October 2023
Prayer for Young Generations
OCTOBER 5, 2023
God is our Sustainer
Definition: One who strengthens, supports, assists, or carries
Scriptures: Psalm 18:35; Psalm 54:4; Psalm 147:6
Praise and Thanksgiving
There was a very positive response to GenFree at the Transform Retreat in Ashville, NC in September 18-20. There were many great conversations, networking, and sign-ups for the GenFree Intensive from this group.
The Lord has provided 42 participants for our Spring Hill, TN Intensive! This is a dynamic group of people from many different backgrounds, areas of the USA, various ages and levels of experience with young generations, and an amazing level of interest expressed.
Tammy has been given additional opportunities to share about GenFree and FICM USA to potential donors later this year. Please continue to pray for her and those who are looking into partnering with us.
James and Mellisa Pressley have sold their home in Texas and will be moving to Rustburg, Virginia at the end of this month. The Lord has continually been providing, protecting, and showing up in beautiful ways over the past few months in this area of life.
Intercession
Planning for our next Intensive in October 9-10 in Springhill, TN
Training content
Hosting needs like meals, and transportation
Participants - Lord bring Your provision, protection, and guidance to all those who will participate:
Lauren, Seth, Mary, Josh, Barbara, JJ, Trenidy, Daryl, Stephanie, Bernard, Kennah, Erin, Lynda, Carol, Sherri, Sandra, Gregory, Jack, Sherri, James, Mellisa, Melissa, Mark, Bonnie, Rafael , Greg, Jill, Weiyi, Gail, Jaic, Tina, Brenda, Dan, Cameron, Jennifer, Scott, Denise, Glenda, Brianna, Jewl, Joe, Tammy
NEW Bible study and Journey 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
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
Spiritual Warfare
It has been more than apparent that GenFree is a threat to Satan and his schemes! Please be in prayer for the battles (although the war has already been won!) currently going and those attacks in the future. Specifically, pray for leaders’:
continued freedom from any strongholds or flesh patterns,
deception from the enemy,
endurance, reliance, and boldness IN CHRIST,
physical health,
families (especially their children and grandchildren),
marriages,
safety in traveling,
financial resources.
Join us in daily putting on our God-given armor, claiming Jesus’ authority, and declaring that authority over all areas of our lives.
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Areas still need of continued prayers and are of great importance:
PROTECTION, PROVISION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH: We ask the Lord to protect and provide for the team’s families, infuse them with creativity and vision, direct them into the resources He has planned for this team to utilize, and continually grow in dependance and love with Christ personally. The enemy wants to discourage and disarm us all as we seek to walk in the Spirit and faithfully follow the calling He gave us. Please pray by name specifically for:
James and Mellisa Pressley, Joe and Tammy Williams, Mary Chester, FICM Staff involved in support of this effort: Dan Studt, Cindy Bergenback, and Chris Campbell, and other administrative support: Gay Nell Scarborough, Gary and Mary Erkes, Sue Huber
TEAM DEVELOPMENT: We want to further develop a team of contributors who serve as youth ministers and curriculum developers. This takes some networking and prayerful discernment. Pray God leads us to HIS chosen contributors for the curriculum content and GenFree team.
TIMING: Lord, Jesus, keep us in step with Your divine timing. We want to wait upon You as you deem right and charge full steam ahead only when you say "GO!", so keep us in daily submission to your direction and speed as You fold out Your plan for this ministry effort!
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: You know how the enemy will try to distract us, dilute our passion, and discourage our attempts. Pray the enemy be blocked from his efforts, as we claim the authority and position in Christ given to all those who serve Him! Pray with us for our hearts and minds to be in complete alignment with the Holy Spirit.’
New Generation Freedom Website content: Pray for the GenFree Team as we develop more content for workers, parents, and young generations.
There is minimal content currently on the GenFree website because there are so many aspects involved in the creation, editing, approval and distribution of material and resources. This is a BIG, BIG task! We need the Lord to provide it all!
We also need wisdom and patience in the process. The team members know they are in a beautiful place of complete dependence and reliance on Christ here.
We also pray those who visit the site will be patient, feel excitement and anticipation, and hope for the future as content is slow to develop and distributed.
New GenFree Intensives: Pray for the development of training seminars in various locations throughout the USA.
