New Year's Eve Edition

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin... Zechariah 4:10

Have you made your New Year's Resolution(s) yet?

We are looking forward with great excitement and expectations for all that God is going to do this year. We are grateful that the Lord has brought together people like you with daring dreams and BIG VISIONS. Pamela and I want to nothing more than for you to discover your destiny in Christ (the very reason you were created). That's what a church is for. Once you begin to walk in your calling, there is no limit to the possibilities. People will take notice!

Dreams are great, but they don't fall from the sky. Be prepared to take chances, overcome fears, and work hard.

In the Summer of 2004, we laid out a small blanket and asked God to fill it with people. He did. Those young lads listened to the first ever Freedomhouse sermon and four of them even became Christians. Since then we've taken more chances, faced more fears, and put alot of sweat, blood and tears into planting this church here. For you guys.

We wouldn't change one moment. Here's to many more great memories to be made in 2008!

Let's lay out another blanket...

Happy New Year,
Brandon and Pamela

PS Please find the attached document "Vision Revisited" and ask God what part you will play in it.

Here's a few other things we're gonna do this year.

Christmas Eve Edition

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:
When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 1:18

Pamela and I just wanted to thank you guys for being such a joy to worship and serve God with this last year. We are very grateful that he has brought us together as part of his family. When we left California over four years ago we had no idea how much the Lord would bless with people like you.

As the Freedomhouse moves into the new year, we look forward to growing together as a fellowship of unique individuals that God will use to touch the world. Next week we will share with you the plans for 2008. Some crazy stuff that will take some crazy faith!

But for know just relax and enjoy this time of love and celebration. Share Jesus with your friends and family by being a living reminder of hope within a cynical world. With any gift you receive or give, remember the greatest gift ever given was sent in a very small package.

Merry Christmas,
The Munoz Family

The Reflex Test

"I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body"1 Peter 1:13

Our own physical bodies we are designed to react in the proper ways to ceratin situations. If burned - move! If tickled - laugh - then move.

Thanks to our spinal chord, all our nerves have a central connection to the brain. This way way we can truly think before we react, even when we don't realise it!

The Holy Spirit is very similar in this respect. He helps us to react like Christ in any situation. Everyday our creator is testing our reflexes to see if we are responding in way that brings him glory.

This Christmas let the Spirit remind you of what it really means to be a Christian. Live in an eternal way while in this temporary tent. Only then will others see Jesus through you. It's not as hard as you think.

Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your body today...then watch what he does in the simplest situation. It's like having a new set of nerves. Trust him, he won't let you get burned.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." John 14:26

Remembering Him,
Brandon and Pamela

The Perfect Body?

"...apart from me you can do nothing..." John15

Walking down Oxford Street in Central London is not easy this time of year. While dodging the crowds and pick pockets on the street, you also have to endure the onslaught of advertising and overcrowded window displays, all competing for your attention. Using some of the best mannequins in the world, these stores play into our natural fascination with the human body. But what are they telling us besides, "You need a 200 pound coat to stay warm this winter."?

I was amazed to see that the mannequins are even skinnier this year, even the pregnant ones. But what confused me even more was the headless ones. Are we supposed to picture our own heads on them or what? In them I saw the perfect parable for what the church (God's Body), is beginning to look like. A fashionable and good looking display, but powerless and still without a Head to move it.

This season, as the world pushes it's materialism and self-sufficient versions of good will and generosity, let's remember the source (head) from where all good things flow from. And though it seems we can do alot without even one thought towards God. From His perspective we can be just like "Thing" from the Adam's Family. A headless hand scrambling around who needs to find an arm-elbow-shoulder-and neck that will help her/him better connect to the Head. This is what His Body was made for.

You.

Remember, even Thing needed a Family...

Have a Blessed Week,
Brandon and Pamela

PS - We changed our Sat. Fellowship to be at the Frost Fair in Southbank. It's FREE! Meet @ Trafalgar Square at 12pm. If lost phone Brandon 07976 106 763

God's People?

I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. Levitucus 26:12

Are we really God's people?

If so...

What makes us/you different from everyone else on planet earth?

Do we smile more? Pray more? Enjoy life more? Or is it something else?

What makes you one of God's people today, right now?

Just a simple question to ask yourself this week.

Or maybe you'll find the answer better by asking someone else...

Can you guess who?

Hint: It's not us,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

The Perfect Marriage?

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Ephesians 5:32

Everyone loves a good wedding. Music, dancing, decorations and free food! Whether really know the couple or not, it's a time to remind us that love is something worth celebrating. Weddings are great! It's marriage we have a hard time with.

While idea of marriage my not hold the same value it once did. Where "til' death do us part" and "waiting for the wedding night" can seem like old fashioned traditions. God still holds very close to His marriage vows with His church, even when she's off looking for other husbands.

