October 2024
Praise and Thanksgiving
Story of Joseph (Genesis 37-41)
God has purpose in every moment and is always with us
Genesis 39:20-23, Deut. 31:6, Hebrews 13:5, Psalm 32:8
God working in the Meanwhile…
Praise the Lord for all the ways he has shown His presence and purpose during times of waiting, times of building, or even times of confusing circumstances
"But while Joseph was there in the prison, the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did."
Genesis 39:20b-23
Resource Development
· STEPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE—1st Pilot Oct 12th at The Factory Church in Woodstock, GA with about 70 students
· Updated Language and clarity for young generations
· Additional topics added including Idolatry, hypocrisy, and more
· New “What’s Next” Section including resources for fear, anxiety, forgiveness of others, stronghold busting, scriptural listening prayer
· UNSTUCK
· Revising the book itself for young people
· Creating a team of Gen Z mentors, pastors and contributors to write small group curriculum resource
Current Areas of Focus
· GF TEAM EXPANSION in the “meanwhile” - Finding ways to further invest into those who want to serve with GenFree, keeping momentum and growth even while we wait for FICM USA organizational structure development and implementation
· SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE—Exploring and possibly developing a social media account for both Gen Z and adults who minister to Gen Z (pastors, mentors, parents)
· VIDEO LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT
· Round Table discussions for parents
· Gen Z testimonies
· STEPS TRAINING (specifically targets for young participants)
· Both individual and group appointments
· REFINED INTENSIVES—providing more specialized training for individuals who want to reach and disciple young people
Summer 2024
Happy summer to you and your loved ones! I hope you are all well and growing with the Lord! I wanted to write a note to all the prayer warriors to firstly, thank you, for your prayers and support of the ministry and life God has called me to! I have felt your prayers and love throughout the most recent steps of my journey.
I also wanted to give you a personal update on my health and recovery at this point. As you might has seen in an email from Freedom in Christ Ministries, USA, I have been on medical sabbatical since June of this year. Here is an overall summary of what has happened:
It has been an eventful year. In July 2023, I had a heart ablation to address some Afib (Afib stands for atrial fibrillation (AF), which is a type of arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat) occurrences. After this procedure, my recovery became complicated with a surgery site infection which led to rehospitalization, which led to exposure to pneumonia, which resulted in a recovery time over 8 weeks long. This was hard on my body and proved to cause additional longer-term complications in my overall health.
We then moved from Melissa, Texas to Rustburg, Virginia. We rented a small townhome while we looked for a home to purchase. This was a beautiful adventure which we felt called by the Lord to go on and were looking forward to what He had in store. Once in Virginia, in November, I found it hard to mentally focus, communicate clearly, and physically recover from each GenFree event. This worsened over time and then I began having problems breathing and experienced deep chest pain; eventually leading me to the hospital in April. After many tests and cardiologists’ assessments, they diagnosed me with pericarditis – a swollen heart. Recovery would take 3-6 months, but healing was possible!
We since found and closed on our forever home (until God says otherwise) on 12 acres of wooded bliss in Evington, Virginia (I call it my “pocket of peace”). The Lord blessed us with a home that was truly a gift hand picked for us. We moved in a few weeks after I returned home from the hospital.
Heart health and recovery has involved cardiac physical therapy, a lot of rest and slowing of pace, continued diet adjustments and many trials of prescriptions for various heart issues. The leadership of Freedom in Christ Ministries has been so supportive of me and taking time for my body and soul to recover. I am so blessed to work and serve with these amazing children of God & hope to return full-time to ministry in the Fall.
Please continue to pray for Tammy Williams, the GenFree Associate Director, as she carries more of her share of ministry while I am on this medical sabbatical. Also pray for all the young people who are seeking freedom from hurt, spiritual apathy, deception, and bondage.
Lastly, please pray for the leadership and growing ministry of Freedom in Christ Ministries USA as we rebuild and reorganize for exponential growth in 2024 and beyond!
Gratefully Free,
Mellisa Pressley
February 2024
FEBRUARY 1, 2024
Scripture mediation: We suit up & battle, knowing victory is already secure!