Curriculum development: for HIS words to just freely flow onto the keyboards as we type this message for students!
FUNDS: Donations will be an ongoing series of faith endeavors. God is THE provider, and we depend on Him to bring forth donors to fund the expenses this ministry requires. Areas in Need of funding currently are:
Rebranding materials (Video and sound equipment, graphic designers, website developers)
Team member expenses as they travel to train CFMAs.
Future Youth Intensives - development and expenses
New Curriculum development
Field Staff expenses (currently GenFree team field staff are Tammy Williams and Mellisa Pressley)
To give a donation, visit https://www.ficm.org/give/
DREAMING AHEAD: Lastly, pray for God to continue to work out the specific ways FICM can resource and further disciple adults to work with the next generation. We are looking into trainings, website contributions, networking platforms, parent resources, and more! Lord, keep us tethered to Your vision and plans!
September 2023
SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
God is our Fortress
Definition: One who is a fortified place, a stronghold, and a place of security
Scriptures: Psalm 18:1-3, Psalm 91:1-7, Proverbs 14:26, Psalm 59:16-17, Psalm 144:1-2, Jeremiah 16:19
Praise and Thanksgiving
The Lord has provided laborers for our Spring Hill, TN Intensive: Gail Shipps, Dee Dishong, Jennifer and Scott Tosten, Greg Molinaro, Tammy and Joe Williams, James and Mellisa Pressley, Mary Chester and many of those from her church body, and several field and office staff members from FICM. He heard our requests and answered beautifully!
There has been continued interest and opportunities for donations and ministry support for GenFree! Thank you, Jesus, for your resources and body!
Mellisa has fully recovered from her heart procedure and is back in the beauty of ministry full time!
The GenFree Podcast episode was published this past month and there has been a good response. Promotion for the GF Intensive has been rolling out successfully and on time. Registrations are rolling in!
Intercession
Spiritual Warfare
It has been more than apparent that GenFree is a threat to Satan and his schemes! Please be in prayer for the battles (although the war has already been won!) currently going and those attacks in the future. Specifically, pray for leaders’:
continued freedom from any strongholds or flesh patterns,
deception from the enemy,
endurance, reliance, and boldness IN CHRIST
physical health,
families (especially their children and grandchildren),
marriages,
safety in traveling,
financial resources.
Join us in daily putting on our God-given armor, claiming Jesus’ authority, and declaring that authority over all areas of our lives.
GF Presentation at the Transform retreat in Ashville, NC September 18-20
Mellisa will be presenting GenFree to 30-340 Transform participants
Participants hear how Freedom in Christ cares for and invests in the next generation of 13–25-year-olds and how they can get involved
Planning for our next Intensive in October 9-10 in Springhill, TN
We are adjusting the content and schedule for this very important training weekend. Areas in focus:
Session content
Hosting needs like meals, and transportation
Participants
Lord bring Your provision, protection, and guidance to all those who have been called to participate
Help participants learn from the prerequisite CFMU 301&302 coursework
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
New GenFree Website content
We are currently creating some content from the Bismarck, ND Intensive sessions. Please pray for this editing process!
Continued meetings with our team of lawyers
We are developing further risk minimizing strategies for FICM and GenFree Specialists. This includes evaluating the “Statement of Understanding”, ongoing vetting and discipleship of Specialists, and plans of handling conflict in the future.
Areas still need of continued prayers and are of great importance:
PROTECTION, PROVISION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH: We ask the Lord to protect and provide for the team’s families, infuse them with creativity and vision, direct them into the resources He has planned for this team to utilize, and continually grow in dependance and love with Christ personally. The enemy wants to discourage and disarm us all as we seek to walk in the Spirit and faithfully follow the calling He gave us. Please pray by name specifically for:
James and Mellisa Pressley, Joe and Tammy Williams, Mary Chester, FICM Staff involved in support of this effort: Dan Studt, Cindy Bergenback, and Chris Campbell, and other administrative support: Gay Nell Scarborough, Gary and Mary Erkes, Sue Huber
TEAM DEVELOPMENT: We want to further develop a team of contributors who serve as youth ministers and curriculum developers. This takes some networking and prayerful discernment. Pray God leads us to HIS chosen contributors for the curriculum content and GenFree team.
