God has been so faithful to direct the leadership of Living Free to minister where God gives the opportunity. Lately, it seems as though ministries around the globe are contacting us to bring leadership training and small group resources to their community.

Over the years, God has created friendships with other ministries to take Living Free training and curriculum to many parts of the world. The need and opportunity are growing every day. There is not a week that goes by that we do not receive communication from ministry leader’s concerning their passion to help people with life-controlling problems.

The culture may change, the location may be distant, and the language may be different, but the life-controlling issues remain the same. The good news is that the answer also remains the same. Jesus Christ is the answer and God’s Word is the road map. Here are a few recent communications we have received from around the world:

Addiction to any substance, behavior, or relationship will eventually lead to a life of isolation and entrapment. The recent death of world-renowned singer Whitney Houston has given awareness of a life that came to an unfortunate ending. One of the saddest realities of her untimely death was that she was alone when she died. Over and over, we read reports of people coming to their demise in a hotel room all alone.

Isolation is one of the main tactics of Satan. The feeling of aloneness usually sends a person into a tail-spin of emotions that can lead to utter despair and death. II Corinthians 3:18 encourages us to live this Christian life with unveiled faces (without masks): “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (KJV) As we become more transparent with God and others, we’ll more and more bear a resemblance to Christ, experience greater fellowship with those who care about us, and sense the freedom in our spirits that comes from the forgiveness of our sins.

When we come to a place where we’re walking “in the light” concerning our own junk, taking off the “masks” we have been wearing and being real, we need others around us to help. Let’s take a look at what Dr. Jimmy Lee, President Emeritus of Living Free, calls the three types of relationships needed for spiritual growth. A useful tool is to think in terms of 3-12-70.

• 3 represents mentoring: All of us need 2 or 3 godly people in our lives to walk with us and serve as mentors. These are individuals you trust enough to confide in. Mentoring relationships are important in any Christian walk but particularly when you’re dealing with deep issues.

• 12 represents a small group: We all need the interaction and support which are found in a small group of people who are centered around Christ. Small groups can be a safe place where we share our heart with others. Important relationships will be developed in the small group and with time, people will often share about their life-controlling problems.