Greetings from Arizona,

Independence Day for Americans. Wow. I wonder if we truly grasp the freedom(s) made available to us, not only by living in a Republic, but through what God offers.

As we know, around the world at this time there are people with whom freedom is not being experienced, due to war, injustice, slavery, corruption and other evil acts.

We know that freedom isn’t free. Jesus paid the price for our spiritual and eternal freedom. Men and women in the military have paid the price for centuries for our physical freedom here in America. May we all continue to pursue freedom in every way!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1

What is Freedom?

Freedom is defined by Merriam Webster as the quality or state of being free, such as: the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action; liberation from slavery or from the power of another; boldness of conception or execution.

It’s a prayer that our lives and the lives of the Indian Bible College (IBC) students are able to live in the freedom God offers. And yet, unfortunate and sad circumstances of hardship, evil and abuse abound in the brokenness of our world, which affects whether we’re able to live in freedom.

May we hold onto truths from God’s Word:

  • “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death”. Romans 8:1
  • “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17

According to the Christian worldview, true freedom is not a matter of doing what you want without restraint, but cultivating the right wants and living in obedience to God’s will. In other words, freedom results when our wants align with God’s will.

Paul encouraged the church in Galatia to live in freedom when he said, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13). And, Peter directs us to “live as God’s slaves” while we’re living as free people, not to use our freedom as a cover-up for evil (1 Peter 2:16). The freedom God offers is so that we can be love and blessing to others.

Students define “Freedom”

Through discipleship and the spiritual formation ministry here at IBC, students grow and learn not only with head knowledge but true-life transformation how to live in freedom (from their past). This can be a long, but powerful process. A number of students went through the steps-to-freedom and other ways to find their freedom.

At the end of the school year and during graduation some students shared what freedom means, once their heart and soul found it. Freedom means…

“I am no longer bound to my past but a new creation.” – Jerrylne

“Receiving forgiveness from God and extending forgiveness to others.” – Brina

“Living every part of my life free from bondage in serving my Perfect Father who has placed His claim on me.” – Tim

“Being free from all the hurt and pain, being able to experience and express true emotions of happiness and love.” – Mikal

“Not holding back from grieving, but giving it to God so we can experience His grace, love, mercy and patience at the times we desperately need it.” – Fishii

“Being able to fully live in the joy of Christ and America.” – Karen

“To be joyful in Him and no longer having to hold on to my baggage.” – Will

“To share in Christ’s fullness, everything needed to live this life – Aaron

Please pray that all of the IBC students find their freedom in Christ and then over time pass on what they’ve learned to others.

IBC Graduates

Will, Fishii, Brina and Logan are off on their next life adventure following their Bachelor’s graduation here at IBC.

Pray for these 4 beautiful people as they journey on to where God calls them. Will and Brina will be serving on staff here at IBC this coming year. Fishii will be returning to her reservation in the state of Washington to minister to youth and Logan has taken a position in New Jersey working with youth through a church-planting ministry.

In the Senior Seminar course, the students write a theses. The College President, who taught the course, shared with us a conclusion from one of the papers as an encouragement for how IBC impacted the student’s life. I’ve copied it in here for you:

In closing, I want to say thank you to the staff and students at IBC who have helped me, prayed for me, and walked alongside me in all my years here. It’s hard for me to believe my time here as a student is coming to an end. I will always cherish my friendships here with students, both current and in the past. I will also hold the teachings and healing I’ve experienced here as a student close to my heart. I will also cherish the friendships I’ve established with the staff. You have seen me in my worst and my best. You have shown me it’s okay to fall, but it’s not about the falling part but how we get up from that and learn and grow from our mistakes. You showed me how to genuinely love and accept myself as a child of God. I can seriously say I love you all with the affection of Christ. Nitsiikohtahsiitaki (Thank You)

Final prayer requests:

  • Impact in all IBC students resulting in God being glorified through their changed, freedom-filled lives.
  • For the fall enrollment: that those who are in the admissions process as prospective students will follow through and take the step of faith to join the IBC student body. We’re hoping for 15 new students.

Gratefully in freedom,