the full armor of God Eph 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand
Against the evil one’s plans. against the devil’s schemes.
Be strong in the Lord’s strength, not own. :10 be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Put on Truth of Jesus and Holy Spirit. :14 with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
Follow commandments to be righteous. :14 with the breastplate of righteousness in place
Stand on peace know the Good News. :15 with your feet fitted with… readiness …from the gospel of peace
Put on faith to block the lies of satan. :16 the shield of faith, extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil
one.
Protect the mind with the gift of salvation. :17 the helmet of salvation,
Use the Word of God an offensive weapon. :17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Pray continually with Holy Spirit,. :18 pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers.
Be alert do not be passive or ignorant. :18 be alert and always keep praying.
The Bible tells how to defeat the evil one. .Rev 12:11 They triumphed him (the evil one)
The evil one was defeated by Jesus death. by the blood of the Lamb and
The evil one is defeated by our testimony. by the word of their testimony;
The evil one is defeated by not fear death. they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
The evil one is defeated by God’s Word. Eph 6: 17 the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Tell your testimony against the evil one. 1 Pe 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks
Give others hope in Christ. you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Speak God’s Word from within you 1 Jn 2:14 the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the
To overcome the evil one. evil one.
Jesus used words of Isaiah when tempted .Mt 4:1-11 Jesus answered, “It is written …”
Speak the name of Jesus against evil. Mk 16:17 In my name they will drive out demons.
In traditional beliefs there is use of idols, charms, and magic turning to evil for power over circumstances.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
There is an end for those who do magic. Rev 21:8 those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they
They will be in hell. will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
The Bible explicitly condemns idolatry. Isa 42:17 But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are
our
They will be shamed. gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.
The Bible explicitly condemns magic. Eze 13:20 the sovereign LORD says: I am against your magic charms
They will have God against them. with which you ensnare people.
In traditional beliefs one uses seers, sorcerers and witch doctors to fight curses and evil spirits causing illnesses.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Not to see sorcerers or witch doctors .Dt 18:10 divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,
False seers are a source of shame. Mic 3:7 The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced.
Jesus is The Great Physician. Mat 4:23 healing every disease and sickness among the people.
If we are sick, call the church elders. Jas 5:14-16 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of
Pray and anoint in the name of the Lord. the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of
The prayer in faith will make him well. the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well;
Because the Lord will raise them up. the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Confess your sins one to another. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so
Pray for each other so you may be healed. that you may be healed.
God forgives sins and heals diseases. Ps 103:3 forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.
In traditional beliefs one uses divination to determine the will of evil or ancestral spirits to plan for the future.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Divination is wrong. Lev 19:26 Do not practice divination or seek omens.
Divination is deception of the evil one. Jer 29:8 Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you.
Paul cast a demon out of a diviner. Ac 16:18 “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of
Using the Name of Jesus Christ. her.” At that moment the spirit left her.
Christians should use discernment. Ro 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
Discernment is seeking God’s will. transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test
Seeking His best will for your life. and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
If your earnestly seek discernment. Pr 2:3, 4 If you cry out for discernment, … if your seek her NKJV
God will give you understanding, Pr 2:5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the
God will give you knowledge of His will. knowledge of God.
Discernment guidelines:
It must agree with the Word of God. Heb 4:12 The Word of God …is a discerner of thoughts. NKJV
It must Glorify God. 1 Co 10:31 whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.
It must use your gifts to serve others. 1 Pe 4:10 use whatever gift you have received to serve others.
It is confirmed by mature Christians. 1 Co 14:29 the others should weigh carefully what is said.
It is in surrender to God’s will. 1 Jn 5:14 if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
It must include aspects of contentment. Php 4:11 be content whatever the circumstances.
It must express the love of Jesus Christ. Jn 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
It will come to pass or bear fruit. Dt 18:22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not
. take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken.
In traditional beliefs there is continued fear of angry spirits, bewitching or evil eye.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
To fear the Lord means to revere him. Ps 33:8 fear the Lord, let all the people of the world revere him.
