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The following is a letter that was given to me during a Women’ Breakfast in my hometown church:
Dear Spring Valley Church, My name is Julie*. I got time served to 23 months parole on December 11, 2001 and it is now almost February and I am still sitting in prison. I have no family that lives in PA to help me out. All of them live in Iowa. I am a first time offender and due to not enough programs that help women, I am still sitting up here (BCP). Because we have committed a crime doesn’ mean that we don’ deserve another chance. I am only 19 years old and there is no half-way houses that have room for me or anybody else that needs help. I am asking you guys to see if you can rent a house or an old building and fix it up so that girls could have a place to go. I know you guys do Bible Studies here and that is greatly appreciated. I know you also help with Christmas gifts too, but if you guys could have a house for people to go to so that girls like myself could get back up on their feet that would greatly be appreciated too. Thank you guys very much. Sincerely, Julie
This was just one of numerous letters I read that morning. Women after women asking for an opportunity to change their lives. They do not ask for much, a place to stay, a place to eat and somewhere where they can seek God’ love. These children of God need to be mentored and discipled, not ignored. They need a place where they can find refuge and safety, a place where they would know the true meaning of Christianity. We at Freedom Gate are hearing their cry and are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to help these young women get their lives in order. Freedom Gate Ministries currently has a house that is sitting empty, because of there are insufficient funds to keep it open. We also are searching for dedicated staff who hear God’ calling and are willing to assist us in fulfilling His word. We will not give up. God hears the cries of these women and He knows that we must act in order to help them. Many people have expressed interest in joining our staff, but when the hear the budgeted salary, they change their minds. Other applicants are so in debt that they cannot join us at this time. We will continue to pray for them. Are we really fulfilling what the Lord called us to do? To do just like Jesus did when he came to dwell among us? Isaiah 61:1-3 says, The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’ favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. This is our commission, the commission that Jesus himself left for us before he ascended into heaven. It is time to get rid of everything that hinders us from fulfilling the Great Commission and get right down to business. It is time to get out of the comfort zone and experience God in His fullest. Time is running out and souls are being lost everyday. I humbly ask, all those that come in contact with this newsletter, if you want to make a difference in someone’ life to call Freedom Gate, volunteer your time or if you know of single women who have a calling to work with women, please, please call us. Women are hurting and there is no place to put them. As we are a people of faith, He will provide. We need to hear from you. We place our faith on the everlasting God, and we know that He will provide the finances required to successfully meet out goal. We have to step out in faith and believe that He is Jehovah-Jirah, our Provider!!! Won’ you please help us? There is nothing too hard for the Lord. Hallelujah!!!
Blessings, Diana Oriol Housemother
(*Note: Name change for confidentiality)
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