TIMING: Lord, Jesus, keep us in step with Your divine timing. We want to wait upon You as you deem right and charge full steam ahead only when you say "GO!", so keep us in daily submission to your direction and speed as You fold out Your plan for this ministry effort!
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: You know how the enemy will try to distract us, dilute our passion, and discourage our attempts. Pray the enemy be blocked from his efforts, as we claim the authority and position in Christ given to all those who serve Him! Pray with us for our hearts and minds to be in complete alignment with the Holy Spirit.’
New Generation Freedom Website content: Pray for the GenFree Team as we develop more content for workers, parents, and young generations.
There is minimal content currently on the GenFree website because there are so many aspects involved in the creation, editing, approval and distribution of material and resources. This is a BIG, BIG task! We need the Lord to provide it all!
We also need wisdom and patience in the process. The team members know they are in a beautiful place of complete dependence and reliance on Christ here.
We also pray those who visit the site will be patient, feel excitement and anticipation, and hope for the future as content is slow to develop and distributed.
New GenFree Intensives: Pray for the development of training seminars in various locations throughout the USA.
Curriculum development: for HIS words to just freely flow onto the keyboards as we type this message for students!
FUNDS: Donations will be an ongoing series of faith endeavors. God is THE provider, and we depend on Him to bring forth donors to fund the expenses this ministry requires. Areas in Need of funding currently are:
Rebranding materials (Video and sound equipment, graphic designers, website developers)
Team member expenses as they travel to train CFMAs.
Future Youth Intensives - development and expenses
New Curriculum development
Field Staff expenses (currently GenFree team field staff are Tammy Williams and Mellisa Pressley)
To give a donation, visit https://www.ficm.org/give/
DREAMING AHEAD: Lastly, pray for God to continue to work out the specific ways FICM can resource and further disciple adults to work with the next generation. We are looking into trainings, website contributions, networking platforms, future youth practicums, parent resources, and more! Lord, keep us tethered to Your vision and plans!
August 2023
AUGUST 3, 2023
God is Immutable
Definition: God is One who never changes or varies
Scriptures: Hebrews 6:17-20; 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 102:25-28; Hebrews 13:8; Psalm 33:11; James 1:17
Praise and Thanksgiving
There have been so many activities with families, friends, and ministry partners this past summer, all of which God has been strengthening, teaching, and walking with us. From celebrations, reunions, weddings, and goodbyes…. there is beauty in it all. Thank you, Lord, for all the treasures and beauty You weave into our lives this summer, thank You for this season!
My (Mellisa) surgery was successful! The surgeon discovered a lot more AFib than expected and was able to address all that was revealed. After several complications and aftercare infections, God has been providing healing, peace, restoration, new hope, and a quiet joy that has anchored me and my family along the way. I am still regaining strength, endurance, and stamina as I start “working” again this week.
Tammy (associate director for GF) has recovered from COVID, her father’s knee is healing, the baby cow has rejoined the herd, her daughter is married in a beautiful ceremony on a mountain, and she has been able to endure all the many summer “U-turns” with beauty.
Intercession
Continued spiritual and physical “rest” for the GenFree Team as summer comes to a close and fall activities ramp up
Promotion and planning for our next Intensive in October in Springhill, TN
We are adjusting the content and schedule for this very important training weekend. Areas in focus:
Promotion content – needing further development and are currently behind schedule
Registration online
Speakers and content
Hosting needs like meals, and transportation
Participants
Lord bring Your provision, protection, and guidance to all those who have been called to participate
Help participants learn from the prerequisite CFMU 301&302 coursework
3 Events for GenFree this fall:
GF Presentation at the Transform retreat in Ashville, NC September 18-20
GenFree Intensive in Springhill, TN October 9-10
GF Presentation at the CFMU Practicum in Shrewsbury, PA October 23-25
Continued meetings with our team of lawyers
We are developing further risk minimizing strategies for FICM and GenFree Specialists. This includes evaluating the “Statement of Understanding”, ongoing vetting and discipleship of Specialists, and plans of handling conflict in the future.