God is not an angry God to be feared. Ps 86:15 You Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger.
God is love. 1 Jn 4:8 God is love.
We express love for God with obedience. Jn 14:23 Any one who loves me will obey my teaching.
We express love for God by loving others. 1 Jn 4:11 Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Perfect love casts out fear. 1 Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.
We should not to be anxious Php 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by
Instead we should pray and give thanks. prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jesus said we should not worry. Mt 6:33, 34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
Jesus said first seek His righteousness . these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry.
Holy Spirit dispels fear, 2 Ti 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid (fearful),
Holy Spirit replaces with power, love but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
In traditional beliefs one seeks to have power and there is power in evil, but that is aligning with satan.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
God is all powerful. He is omnipotent. Rev 19:1 Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
Jesus gave us power and authority. Mt 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them
So we can resist. authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
Jesus gave us power over evil. Lk 10:19 I have given you authority … to overcome all the power of the
So nothing will harm us. enemy; nothing will harm you.
In traditional beliefs curses and evil eye lead people to retaliate with curses and evil of their own.
In contrast, the Bible teaches
Do not curse parents. Ex 21:17 Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.
Do not curse rulers. Ex 22:28 Do not blaspheme Godor cursethe ruler of your people
Do not repay evil with evil. 1 Pe 3:9 Do not repay evi lwith evil or insult with insult. On the
Instead, repay evil with blessing. contrary, repay evil with blessing.
In this way overcome evil with good. Ro 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Bless and pray for those who curse. Lk 6:28 Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Anger gives the evil one a foothold. Eph 4:,26, 27 In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while
Do not go to bed if you are still angry. you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Instead cancel anger with forgiveness. 2 Co 2:10, 11 Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have
In Christ, God forgave us. forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight
In Christ, we are commanded to forgive. of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For
Forgiveness fights the evil one. we are not unaware of his schemes.
.
Summary:
The people of Africa are very religious Jesus died on The Cross to defeat the evil one
They are very aware of spiritual realities Jesus gave us The Great Commandments
They need to learn how to test the spirits Jesus gave us The Great Commission
Traditional beliefs and rituals Jesus is The Great Physician
Try to influence spirits aligned with the evil one Holy Spirit gives us The Gifts
Through divination, sacrifices, and magic Holy Spirit gives us The Fruit
To fight against curses, bewitching and evil eye Holy Spirit gives us The Power
The forces of evil give fears We give Glory to God
The forces of evil give darkness We give Compassion to others
The forces of evil give condemnation We give Thanks in all circumstances
The Bible says to resist evil Instead of divination—discernment
The Bible says to give our testimony Instead of anger–forgiveness
The Bible says to put on the Armor of God Instead of darkness—light
God gave us Life Instead of curse–bless
God gave us Light Instead of lies–truth
God gave us His Son Instead of fear–love
Unless otherwise indicated all verses are from the NIV New International Version
by Biblica, Inc of Zondervan Pub 2011
NKJV New King James Version by Thomas Nelson Pub 1982
CEV Contemporary English Version by The American Bible Society 1995
Pew Forum report Islam and Christianity in Sub-Saran Africa 2010
http://pewforum.org/newassets/images/reports/sub-saharan-africa/sub-saharan-africa-full-report.pdf
Dalene Rooks DeGraaf, PhD
Missionary Set Free Ministries: East Africa © 3/2011
If you have questions or comments or would like a printer friendly form of this document
please email me at dalenedegraaf@yahoo.com
Creed
July 25, 2010 at 2:59 am | Posted in Creed | Leave a comment
I believe…
In a triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Father: omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, omni-loving, omni-righteous,
Abba Father of us all, who sent His Son.
Jesus Christ, is the Son of God: fully divine yet fully human.
Who came to personify love.
Who came to testify to the truth.
Who came to live without sin to show us how to live.
Who came to die as a substitutionary atonement for all our sins.
Who came to be raised again so we may to be raised with Him one day.
Who came to become the only Way to the Father and the only Way to everlasting life.