The world sees as an irrelevant and hypocritical institution, but God sees a beautiful bride that deserves another chance...and another...and another...

All over the Bible we get glimpses of God's heart breaking for his wavering wife. She wants to do as she pleases with whom ever she pleases and still get all the blessings promised in the sacred Covenant/Vows when she comes home to him. Do you really think the Lord of heaven and earth likes playing the fool?

"Wives submit to your husbands" will always be one of those verses we like to pretend isn't there, but it is. And don't think it's a one way street. Husbands have it even harder I think. I'm supposed to love my wife in an eternally heroic and supernaturally patient way EVERYDAY! Ephesians 5:24 Not even Popeye can do this on his own.

There is no commandment that isn't laced with unconditional love. And in this simple command God is trying to reveal a great mystery. Can you see it?

Whether you are married, dating, single, widowed, divorced or undecided there is a great life waiting for those who will follow the Good Husband. How? By being the best bride we can be. Are you willing to walk down the aisle this week?

Your in mutual submission,
Popeye and Olive Oyl

The Perfect Family?

His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.
And this gave Him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5

Pamela always wanted have a family like the Huxtables when she grew up. How can you not? Cute kids, big house, fresh romance, lot's of laughs and loads of cash! I hope I'm providing her at least some of what she had in mind, but I know we fall short in more ways than one.

God's unchanging plan to bring Himself pleasure was to have a family that loved Him no matter what. He never expected plastic perfection, all He wanted was something true and real that the world could see as an example of unconditional love. Through this the world can see there is something to this Jesus thing.

The church is a family that's completely dysfunctional without Him, and if we are honest, even with Him. But rather than moan and groan like "Bill" in the middle of this picture, our Father uses our gross imperfections to help us grow together into the people He created us to be. It's too bad so many Christians think church is just an inconvenient, optional add-on to our faith. How many times have I heard people say "I believe in Jesus, but I don't need to go to church". It's like saying, "God your great, but your wife is an ugly @#$&". Do you think God takes this personal?

We know there is no perfect church out there, but great things can happen when messed up people get together and start a family for Jesus...

Have a great week,
Brandon and Pamela @ www.freedomhouse.org.uk

Tuesday Telegram: Stepping In...

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

We had an amazing time of worship this Sunday. We sang our hearts out, prayed for each other, and were challenged by the Word to find and cherish God's vision for our lives. We even saw a young man sincerely give his life to Jesus. What more could we ask for in a Sunday morning meeting? Sometimes alot.

Even when change brings good things our way, we can still be very anxious about the loose ends. Our minds can wrestle with all the differences. "It's not like it was" "I pictured it a little different" "What will happen if..." "I think I'll just wait and see if I like this..." These are just some of the honest thoughts we can all feel whenever we are challenged to take a step into the unknown.

Joshua and his people were not forced into the Promise Land by an opposing army, selfish ambition, or even lack of food. They could've stayed right where they were. Some of them did. But it was faith in God's promise that moved their feet forward into a rushing river with GIANTS on the other side. Talk about anxiety!

As for Freedomhouse, we want to cherish the vision God gave us and encourage anyone who would like to come along with us. The people at the Beacon have been such a great blessing for the last 3 years we cant wait to see what the Lord will do as we begin to take steps forward together. Yes, it means a bit of learning how to dance. Some stepping on toes, some awkward turns, but in the end...exciting!

Remember, if God is leading people our way to be saved and delivered we must be doing something right. So let's continue to do what Joshua and his friends did in those anxious days. Keep stepping in...and stepping in...and stepping into the vision and promise God gave to His beloved people.

With Love and Thanks,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk

PS: Sorry for Tuesday delivery, but my brain was as mushy as a fishcake yesterday;)

Remember the Future

Do this in memory of me...Luke 22:19

A simple, unchanging command was given to twelve anxious disciples one evening. Their Rabbi had spoken of many changes awaiting them. He said one would betray, another would deny and the rest will flee. He also predicted their capital city would fall, everyone will hate them, and the real kicker...He was leaving!

It seemed like the end. Too much to handle all at once. A nervous tension was beginning to take over. But this Rabbi knew something they didn't. He knew future...

This week let's remember who holds our future. There is nothing to worry about as long as Jesus is leading. We've been speaking about changes and seasons lately, but we also need to be thankfully aware that our God will never change. Ever.

In light of the changes occurring at Freedomhouse, I'd also like to assure you that we aren't changing what God has called us to do. To build in Camden, to welcome all people, to worship, pray and share Jesus in an open, personal way...this stuff is here to stay! No matter where we meet and what time it happens to be.