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Field Staff funding – for the Pressley and Williams families
We are still in need of ministry partners for all the training and travel expenses for the remainder of 2023
Spiritual Warfare
It has been more than apparent that GenFree is a threat to Satan and his schemes! Please be in prayer for the battles (although the war has already been won!) currently going and those attacks in the future. Specifically, pray for physical health for the leaders, their families (especially their children and grandchildren), their marriages, and their safety in traveling. Join us in daily putting on our God-given armor, claiming Jesus’ authority, and declaring that authority over all areas of our lives.
New GenFree Website content
We are currently creating some content from the Bismarck, ND Intensive sessions. Please pray for this editing process!
Areas still need of continued prayers and are of great importance:
PROTECTION, PROVISION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH: We ask the Lord to protect and provide for the team’s families, infuse them with creativity and vision, direct them into the resources He has planned for this team to utilize, and continually grow in dependance and love with Christ personally. The enemy wants to discourage and disarm us all as we seek to walk in the Spirit and faithfully follow the calling He gave us. Please pray by name specifically for:
James and Mellisa Pressley, Joe and Tammy Williams, Mary Chester, FICM Staff involved in support of this effort: Dan Studt, Cindy Bergenback, and Chris Campbell, and other administrative support: Gay Nell Scarborough, Gary and Mary Erkes, Sue Huber
TEAM DEVELOPMENT: We want to further develop a team of contributors who serve as youth ministers and curriculum developers. This takes some networking and prayerful discernment. Pray God leads us to HIS chosen contributors for the curriculum content and GenFree team.
TIMING: Lord, Jesus, keep us in step with Your divine timing. We want to wait upon You as you deem right and charge full steam ahead only when you say "GO!", so keep us in daily submission to your direction and speed as You fold out Your plan for this ministry effort!
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: You know how the enemy will try to distract us, dilute our passion, and discourage our attempts. Pray the enemy be blocked from his efforts, as we claim the authority and position in Christ given to all those who serve Him! Pray with us for our hearts and minds to be in complete alignment with the Holy Spirit.’
New Generation Freedom Website content: Pray for the GenFree Team as we develop more content for workers, parents, and young generations.
There is minimal content currently on the GenFree website because there are so many aspects involved in the creation, editing, approval and distribution of material and resources. This is a BIG, BIG task! We need the Lord to provide it all!
We also need wisdom and patience in the process. The team members know they are in a beautiful place of complete dependence and reliance on Christ here.
We also pray those who visit the site will be patient, feel excitement and anticipation, and hope for the future as content is slow to develop and distributed.
New GenFree Intensives: Pray for the development of training seminars in various locations throughout the USA.
Curriculum development: for HIS words to just freely flow onto the keyboards as we type this message for students!
FUNDS: Donations will be an ongoing series of faith endeavors. God is THE provider, and we depend on Him to bring forth donors to fund the expenses this ministry requires. Areas in Need of funding currently are:
Rebranding materials (Video and sound equipment, graphic designers, website developers)
Team member expenses as they travel to train CFMAs.
Future Youth Intensives - development and expenses
New Curriculum development
Field Staff expenses (currently GenFree team field staff are Tammy Williams and Mellisa Pressley)
To give a donation, visit https://www.ficm.org/give/
DREAMING AHEAD: Lastly, pray for God to continue to work out the specific ways FICM can resource and further disciple adults to work with the next generation. We are looking into trainings, website contributions, networking platforms, future youth practicums, parent resources, and more! Lord, keep us tethered to Your vision and plans!
July 2023
God is our Strength!
The Strong one wants to make us strong. When we realize we are weak, then He can make us strong when we are attached to Him
Scriptures: Psalm 28:8, Psalm 37:39, Psalm 59:9, Psalm 118:14, Habakkuk 3:19, Psalm 59:9
Praise and Thanksgiving
Marvelous family trip to Oregon in June for Mellisa & James for family reunion, attending graduations, weddings, etc…
Mellisa’s successful surgery after getting back from family trip
Tammy & Joe’s trip to Wyoming for their daughter’s covenant wedding in late June with Joe officiating
New $10,000 donor last week of June!
Since the GenFree website went live – there have been 14 Requests For Help/Information
5 – specific inquiries from family or friends for assistance with a young person
2 – needed help with administrative issues
1 – adult who works with younger generations that wanted the materials for herself
1 – family – originally mother seeking help for daughter – Both daughter and mom handed off to an Encourager who lives near them and will come alongside the young person to work the Discipleship process toward a Freedom Appointment
5 – looking for counselling or something we don’t offer
GenFree Ministry with it’s new branding and website became a reality!