Who came to give salvation to those who believe on Him, a gift by grace thru faith not that any man should boast.
Holy Spirit: counselor, guide, convicts us of sin, empowerer to witness, spiritual gift giver, intercessor for us.
I believe prayer changes things in the spiritual realm, our circumstances, our perspectives, our dependance on God.
I believe God still speaks to His people today if we listen expectantly and use careful discernment.
I believe in the inerrancy of Scripture for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness.
I believe our struggle is not against circumstances or humans, but against evil spiritual forces in heavenly realms.
I believe we, as Christians, have authority over the evil one, which we too often do not utilize.
evil one: the enemy, the father of lies, the deceiver, who prowls around to see whom he can devour.
The evil one will be defeated by the blood of the Lamb, the Word of God, and the word of our testimony.
I believe God made us with purposes:
To love God with our whole self and to love others as our self.
To Glorify God, to become Christ-like, to fellowship with believers, to minister to others, to intercede.
To preach good news to the poor, set the captives free, heal the broken hearted, care for widows and children.
To make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded, knowing He will be with us to the end of the age.
The VISION a mission to East Africa
April 11, 2010 at 3:49 am | Posted in Confession, Forgiveness, Testimony, VISION | 1 CommentThe VISION Abstract
Dalene Rooks DeGraaf, RN PhD
Missionary Set Free Ministries East Africa
http://www.setfreeministries.com/GlobalOutreach/Africa/DaleneDeGraaf.aspx
The VISION God has placed on my heart
Go to Kampala, Uganda.
Empower women of East Africa to become encouragers.
Train them to take their peers thru the Steps To Freedom
Give women a voice to tell and write their testimonies.
Internet community with website
http://walkfreeministries.com
Coordinate with Rev. Emmanuel Kabambi
Director of Set Free Ministries East Africa
The Need: The “Blood line”
There is a “blood line” running across Africa.
Above the line
is mostly Muslim
funded by the oil monies of the middle east.
Below the line
is mostly Christian
funded by the monies of United States and Europe.
Woven in the line
is much Occult
rooted in history and tradition of Africa.
Along the line the Muslims build Mosques
Even before there are people to fill them.
They come preaching their message of hatred of Christians
And the white men who teach about Christ.
Soon the Mosques are filled with converts
And the “blood line” moves south once again.
However, In Rakai, where Set Free Ministries
Has been teaching Christians
About freedom, truth and love.
The people asked the Muslim propagandists
“What are you teaching.?”
And the Muslims replied
with their lies and hatred about Christians.
The Christians in Rakai responded
“We have met the white man.
He has taught us about freedom, truth and love.
You come teaching about hatred and distention.
You come bringing darkness.
We don’t want you here.
We are followers of truth and light.”
The Muslims left.
And the Mosques remain empty.
Woven into the line and through out much of Africa
The Occult remains a major influence
Even among Christians.
When Christianity does not directly address
Spiritual warfare or the power of the Holy Spirit,
People are left to address spiritual concerns for power
With spiritists or witch doctors.
Set Free Ministries addresses these issues directly
In its teachings and in its implementation.
So the people have authority and tools to address
Spiritual Warfare.
They can disciple others in the power and authority
Of the Holy Spirit.
THE VISION Disciple women in Freedom Principles
Set Free Ministries to go along the “blood line”.
Teaching repentance confession and forgiveness:
Freedom Principles.
So the people can stand firm in the onslaught of darkness.
Provided by the teachings of Set Free Ministries.
The resistance of the evil one
And the authority and power of the Holy Spirit.
Men, pastors and other leaders
Have been taught Freedom Principles
By Set Free Ministry from the United States:
Dean VanderMey,, Jeff Stam, Paul Tammeling
And by the Set Free Ministries Director for East Africa
Rev. Emmanual Kabambi
Trainings for men could be extended by Rev. Emmanual Kabambi
Thru out Uganda and into surrounding East Africa.
My part of THE VISION would be to teach the women
Along the “blood line”
About Freedom in Christ.