As for our Sunday Gatherings, the Beacon has basically asked us to determine the vision and direction for the services. I (Brandon) will still be doing most of the preaching. Musical worship will be lead by either Andy, Steve, Myself or Erina. Sunday and tithes & offerings will still go to the Freedomhouse bank account. The Beacon is not charging us rent but we will find ways for it to be a mutual blessing.

This decision was reached after much prayer and counsel. Pamela and I had every one of you in mind when deciding what to do. There is now more opportunity than ever for all of you to get involved and be a part of what God is doing through Freedomhouse. This week I encourage you to take part in as much as you can while Pastor Carl is here. He is coming here for you.

After our first service @ the Beacon there is another Freedom Team Meeting/Luncheon for those of you committed to finding your role in planting this church and preparing for the future...We'd love for you to be there.

Here's to all the changes ahead. Led by the One who never does.

Sincerely,

Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk
How to get to the Beacon. Click here.

Spiritual Time Machines

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclessiastes 3:11

What would you do if you were paid a visit from your future-self? I guess your reaction would depend on what your future self had to say? Or how good they/you looked? Either way it would be an interesting experience...

How often we wish to be in another time than now. Do you ever yearn for days gone by, or wish you lived in another era? Or maybe you're always watching the clock during tedious moments, hoping for the minutes to move like seconds. This seems to always have the reverse effect for me.

I hope it's more than mere boredom that makes you want to jump into a weird looking machine and escape to another day. God has placed a deep yearning for eternity inside of all of us. So how can you experience it today? It all starts with trusting God. I mean, really trusting Him. Proverbs 3:5

Your future-self is actually waiting to meet you somewhere between Genesis and Revelation. Our problem is not believing it. There are so many promises and prophecies in the Bible and they're not just for scholar's to argue over. God's words are a like time machine, moving you forward in your walk with Him. But instead of owning these eternal words were just renting them as second hand suggestions for someone else.

This week I dare you to read from one of the books of the Prophets (Isaiah through Malachi) this week. They were all inspired by a God who lives outside of time, but can move within it. Read, realise and remember that God speaks into all situations. Will you hear Him in yours?

Now is the time to trust the Lord with your now, so He can entrust you with His future...

Sincerely,
Brandon & Pamela and your fellow time travelers @ Freedomhouse

PS: We are taking some BIG steps forward as a fellowship lately. Let's walk together in all that He has planned...

ChChChChanges...

As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night. Genesis 8:22

This picture was taken in Cantelowes Gardens off of Camden Road in Autumn 2004. Pamela and I had just spent my first summer in London. We started Freedomhouse under the purplish tree on the left, we've seen some people come to know Christ and many who didn't. I remember being very scared and confused around the time of this photograph.

"So what next God?" Was my constant prayer...

Not only as I unsure about my ability to plant and lead a church, I was also about to be a first time father in 6 months. Heavy stuff.

I was in the midst of big changes and I could either embrace them or hide away. I thank God for His grace and strength through that Autumn and beyond. Just think of all the amazing things I would've missed, had I tried to hide from change.

If your going through a season of change right now, I want to encourage you, don't run or hide from this great opportunity to grow. It may be a season of financial or emotional drought. Or it may be a time of confusion and challenge. Whatever it is for you, just remember that sin will always stunt your growth with God. It gives us the illusion of control and lies to us, stealing our hopeful future with Him. To "repent" actually means to "change one's mind".

So if your mind has been fighting change, leave sin like the dead leaves on the road and embrace the unchanging Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). Wouldn't trees be so ugly if they kept the same dirty, brown, dead leaves all year? We'd never get to see the new spring glory that God made them for. But too often we do the just that.

Let the leaves fall and the changes be made, cause God has so much more for you up the road...


Yours through the seasons,

Brandon, Pamela and the family @ Freedomhouse

The Monday Message: Evening Edition

Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

This Sunday, Mark spoke on 1 Peter 5:8, reminding us that there is a vicious 'roaring lion' out there looking for us. Not a timid, imaginary one, but one that makes alot of noise whether we hear it or not.

Just being a Christan is hard enough, but when we begin to discover God's unique plan for our lives, the stakes get raised. Because now you are a threat to Satan's plans for for this world. He'll do whatever it takes to keep you asleep. The Bible speaks so much about this adversary. It's time to pay attention.

Let's keep our eyes open this week, knowing that we don't have to fight our battles alone. We can easily find ourselves becoming the isolated prey of a a hungry enemy. God is with you and so are we. So if you notice that the phone always rings when your about to pray or that something always happens when it's time to go to service, just realise that our enemy is not stupid. He hides silently in any situation waiting to catch you off guard (alone).

Remember, the 'roaring lion' is very quiet most of the time,

But the Lion of Judah is with you always...

Stay close to Him.

Sincerely,

Brandon and Pamela and Your Friends @ www.freedomhouse.org.uk