1st GenFree Intensive in April in Bismark, ND – we were blessed in so many ways – to God be the glory!
Leaders of GenFree attend the Freedom in Christ Gathering in UK 2023 – where they see & are exposed to the reality of people being set free in Christ from all over the world and God’s larger vision for the future. The Lord showed Himself strong as our provider & protector throughout.
Intercession
Pray for Mellissa’s continued recovery from surgery and time of rest and refueling this summer
Tammy’s recovery from flu like symptoms early this week and her father’s recovery from surgery
Tammy & Joe’s sabbatical for the month of July
Jennifer Tosten – as she is learning her new job as GenFree Administrative Assistant
Continued meetings with our team of lawyers
Ongoing planning for our next Intensive in October in Springhill, TN
Pray we stay united in Spirit and continue to be guided by the Lord in every way. We desire His plans to be revealed in His way at His time!
Testimonies being filmed – we are recording student testimonies to post on the website. Pray the Holy Spirit gives these young people the words to say and the editing process painless.
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Budget 2023 Development and funding
Spiritual Warfare - It has been more than apparent that GenFree is a threat to Satan and his schemes!
Please be in prayer for the battles (although the war has already been won!) currently going and those attacks in the future. Specifically, pray for physical health for the leaders, their families (especially their children and grandchildren), their marriages, and their safety in traveling. Join us in daily putting on our God-given armor, claiming Jesus’ authority, and declaring that authority over all areas of our lives.
New GenFree Website content
We are currently creating some content from the Bismarck, ND Intensive sessions. Please pray for this editing process!
PROTECTION, PROVISION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH: We ask the Lord to protect and provide for the team’s families, infuse them with creativity and vision, direct them into the resources He has planned for this team to utilize, and continually grow in dependance and love with Christ personally. The enemy wants to discourage and disarm us all as we seek to walk in the Spirit and faithfully follow the calling He gave us. Please pray by name specifically for:
James and Mellisa Pressley, Joe and Tammy Williams, Mary Chester, FICM Staff involved in support of this effort: Dan Studt, Cindy Bergenback, and Chris Campbell, and other administrative support: GayNell Scarborough, Gary and Mary Erkes, Sue Huber
TEAM DEVELOPMENT: We want to further develop a team of contributors who serve as youth ministers and curriculum developers. This takes some networking and prayerful discernment. Pray God leads us to HIS chosen contributors for the curriculum content and GenFree team.
TIMING: Lord, Jesus, keep us in step with Your divine timing. We want to wait upon You as you deem right and charge full steam ahead only when you say "GO!", so keep us in daily submission to Your direction and speed as You fold out Your plan for this ministry effort!
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: You know how the enemy will try to distract us, dilute our passion, and discourage our attempts. Pray the enemy be blocked from his efforts, as we claim the authority and position in Christ given to all those who serve Him! Pray with us for our hearts and minds to be in complete alignment with the Holy Spirit.’
New Generation Freedom Website content: Pray for the GenFree Team as we develop more content for workers, parents, and young generations.
There is minimal content currently on the GenFree website because there are so many aspects involved in the creation, editing, approval and distribution of material and resources. This is a BIG, BIG task! We need the Lord to provide it all!
We also need wisdom and patience in the process. The team members know they are in a beautiful place of complete dependence and reliance on Christ here.
We also pray those who visit the site will be patience, feel excitement and anticipation, and hope for the future as content is slow to develop and distributed.
New GenFree Intensives: Pray for the development of training seminars in various locations throughout the USA.
Curriculum development: for HIS words to just freely flow onto the keyboards as we type this message for students!
FUNDS: Donations will be an ongoing series of faith endeavors. God is THE provider, and we depend on Him to bring forth donors to fund the expenses this ministry requires. Areas in Need of funding currently are:
Rebranding materials (Video and sound equipment, graphic designers, website developers)
Team member expenses as they travel to train CFMAs.