About a new identity.
About repentance, confession and forgiveness.
Training women who are leaders in their churches.
To do Freedom Appointments
With other women.
So they know the bondage they are in:
Is not from the men who abuse them,
Is not from the poverty they live in,
Is not from the disease that infects them,
The bondage is from the evil one.
And Jesus Christ has over come evil and darkness
With truth and love.
And they can participate with Christ
Through repentance, confession and forgiveness.
There by resisting the evil one
So he will flee.
Thus releasing the power of the Holy Spirit.
To heal their land.
Trainings
in three to five days:
Introductory didactic outline of each Step
A testimony specific to the Step. Rev. 12:11
A role play demonstration of the Step.
An opportunity to receive a Freedom Appointment
An opportunity to be a prayer partner
An opportunity to be an encourager
Testimony writing and telling session
Follow up: Email contact for discipleship.
Website: http://walkfreeministries.com
Teach leaders of past trainings
how to do trainings themselves.
The Goals: Trainings, Testimonies, Website
The VISION is to not only be an encourager of women
The VISION is to also empower women to be encouragers.
Jesus did not commission us to go make followers.
Jesus commissioned us to go make disciples.
Follower: one who ascribes to the teachings of another.
Disciple: one who embraces
And assists in spreading the teachings of another.
Teach women to do their own Freedom Appointments.
Teach women to give their own testimony.
Teach women to be lights in the darkness.
To set others free.
To defeat the evil one.
To disciple others.
Norah is an excellent example.
She went to the training Jeff and Paul did in Soroti.
She has done at least ten Freedom Appointments.
She has interpreted for other women my testimony.
She is writing her own testimony
And encouraging others to write theirs.
The VISION is to train hundreds of Norah’s.
Who will in turn train…..
The website http://walkfreeministries.com To provide
Continuing access to the trainers and graduated trainees
I-community to discuss challenges of being an encourager
RSS feed for continuing education.
Measurable goals:
# of trainings.
# of trainees.
# of Freedom Appointments to trainees.
# of Freedom Appointments by trainees.
# of Testimonies written by trainees.
# of Testimonies written by trainees FA recipients
# of trainings by trainees . . . .
# of hits on website.
# of RSS feeds sent out by website.
# of training requests.
Goal : 1000 testimonies by trainees and recipients
The Setting Kampala, Uganda extending thru East Africa
Kampala is where Rev. Emmanuel Kabambi is living and serving
Davis Omanyo of CRWRC East Africa offered shared office space
and would like to collaborate with Set Free Ministries
in the 1500 churches CRWRC is affiliated with.
There is a woman working for CRWRC who may rent a house
There are international churches in the area with small groups
for a supportive growing community.
The office for discipleship training and mentoring encouragers
The location central to East Africa for outreach trainings
Davis Omanyo’s wife, a Physical Therapist, there may be opportunity
for evangelism and training with other health care professionals
SFM already has 8 initiatives in Kenya and Uganda
There are other links in Sudan, Liberia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda. Tanzania along “the bloodline”…. …
the need is endless until Christ comes.
If you are called to Join in the VISION contact
http://SetFreeMinistries.com
Donations: Payable to Set Free Ministries
700 36th St SE Grand Rapids 49548 616 726 5400
visit my website: http://walkfreeministries.com
for trained encouragers in doing freedom appointments
Friend me on Facebook:: Dalene DeGraaf
pictures of the trip to Uganda
post prayer requests.
Email: dalenedegraaf@yahoo.com
Dalene Rooks DeGraaf, RN PhD
Missionary, Psychologist, Nurse
Confession
January 3, 2010 at 1:56 am | Posted in Confession | Leave a commentTherefore confess your sins to each other. James 5:16 NIV
The Word of God makes
Confession and repentance a cornerstone of making us right with God.
It is an integral part of becoming born again:
We confess our sins,
Believe in Jesus death and resurrection as payment for our sins,
Commit to living with Christ as Lord of our lives,
And we are saved.: Salvation
Thereafter,
Confession clears away lies and distractions
In our walk with the Lord.
