IGNITING FREEDOM: STORIES FROM THE FIELD
The morning sun filters through the windows as we gather, voices raised in prayer - a moment of connection before the day unfolds with all its possibilities. Today feels special, though. There's an electricity in the air, a sense that something transformative is happening in our community.
Just last week, a woman at rock bottom made the decision to follow Christ. She had come into the coffee shop awaiting a court appointment when our youngest son, Taylor, began ministering to her and her friend. After a while, I was able to come alongside him and minister to her as well. She called me a few days later, and we prayed the most significant prayer of her life. "My life was changed that day," she shared. "It was like chains fell off me when we prayed."
Two weeks before that, another woman's quiet determination to change her life and be the best wife and mother possible led her to a moment of profound surrender. She came in for back pain and left with a heart healed and free. "The weather was bad and I had every excuse not to come, but something just told me I needed to be here." These are the moments that remind us why we do what we do—why every late night, every challenge, every prayer matters.
The clock strikes 3:35pm, and the sound of laughter fills the building as our Freedom Youth kids burst through the doors, ready to soak up wisdom while being treated to coffee and snacks through our youth leadership program. Twenty-five young faces, bright with potential, gather around while our oldest son, Tucker, makes them drinks and Tyson and I prepare to guide them through the day's lesson. Often, we have volunteers come to lend an extra hand. Watching these kids beginning to work together, seeing their confidence grow week by week, we are catching glimpses of the leaders they're becoming.
"Jesus, thank you for Mr. Tyson and Ms. Carrie for teaching us every day," one of the boys prays. "Help me learn to serve with them." Another teen speaks up and tells his peers to quiet down so "Ms. Carrie" can teach. And yet another shares their wins, as well as their losses for the day. A few of the kids head out to leave but turn back to give me a hug. I tell them I love them and they respond, "Love you too, Ms. Carrie!" before wildly scurrying off like middle schoolers do. It is in these moments that we can see their growth, and our hearts are overjoyed to be a part of it.
On Monday mornings, the newly formed men's group meets at the coffee shop, creating a space where vulnerability isn't weakness but strength. These gatherings are becoming a sanctuary where men from different backgrounds find common ground, sharing their struggles and victories alike. The conversations are honest, sometimes difficult, but always healing. I am so proud of Tyson and these men for being willing to be vulnerable with one another. It is refreshing, and I sense that in their surrender and trust, God is going to do a miraculous work in these men's lives.
Meanwhile, Tyson and I are praying through our next Guatemala trip. If we could put it into words, it would be that building cross-cultural bridges isn't just our mission statement—it's what happens when people connect heart-to-heart across differences that once seemed insurmountable. The stoves we install are made by a company called Chispa. Chispa means "spark" in English. We believe that as individuals experience God on a deeply personal level, a "spark" is ignited within them. As that spark grows, it becomes a flame that begins to spread to their families and, consequently, into their communities, which will then fan the flames of revival to the ends of the Earth. Each of us can be a chispa, and God is using FII to ignite freedom, transforming lives to fan the flames of revival.
A MIRACLE ON WHEELS
God continues to show His faithfulness in unexpected ways. Recently, we were blessed with an opportunity to own and operate a coffee trailer—a miracle that expands our ministry in ways we couldn't have imagined! For months, we've been building relationships through our coffee cart in Liberty, creating spaces for conversation and connection. Now, with this mobile coffee trailer, we have the opportunity to spread love, hope, and freedom anywhere we feel called to go.
This gift didn't just appear by chance. It came at precisely the moment when we were praying about how to extend our reach beyond our current locations. The coffee trailer represents more than just a physical asset—it's a tangible reminder that God provides exactly what we need, often before we even realize we need it. We're excited to see how this mobile ministry will allow us to meet people where they are and create new bridges of connection throughout our community.
Our passion is contagious, though the work isn't without its challenges. I have been navigating transportation issues, my current vehicle increasingly unreliable for the ministry work that takes me from city to city and, often times, across the state. Tyson and I have experienced health concerns, but we are believing for healing and are determined not to let physical limitations hinder the vision we both share so deeply.
The organization itself faces growing pains—the website needs attention, social media accounts are begging for someone who is gifted as such to manage them, opportunities passing by for lack of hands to grasp them. Yet despite these challenges—or perhaps because of them—there's a palpable sense of anticipation among everyone involved.
We've seen too many miraculous moments not to believe that more are coming. This is the story we're living together—a story of freedom igniting in unexpected places, of bridges built with patience and love, of lives transformed one relationship at a time. It's a story still being written, with new chapters unfolding every day.
How You Can Join Our Story
As this narrative continues to unfold, we invite you to become part of the story in four meaningful ways:
Pray - Stand with us in prayer as we face both opportunities and challenges.
Serve - Bring your unique gifts to our community, whether through mentoring youth, filling crucial volunteer roles, or serve alongside us in Guatemala.
Share - Help others discover how they too can be part of this unfolding story of transformation and freedom.
Give - Provide the resources needed to sustain and expand our work locally and globally.
Prayer Corner
As we continue writing this story together, here are specific ways you can join us in prayer:
- For a reliable vehicle for Carrie to support ministry work throughout the states
- For health and renewed strength for Tyson and Carrie as they lead through both wellness and challenges
- For dedicated volunteers to fill crucial roles in website development and social media management
- For God's clear guidance on where He wants us to operate both the coffee trailer and coffee cart to reach those who need His love most
- For wisdom on timing to take teams to Guatemala.
Every chapter of this story matters—including yours. How will you help us write what comes next?
With love, hope and freedom,
Carrie
To learn more about joining our story, please visit https://walkinfreedom.net or contact us at 346-441-0426 (Tyson) or 346-431-3918 (Carrie). To follow FII, click HERE. To follow Fit & Free Wellness + Freedom Café, click HERE.
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In the midst of political unrest in Guatemala, Freedom Initiative International remains committed to their mission of showing love, providing basic needs, and sharing the Gospel with at-risk groups. They have exciting initiatives lined up for 2024, including welcoming teams from the United States to work on special projects like stove installations and provision of bunk beds and food baskets. They will also focus on personal development programs, facilitating English classes, offering welding school, and introducing a fitness class to promote holistic health and fitness. Their vision for the future is the establishment of the Freedom Center, a hub for education, empowerment, and freedom. They will keep supporters updated on their progress and are grateful for prayers and involvement.
(Source: https://exampleblog.com/guatemala-mission-update)
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As of this writing, Guatemala is currently experiencing ongoing civil unrest with protests demanding the removal of certain people in governmental power due to corruption. The country has seen blockades on major highways, leading to food and fuel shortages, minimized public transportation, and the closure of many businesses. Despite the challenges, the Long family, who are safe and doing well, have been engaging in online meetings, checking on people, and providing groceries to those in need. They have witnessed peaceful and even comical moments during the protests, such as blockades made with bright yellow flowers and protestors asking motorists to dance in order to pass. While the situation remains uncertain and chaotic, the Longs emphasize their trust in God and invite others to join them in prayer for Guatemala and the world.
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