Future Youth Intensives - development and expenses
New Curriculum development
Field Staff expenses (currently GenFree team field staff are Tammy Williams and Mellisa Pressley)
To give a donation, visit https://www.ficm.org/give/
DREAMING AHEAD: Lastly, pray for God to continue to work out the specific ways FICM can resource and further disciple adults to work with the next generation. We are looking into trainings, website contributions, networking platforms, future youth practicums, parent resources, and more! Lord, keep us tethered to Your vision and plans!
June 2023
God is our Portion
Definition: A share, part, one's possession, an award (from God); as a believer, the right to be part of God's family and join the community of worshippers of the living God
Scripture(s): Deuteronomy 32:9-12; Psalm 73:24-28; Psalm 142:5; Matthew 6:25-34
Praise and Thanksgiving
FICMI UK Family Gathering 2023 in Northampton, UK was a great success!
We were able to gather with 37 other countries and celebrate all the Lord is doing through Freedom in Christ Ministries to all cultures and contexts. This time was rich with connection, unity, praise, intercession, and encouragement.
Specifically, James and I were able to connect with several churches in the UK, Africa, Ecuador, Chile, Cuba, Jamaica, India, and more! The presentation about GenFree was brief but effective to spur others in ministry toward reaching young generations around the world!
We were also blessed to film 5 testimonies of young people from Ecuador, Uganda, and India. Look for these testimonies on the GenFree website! These 5 young people made real connections with each other and GenFree…it was so beautiful!
The Lord has been faithful to supply all our needs in travel, physical health and endurance, and protection for us and our families.
We are beginning more training with a possible GenFree Administrative Assistant!
We have had continued responses and investment from Intensive participants…God is moving!
It is time for some rest and family investment over the summer! We are excited to have a season on refueling and quality family time.
Intercession
Continued meetings with our team of lawyers
We are developing further risk minimizing strategies for FICM and GenFree Specialists. This includes evaluating the “Statement of Understanding”, ongoing vetting and discipleship of Specialists, and plans of handling conflict in the future.
Ongoing planning for our next Intensive in October in Springhill, TN
We just had our last Bismarck Intensive post-event evaluation meeting to discuss what needed to change or stay the same for the next intensive. We have learned a lot and are excited about all God is showing us!
Pray we stay united in Spirit and continue to be guided by the Lord in every way. We desire His plans to be revealed in His way at His time!
Testimonies being filmed – we are recording student testimonies to post on the website. Pray the Holy Spirit gives these young people the words to say and the editing process painless.
Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
Field Staff funding – for the Pressley and Williams families
We are still in need of ministry partners for all the training and travel expenses for the remainder of 2023
Spiritual Warfare
It has been more than apparent that GenFree is a threat to Satan and his schemes! Please be in prayer for the battles (although the war has already been won!) currently going and those attacks in the future. Specifically, pray for physical health for the leaders, their families (especially their children and grandchildren), their marriages, and their safety in traveling. Join us in daily putting on our God-given armor, claiming Jesus’ authority, and declaring that authority over all areas of our lives.
New GenFree Website content
We are currently creating some content from the Bismarck, ND Intensive sessions. Please pray for this editing process!
Areas still need of continued prayers and are of great importance:
PROTECTION, PROVISION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH: We ask the Lord to protect and provide for the team’s families, infuse them with creativity and vision, direct them into the resources He has planned for this team to utilize, and continually grow in dependance and love with Christ personally. The enemy wants to discourage and disarm us all as we seek to walk in the Spirit and faithfully follow the calling He gave us. Please pray by name specifically for:
James and Mellisa Pressley, Joe and Tammy Williams, Mary Chester, FICM Staff involved in support of this effort: Dan Studt, Cindy Bergenback, and Chris Campbell, and other administrative support: Gay Nell Scarborough, Gary and Mary Erkes, Sue Huber
TEAM DEVELOPMENT: We want to further develop a team of contributors who serve as youth ministers and curriculum developers. This takes some networking and prayerful discernment. Pray God leads us to HIS chosen contributors for the curriculum content and GenFree team.
TIMING: Lord, Jesus, keep us in step with Your divine timing. We want to wait upon You as you deem right and charge full steam ahead only when you say "GO!", so keep us in daily submission to your direction and speed as You fold out Your plan for this ministry effort!