“If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
And purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 NIV: Sanctification
For this reason confession is the first in the Steps to Freedom.
The question is sometimes raised….
Why can’t I just do this in private?
Why do I need to do it with an encourager or prayer partner present?
There is Biblical support for public confession.
“Make this your common practice:
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other
So that you can live together whole and healed.
The prayer of a person living right with God
Is something powerful to be reckoned with.”
James 5:15-17 Message.
The evil one likes to work in secret.
he likes to keep us in the dark.
But the Bible says…
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper,
But whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Prov 28:d13 NIV
Testimony:
A couple of years ago,
I suddenly began experiencing:
Intrusive, negative, sinful thoughts.
They were unlike my usual sinful thoughts,
In their frequency, intensity and duration.
For several days I could not get them out of my mind.
They were there as I went to bed
They were there as I got up.
They were there as I worked.
Finally I confessed my thoughts out loud to a Christian friend.
It was as though something CRACKED in the spirit world
The confession broke the power of the sin.
I was free of the thoughts.
I was free of the guilt.
I was free of the shame
May the Lord be praised,
For His promised Freedom from guilt and sin.
Dalene
Confidentiality
December 15, 2009 at 11:45 pm | Posted in Confidentiality | Leave a commentA gossip betrays a confidence,
but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
Proverbs 11:13
Can you keep a secret?
Maintaining confidentiality is imperative in Freedom Ministry.*
Recipients are disclosing the most sensitive, private aspects of their lives.
Their sins and failings,
Their hurts and pains,
Their generational sins.
Their unspoken dreams.
They need to have complete trust in the encourager to maintain privacy.
Recall for a moment the last time someone broke your trust….
How did it feel?
What did you think?
What did you want to do?
How long did it take to trust them again?
How long did it take to trust others again?
Once trust is broken …. it is gone.
It damages the recipient.
It damages your ability to ever minister again.
It damages the ability of others to minister again.
It damages the ministry as a whole.
Some specific examples….
Be careful when giving examples of those you have helped in the past,
That you not give information so someone might guess who it is.
Be careful when running into someone in public,
That you not ask how things have gone since their Freedom Appointment.
Be careful with notes, phone numbers, and addresses,
That you not have confidential information where it can be found.
Be careful when someone’s name comes up in conversation,
That you do not act as though you recognize their name.
Be careful if asked if you have done a Freedom Appointment for someone,
That you do not acknowledge either yes or no.
I ask again…. Can you keep a secret? Search your heart.
Clearly explain confidentiality to recipients
Shred any paperwork related to the appointment
In the presence of the recipient.
When explaining confidentiality to recipients
be sure to explain the exceptions to confidentiality.
* Exceptions to Confidentiality:
In the case of imminent danger to self or others
confidentiality must be broken
and the proper authorities notified.
In the case of consultation and supervision
within the ministry
confidentiality may be broken
but only necessary details for supervision
with identifying information kept private as possible.
Confidentiality Agreement for Set Free Ministries.
I understand that my role is to offer a listening ear, encouragement, words of grace and or prayer support and love to those seeking ministry.
I understand that in fulfilling my role I will be aware of information which is extremely personal and confidential to the ministry recipient and ministry team.
I understand that though I may not be bound by a professional code of conduct I am bound by a Bibilical code of justice, morality and love. Therefore, I will not under any circumstances divulge or share with anyone, other than the SFM leadership team member, what has been shared with me by a ministry recipient. Nor will I divulge the name of any ministry recipient to anyone. To do so would destroy the support and ministry I am attempting to provide in Jesus name.
Value of Testimony
December 11, 2009 at 1:32 am | Posted in Testimony | Leave a commentThey overcame him (that is the evil one)
By the blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony.
Rev 12:11
This verse depicts the importance of our testimony.
Testimony of what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us.
It is a weapon against the evil one.
It is powerful against strongholds.
It shakes the foundations of darkness.