Psalm 18:2; Ephesians 6:12; Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 140:7; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; Ephesians 3:21; Psalm 35
Psalm 35 Declaration
Heavenly Father, our loving, all knowing, all powerful, ever-present God, our Rock in whom we take refuge-we worship You!
We declare that Freedom In Christ Ministries belongs to Jesus and not to us. We declare our unity in Christ, knowing that any struggle we have is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. So, we submit to God and we resist Satan.
We stand together on the promises and authority of God's Word, and...
We declare that no weapon formed against us will prosper.
We declare that God will condemn every tongue that rises against us in judgment.
We declare that God is our Strong Deliverer, who shields our heads in the day of battle.
We declare that God has entrusted us with a life-changing message for the Church worldwide and the gates of hell will NOT prevail against that message!
Father God, as we prepare for expansion, we call on You to oppose any who oppose us and fight any who fight against us. Turn back and humiliate any who want to harm us, testify against us, or accuse us of crimes we know nothing about. If we are attacked by people we don't even know, or if they slander us. mock us and call us names, then we will rejoice in You. We will be glad because You will rescue us. Rise to our defense. Take up our case. Lift up Your spear and javelin against any who pursue us. Thank You that You have given us victory!
Give great joy to those who came to our defense. Let them continually say, "Great is the Lord, who delights in blessing His servants with peace." Then we too will proclaim Your justice and praise You all day long. With every bone in our bodies, we will praise You. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who can compare with You? We will praise You before all the people.
To You be glory in the Church throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
Praise and Thanksgiving
NEW Identity Group is in full swing!
This small group study began January 15th. We have 12 Participants from GenFree 2023 Intensives learning relational skills and digging deeper in their identity in Christ! It has been an amazing time together!
Unstuck – We have been given a green light to begin updating the Unstuck book written by Rich Miller! God is opening the doors for development of more resources for young generations.
We feel confirmed in GenFree’s areas of ministry focus for 2024. We have prayed (and continue to pray) for direction and emphasis for this year and feel God has answered. Praise the Lord! We want to act out of obedience to Christ and the prompting of the Holy Spirit only, abandoning our own drivenness, fleshly self-sufficiency, or human knowledge.
There are several churches we are working with who are introducing Freedom to their Youth Groups! God is definitely on the move!
Intercession
Please pray specifically for Olivia (“Liv”) who is a 14-year-old girl who attempted suicide this week. Olivia is not saved and is currently in a treatment facility. Please also, pray for her mother Megan as she is navigating this pain while maintaining her sobriety and exploring her freedom in Christ as a believer. (She is enrolled in the FIC Course starting this month) I believe they need immense strategic prayer, am and asking all of you to join me, battling for them both.
Freedom in Christ 2024 VISION, STRUCTURE AND FOCUS
PLEASE PRAY for the Office Staff and National Leadership Team as they gather together next week, February 5th-7th for a time of networking, praying, and organizing for ministry in 2024 & beyond
Specifically pray for:
Unity in Spirit and abiding in the vine in community
Clear and grace-filled communication and sharing of ideas
Seth, Dan, and Cindy as they lead this time together
Satan to be confused, thwarted, disarmed, and bound from our time together
Joy, Fresh Passion and vision for the future plans God has in store for all of us in FICM USA
Safe travels for everyone coming from throughout the USA
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Planning for the 2024 calendar year
Development on Unstuck Bible Study – this is an online course we are developing for adults and young generations to participate together. Our hope is to pilot this focused study for young generations
Development of more “Young Persons” and “Parent” add-on resources to existing FICM courses.
Continued Donations for funding curriculum, resources, digital resources, and graphic animations, etc.
January 2024
Prayer for Young Generations
JANUARY 4, 2024
Scripture mediation: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
*The intent here is to pray (using several bible translations):
Recognizing the promises of God and His character/attributes given
With each verse in application to you personally and in application to the GF ministry
NIV
[16] Rejoice always, [17] pray continually, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [19] Do not quench the Spirit. [20] Do not treat prophecies with contempt [21] but test them all; hold on to what is good, [22] reject every kind of evil. [23] May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [24] The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
ERV
[16] Always be full of joy. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus. [19] Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit. [20] Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. [21] But test everything. Keep what is good, [22] and stay away from everything that is evil. [23] We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. [24] The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him.
