Freedom in Christ

Since late last year, Christian Reformed World Missions partner missionary Josh Shaarda has been leading 15 people in Obulle, Uganda through the first part of the Freedom in Christ program.

Shaarda and his wife, Mandy, are serving in Uganda ;with International Teams, an interdenominational, evangelical ministry that works in teams to bring the gospel to people who are often oppressed and in need around the world.

The Freedom in Christ program, says Josh Shaarda, emphasizes that “we must learn, believe, receive, embrace, and live out all that we are in Christ, as declared in the Bible.”

Josh Shaarda first came across the Freedom in Christ program when he was looking for something to help people tormented by their past.

The more he studied the program, the more he recognized its value for helping all people break free from the hold of sin and pain. He approached church leaders in Obulle, Uganda about starting the program and they eagerly agreed.

Most people in Obulle have had little access to education beyond grade school. People who have learned to read sometimes even struggle to understand what they’re reading since the language they learned in is different than the one they use daily.

With so many people unable to read the Bible for themselves, Bible knowledge is low. This has helped misconceptions about the Gospel to take root.

Many of the Freedom in Christ participants came to the sessions burdened by sin and guilt. They believed, and in some cases were even taught, that their good deeds would bring them to heaven. Since they could not avoid sinning, they lived with little hope. But as they studied the Bible together, they discovered God’s message of forgiveness and grace.

“I used to be certain that I would not go to heaven,” says Joel, a Sunday school teacher and a Freedom in Christ participant. “I used to be absent from church for months at a time because I was so depressed . . . I wanted to overcome sin, but I still sinned so I was certain God did not love me.

"Now sometimes I just sit and laugh because I know that I am God’s child and my position is in Christ. Nothing can ever separate me from God.”

In late August, Josh Shaarda spent two days leading the 15 participants through Seven Steps to Freedom. Shaarda’s colleagues prayed for the participants throughout both days.

Meanwhile, the participants confessed sins, forgave those who had wronged them, and submitted themselves to God and his grace. At the end, everyone joined in singing, “I’m so Glad Jesus Set me Free.”

“People’s lives were changed [throughout the program] as they learned the truth of their identity in Christ,” says Josh Shaarda. “It was a joy to be able to watch that first-hand.”