For though we live in the world,
we do not wage war as the world does.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
I encourage you to take the time to think about
your own testimony of what God has done for you.
When are the times God:
Lifted you up?
Encouraged you?
Called you?
Healed you?
Convicted you?
Jot down a few notes
Make a list of memories
Make your own “History”… God’s story.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you
to give the reason for the hope that you have.
1 Peter 3:15
Freedom Thru Forgiveness
December 11, 2009 at 12:48 am | Posted in Forgiveness, Freedom thru Forgiveness, Testimony | 3 CommentsA Testimony of God’s Work in my life
When bad things happen to us.
We become hurt and angry.
We also come to believe lies.
Lies about who God is.
Lies about who we are.
From the evil one.
Over time we hold on to the bitterness.
We hold on to the pain and anguish.
It becomes part of our identity.
It becomes a pattern of sinning.
I want to share with you.
Some things that happened in my life.
Some things that made me feel hurt and rejected.
Some things the evil one used to tempt me to sin.
I want to share with you.
The way God used Set Free Ministries:
To break the bondage of bitterness,
To break the bondage of suicidal thoughts,
To break the bondage of anger and depression,
To set me free from all of that,
Thru deep abiding forgiveness.
When I was 2 years old,
My father became ill with lung cancer.
He was dying.
I have been told many times the story.
I was 2 years old and had a dirty diaper.
My mother was upset.
At the same time my father was calling,
At the same time the phone was ringing,
At the same time the pastor was at the door.
My mother was coming unglued.
The pastor assessed the situation,
And took me home with him.
No clothes, no blanket, nothing.
For six weeks until my father died.
I felt alone and abandoned at the pastor’s house.
So I learned if I do something really bad I will be rejected.
By the time I returned home, my father was dead
I was told by good people trying to explain to a little girl.
God took my father to heaven to be with Him.
I didn’t like a God, who stole the Daddy of a little girl.
He was not loving, but a thief who couldn’t be trusted.
For much of my life when something went wrong,
I wished I was dead, to be in heaven with my father.
From the time I was 6 to 12,
Someone was inappropriate with me.
I was confused and bitter about love and sexuality.
Subsequently I made poor and sinful choices.
So there was him and there were others.
In time I got married.
We had three children.
And when the children were 2, 4, and 6.
My husband left me for another woman.
I was devastated to the point of despair and suicide.
For months and months.
In time, I pulled my life together,
On the outside. . .
I raised my children.
I finished school.
I worked.
I even worshiped.
On the inside, however,
My thoughts were filled with negativism.
Whenever something went wrong,
I just wanted to be dead.
I held bitterness toward God.
I held bitterness toward men.
The joy of the Lord.
Twelve years ago I first encountered Set Free Ministries.
I had a Freedom Appointment.
I read Neil T. Anderson’s books.
But I did not actually do forgiveness with my heart.
I did not realize its importance.
I was a psychologist,
But had not learned about forgiveness
In graduate school.
I was a Christian,
But had not applied teachings on forgiveness
To my life.
Finally, I came to my Pastor Jeff (PJ) Stam,
Who started Set Free Ministries,
To work on the issues with my abuser and the others.
I took a whole weekend,
To take myself thru A Freedom Appointment.
(Something I do not recommend, have someone trained
walk thru A Freedom Appointment with you,)
I diligently worked my way thru,
The section on forgiveness:
I listed the men,
I listed what had happened,
I listed my feelings and reactions,
I confessed my part for things when I was older.
I forgave each one from my heart.
God transformed my bitterness into compassion.
It was as though a veil was lifted.
The perpetual noise was gone.
My senses were more acute.
Colors were brighter.
Music was more vibrant.
The Bible came alive.
Thru my obedience to forgive and confess.
God had healed my mind.
My emotions
My soul.
However, I continued to struggle
With wishing I was dead.
I wasn’t suicidal.
I didn’t want to harm myself.
I just wished I wasn’t alive.
I wished I was in heaven.Particularly when life was stressful.
I talked with Pastor Jeff about it.
He recommended I speak with a counselor at Set Free Ministries.