NLT
[16] Always be joyful. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. [19] Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. [20] Do not scoff at prophecies, [21] but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. [22] Stay away from every kind of evil. [23] Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. [24] God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
MSG
[16-18] Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. [19-22] Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil. [23-24] May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!
Verse 16
Verse 17
Verse 18
Verse 19
Verse 20
Verse 21
Verse 22
Verse 23
Verse 24
Praise and Thanksgiving
Lord, Jesus, THANK YOU! Our hearts overflow with gratitude, appreciation and love for who YOU are, who You made us to be as your children, and the purpose and position You gave us here on earth.
Personal (you, family, friends, community)
Ministry in your community
GenFree
Freedom in Christ Ministries USA
Freedom in Christ Ministries International
Intercession
2024 VISION, STRUCTURE AND FOCUS
I don’t know how to accurately describe the deep need for prayer and “wait” the Lord is pressing into the GenFree Team for 2024. I believe God is refining the focus, teaching us more of HIS plans for Freedom in Christ and GenFree, and preparing us for exponential growth. Please pray!! This is the most needed action for the GenFree Team at this time. We want to act out of obedience to Christ and the prompting of the Holy Spirit only; abandoning our own drivenness, fleshly self-sufficiency, or human knowledge.
NEW Identity Group
This small group study will begin January 15th. This time together will be highly relational and based on the Who I Am in Christ Devotional identity statements. Participants from 2023 Intensives are invited to attend, learn relational skills, network, and keep connections with others who have attended a GenFree Intensive
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Planning for the 2024 calendar year
Care and Training Events focused on Young Generations planning in 2024
Development on Unstuck Bible Study – this is an online course we are developing for adults and young generations to participate together. Our hope is to pilot this focused study for young generations
Development of more “Young Persons” and “Parent” add-on resources to existing FICM courses.
We have 6 adults who have begun the process to become GenFree Specialist!
Pray as the GF Team reviews applications, conducts interviews, and seeks the Lord in His will and direction for the building of the GF network of resources for young generations
Continued Donations for funding curriculum, resources, digital resources, and graphic animations, etc.
December 2023
God is infinitely patient. He will not push himself into our lives. He knows the greatest thing he has given us is our freedom. If we want habitually, even exclusively, to operate from the level of our own reason, he will respectfully keep silent. We can fill ourselves with our own thoughts, ideas, images, and feelings. He will not interfere. But if we invite him with attention, opening the inner spaces with silence, he will speak to our souls, not in words or concepts, but in the mysterious way that Love expresses itself- by presence.
M. BASIL PENNINGTON
Sharing silence is a profound act of trust, love, and courtesy It is a mutual gift, a necessity, a helping hand, a path, and a discipline.
GUNILLA NORRIS
Prayer Invitation to Experience God’s Transforming Presence in Solitude and Silence (from Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Haley Burton)
Dallas Willard quotes Blaise Pascal as saying that "all the unhappiness of man arises from the single fact that they cannot stay quietly in their room, so they turn to diversions to distract themselves." That's a pretty bold statement! He goes on to say that even when we attempt to rest, we are confused and "aim at rest through excitement"-in other words, through more stimulation. How do you see evidence of this in our culture and in your own life
Acknowledging the "inner demons" or flesh patterns of desire to perform, to be seen as competent, productive, culturally relevant and balanced as major obstacles in journey to trust God. At the same time, there is great delight of being invited by God to greater intimacy and more and more often the delight is overpowering the flesh. What are the flesh patterns you notice in your own life that prevent you from entering into solitude and silence? How are you experiencing God's invitation to you in the midst of these challenges?
Read the story of Elijah from 1 Kings 19:1-12
Closing Silence. Take a moment or two in silence to reflect on what you have shared and received this year. Experience your gratitude for what God has done in 2023. Listen for any encouragement, instruction, guidance or invitation that the Holy Spirit is impressing on your heart and claim what you want to take with you into the next year.