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: You know how the enemy will try to distract us, dilute our passion, and discourage our attempts. Pray the enemy be blocked from his efforts, as we claim the authority and position in Christ given to all those who serve Him! Pray with us for our hearts and minds to be in complete alignment with the Holy Spirit.’
New Generation Freedom Website content: Pray for the GenFree Team as we develop more content for workers, parents, and young generations.
There is minimal content currently on the GenFree website because there are so many aspects involved in the creation, editing, approval and distribution of material and resources. This is a BIG, BIG task! We need the Lord to provide it all!
We also need wisdom and patience in the process. The team members know they are in a beautiful place of complete dependence and reliance on Christ here.
We also pray those who visit the site will be patient, feel excitement and anticipation, and hope for the future as content is slow to develop and distributed.
New GenFree Intensives: Pray for the development of training seminars in various locations throughout the USA.
Curriculum development: for HIS words to just freely flow onto the keyboards as we type this message for students!
FUNDS: Donations will be an ongoing series of faith endeavors. God is THE provider, and we depend on Him to bring forth donors to fund the expenses this ministry requires. Areas in Need of funding currently are:
Rebranding materials (Video and sound equipment, graphic designers, website developers)
Team member expenses as they travel to train CFMAs.
Future Youth Intensives - development and expenses
New Curriculum development
Field Staff expenses (currently GenFree team field staff are Tammy Williams and Mellisa Pressley)
To give a donation, visit https://www.ficm.org/give/
DREAMING AHEAD: Lastly, pray for God to continue to work out the specific ways FICM can resource and further disciple adults to work with the next generation. We are looking into trainings, website contributions, networking platforms, future youth practicums, parent resources, and more! Lord, keep us tethered to Your vision and plans!
May 2023
MAY 4, 2023
God is our Joy
Definition: Our Joy Source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated; having a peace and contentment no matter the circumstances
Scripture(s): 1 Chronicles 16:27-33, Psalm 4:7-8, Psalm 43:3-4, Nehemiah 8:10-12, Psalm 30:11-12, Zephaniah 3:17
Praise and Thanksgiving
PRAISE PARTY! - First GenFree Intensive in Bismarck, North Dakota happened April 28-29, 2023 and was a great success! Here are a few of the HIGHLIGHTS the Lord gave throughout the Intensive and areas where we can continue to pray:
The participants: Darcy, Scott, Greg, Sherri, Pamela, Mary B., Jennifer, Jason, Keri, Billy, Jenna, Mary E., Gary, Ilan, Evans, Sara, Michael, Terry, Dennis, Katherine, Tammy, James, Mellisa
Please continue to pray for them by name as the Lord cultivates His work in each of us, bringing forth more freedom personally and in ministry. Participants expressed to us that they felt equipped, encouraged, loved, and adopted as part of a support system to enable them to individually grow and minister in their community!
This group of people truly bonded as family! We were able to join together as a group of children of God to seek God’s direction and intimacy while also bonding with each other in love and encouragement. Such a great group of saints!
The content and rhythm of the Intensive:
There were no issues that served as obstacles in regard to the schedule or flow. There were several times we pivoted in response to the movement of the Holy Spirit. One very important pivot was to remove a table discussion time to allow time for personal Scriptural listening prayer. This was HUGE in the lives of the participants and God showed up in a very big way here!
The panel Sessions were dynamic, and very informative. We especially enjoyed the contribution of our professional counselors and a guest teen, Kendal, who gave equipping insight on her generation!
I am just in AWE at God! He did beautiful things in the hearts of everyone participating in this Intensive! The testimonies about what God is doing in each person’s heart was absolutely miraculous and amazing! There was a thread of submission to God, patience in His plans, and development of personal freedom and reliance upon the Holy Spirit – Praise God!
The AV and Technology team:
Danielle was able to record most of the intensive content without major technology issues! Praise God. We all actually forgot there were cameras once we got through to the beginning of the program and was blessed to have her lighting, sound, and continual support throughout the weekend!
James also was pivotal to the success of this highly modernized effort – there were no inhibiting issues worth mentioning! Praise the Lord!
Our Host: Center for Counseling staff and their families
Facilities and meals – they were just AMAZING! I cannot say enough about the hospitality of Greg and his team! They made copies, offered up their resources - from furniture, to coffee, to rubber bands! Their generosity and support was invaluable!