So we met and spoke about my father’s death,
And my mother sending me away to be with the pastor.
I was only two, so I had little actual memory,
But there was still significant impact.
I know it seems odd, but
I needed to forgive my father for dying.
I needed to forgive my mother for sending me away.
I needed to forgive God for allowing it to happen.
Now, I know God is perfect.
I know God does not need to be forgiven,
Because He does not sin.
But I needed to let go of the bitterness I held in my heart,
And I refer to that as “forgiving” God.
Perhaps there is a better word to use,
But I don’t know what it is.
So I wrestled with the feelings.
I wrestled with the bitterness.
I talked it thru with the counselor for three hours.
But didn’t feel done
So I went to my father’s grave and prayed.
I went home and prayed some more.
I prayed with persistence,
Until the wall of distrust between God and I came down.
I knew He truly loved me.
I knew He was working even this for my good.
I knew in His omniscience He understood what I could not.
I felt free to truly live for Christ.
Forgiveness had transformed death into life.
It had been 20 years since the divorce.
And I knew the value of forgiveness.
But I had not yet forgiven
My ex-husband and his wife.
The winter of 2008, my son was getting married soon.
His fiance was making Profession of Faith at her church.
She wanted us all to come over for brunch after church.
Us all . . .
My ex-husband, his wife, our children, and I.
We rarely were together,
If we were, they tended to shun me.
God told me
“You need to forgive them.”
And I said, “Later.”
Time went by . . .
“You need to forgive them.”
“Later.
“Time went by . . .
“You need to forgive them.”
“Later.”
Finally the day of the Profession of Faith arrived.
And I got up a little early,
But not early enough to forgive,
20 years of hurt and pain.
I opened the curtain and looked outside.
There was two feet of snow on the ground.
(For those with no experience of snow.
It is like having two feet of ice cream on the ground.)
The roads were impassable.
No one was going any where.
The churches were canceled.
There was no Profession of Faith that day.
God said, “Now! . . . You will forgive.”
And I did.
I took the whole afternoon:
To list all the incidents.
To list all the hurts.
To confess all my part.
To choose to forgive.
I forgave things they had done to me
I forgave things they had done to my children.
Any mother knows it hurts worse to see her children hurt.
Again God blessed me with healing.
A few weeks later the Profession of Faith was rescheduled.
We got together for brunch.
My ex-husband and his wife,
Acted as tho I wasn’t there.
Instead of being hurt,
Instead of feeling rejected,
I thought it was funny.
I thought they were silly.
Forgiveness had transformed hurt into humor.
I confess I even felt proud,
That they were not over it in 20 years,
But I was over it.
Then I was humbled to recall.
I had forgiven only been three weeks ago,
So I did not have a reason to be proud.
The last sentence in the prayer for forgiveness.
“I now ask You to bless those who have hurt me.”
Almost stuck in my throat.
Forgiveness is one thing but asking God to bless?
As I studied God’s word: Bless those who curse you.
So blessing is as much a command as forgiveness.
How could I bless my former husband?
I decided to write him a Thank You Note.
To bless him with appreciation for….
Being a good father and spiritual leader in the home,
Sending the children to Christian schools and church, and
For paying for school fees, expenses and weddings.
It did not result in reconciliation, but
I knew I had obeyed God thru forgiveness.
I knew I had obeyed God thru blessing.
It changed my relationship with God.
It changed me inside my heart and soul.
So there were three dramatic incidents in my life
That were healed thru forgiveness:
The death of my father.
The damage from my abusers.
The divorce of my husband.
Thru forgiveness and blessing God transformed:
Death to life for Him.
Bitterness to compassion.
Hurt to humor.
I can experience the joy of the Lord.
So don’t let the sun go down on your anger.
Don’t give the evil one a foothold.
Don’t wait years to forgive.
Take the time.
Make the time.
Today.
To forgive.
And be free.
Dalene Rooks DeGraaf RN PhD
SFM Missionary to East Africa
Contact:
http://www.SetFreeMinistries.com
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