Praise and Thanksgiving
GenFree has had an amazing year of LEARNING, CONNECTING and DISCIPLING those who love young generations.
We have had 2 great GenFree Intensives where God brought together many communities through the lives of over 50 PARTICIPANTS who were trained, loved, networked and resourced to be a light in their hometowns and churches.
The vision of reaching and discipling 13–24-year-olds has been shared all over the world this past year, cultivating interest, investment, and unity throughout the body of Christ.
We received donations this year from over 16 individuals/foundations to develop discipleship resources for young generations.
The website, testimonials, resources and team members created this year has been Spirit-led, impactful, and catalytic in moving us forward toward exponential growth in reaching young people.
Intercession
Rest, recovery, and renewal for all those who have been involved in the many activities within GenFree this year.
Pray for a beautiful time of intimacy and growth in the families of all our leaders during the holidays!
NEW Bible study and Journey Groups
Identity Groups – these are small group studies that will be highly relational and based on the Who I Am in Christ Devotional identity statements. Participants from 2023 Intensives are invited to attend, learn relational skills, network, and keep connections with others who have attended a GenFree Intensive
Unstuck Bible Study – this is an online course we are developing for adults and young generations to participate together. Our hope is to pilot this focused study for young generations
We have 6 adults who have begun the process to become GenFree Specialist!
Pray as the GF Team reviews applications, conducts interviews, and seeks the Lord in His will and direction for the building of the GF network of resources for young generations
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Planning for the 2024 calendar year
Care and Training Events focused on Young Generations planning in 2024
Continued Donations for funding curriculum, resources, digital resources, and graphic animations, etc.
November 2023
Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord’s message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 NLT
Praise and Thanksgiving
Safety and provision were abundantly given to all those participating in the Intensive!
We saw beautiful connections and friendships bloom in our time together, united as one body and joyful!
God continually cultivated time, grace, and joy throughout the two days together….His hands were apparent and anchored us all!
Thank you, Jesus, for your prayer warriors who faithfully prayed throughout the Intensive training!
Thank you for the Intensive leaders and helpers: Mellisa, James, Tammy, Joe, Jennifer, Scott, Cameron, Mary, Sherri, Brenda, Gail, Greg, Jill, Seth and Dan.
Thank you to all of the speakers: Greg Molinaro, Tammy Williams, James Pressley and Mellisa Pressley for great content and training! It was amazing to listen to the many table discussions, network and learn together how we might reach young generations with the freedom message!
Thank you to Mary B., the Southview Church pastors & worship team, Brenda, and Sherri for all the hospitality and care given to everyone involved!
Thank you, Jill and Greg Shafer, Gail Shipps, Jewl Westphalen, Neil Anderson, Seth Broadhurst, Dan Studt, Cindy Bergenback, Lauren Boyt, and other support FICM staff who all helped create resources, prayer protection, sharing discerning wisdom, and more at this Tennessee Intensive 2023!
Intercession
GF Intensive in Springhill, TN continued movement forward
GF Leadership – Lord, refine your message and impact for future Intensives and GenFree training
Participants - Lord bring Your passion, protection, and guidance to all those who will participated
We have 6 adults who have begun the process to become GenFree Specialist!
Pray as the GF Team reviews applications, conducts interviews, and seeks the Lord in His will and direction for the building of the GF network of resources for young generations
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Planning for the 2024 calendar year
Care and Training Events focused on Young Generations planning in 2024
Continued Donations for funding curriculum, resources, digital resources, and graphic animations, etc.
Rest, recovery, and renewal for all those who have been involved in the many activities within GenFree this year
Pray for a beautiful time of intimacy and growth in the families of all our leaders during the holidays
NEW Bible study and Identity Groups are in the process of planning
Identity Groups – these are small group studies that will be highly relational and based on the Who I Am in Christ Devotional identity statements. Participants from 2023 Intensives will be invite to attend, learn relational skills, network, and keep connections with others who have attended a GenFree Intensive
Unstuck Bible Study – this is an online course we are developing for adults and young generations to participate together. Our hope is to pilot this focused study for young generations