Brenda Molinaro single-handedly fed all of us for every meal except one dinner with healthy, wholesome, varied options that were absolutely ABOVE and BEYOND! She is truly gifted in this area! You would have never known she did not have a kitchen on site. She carried every meal back and forth from her home…. such an amazing act of love!
Areas still need of continued prayers and are of great importance:
Intercession
• Testimonies being filmed – we are recording student testimonies to post on the website. Pray the Holy Spirit gives these young people the words to say and the editing process painless.
• GenFree Presentations THIS WEEK at the FICM Family Gathering Event 2023 in Northampton, UK – We are starting a discussion with all 40 countries on how we can bring Freedom in Christ to Gen Z. Pray God reveals His plans for this presentation and group collaboration.
• Revision and Rebranding of Steps booklet for Young Persons and GenFree bookmarks
• Budget 2023 Development and funding
• Spiritual Warfare
It has been more than apparent that GenFree is a threat to Satan and his schemes! Please be in prayer for the battles (although the war has already been won!) currently going and those attacks in the future. Specifically, pray for physical health for the leaders, their families (especially their children and grandchildren), their marriages, and their safety in traveling. Join us in daily putting on our God-given armor, claiming Jesus’ authority, and declaring that authority over all areas of our lives.
• New GenFree Website content
▪ We are currently creating some content from the Bismarck, ND Intensive sessions. Please pray for this editing process!
PROTECTION, PROVISION & SPIRITUAL GROWTH: We ask the Lord to protect and provide for the team’s families, infuse them with creativity and vision, direct them into the resources He has planned for this team to utilize, and continually grow in dependance and love with Christ personally. The enemy wants to discourage and disarm us all as we seek to walk in the Spirit and faithfully follow the calling He gave us. Please pray by name specifically for:
James and Mellisa Pressley, Joe and Tammy Williams, Mary Chester, FICM Staff involved in support of this effort: Dan Studt, Cindy Bergenback, and Chris Campbell, and other administrative support: GayNell Scarborough, Gary and Mary Erkes, Sue Huber
TEAM DEVELOPMENT: We want to further develop a team of contributors who serve as youth ministers and curriculum developers. This takes some networking and prayerful discernment. Pray God leads us to HIS chosen contributors for the curriculum content and GenFree team.
TIMING: Lord, Jesus, keep us in step with Your divine timing. We want to wait upon You as you deem right and charge full steam ahead only when you say "GO!", so keep us in daily submission to your direction and speed as You fold out Your plan for this ministry effort!
CONTENT DEVELOPMENT: You know how the enemy will try to distract us, dilute our passion, and discourage our attempts.
Pray the enemy be blocked from his efforts, as we claim the authority and position in Christ given to all those who serve Him!
Pray with us for our hearts and minds to be in complete alignment with the Holy Spirit.’
New Generation Freedom Website content: Pray for the GenFree Team as we develop more content for workers, parents, and young generations.
There is minimal content currently on the GenFree website because there are so many aspects involved in the creation, editing, approval and distribution of material and resources. This is a BIG, BIG task! We need the Lord to provide it all!
We also need wisdom and patience in the process. The team members know they are in a beautiful place of complete dependence and reliance on Christ here.
We also pray those who visit the site will be patience, feel excitement and anticipation, and hope for the future as content is slow to develop and distributed.
New GenFree Intensives: Pray for the development of training seminars in various locations throughout the USA.
Curriculum development: for HIS words to just freely flow onto the keyboards as we type this message for students!
FUNDS: Donations will be an ongoing series of faith endeavors. God is THE provider, and we depend on Him to bring forth donors to fund the expenses this ministry requires. Areas in Need of funding currently are:
Rebranding materials (Video and sound equipment, graphic designers, website developers)
Team member expenses as they travel to train CFMAs.
Future Youth Intensives - development and expenses
New Curriculum development
Field Staff expenses (currently GenFree team field staff are Tammy Williams and Mellisa Pressley)
To give a donation, visit https://www.ficm.org/give/
DREAMING AHEAD: Lastly, pray for God to continue to work out the specific ways FICM can resource and further disciple adults to work with the next generation. We are looking into trainings, website contributions, networking platforms, future youth workshops, parent resources, and more! Lord, keep us tethered to Your vision and plans!