Our Giving Philosophy

 Freedom Farm has a somewhat unusual philosophy regarding the financial and material support of this ministry. Please bear with the length as you read, we have provided this detailed explanation so you might understand us fully.

Freedom Farm’s conviction and commitment in the area of the supply and provision for both Freedom Farm Ministries and our own personal needs is that we pray to God first for each and every need and trust Him to provide abundantly according to His loving, faithful nature and steadfast promises. We do this without making our needs known to others except those with whom we regularly pray for the needs of the ministry. Rather, we simply tell people what we are doing on the farm and in the ministry, and if people feel prompted by God or moved with conviction in their own hearts that they would like to help in some way, they are encouraged to do so. If people ask for a specific way in which to give, again, we will share what we are doing. People are welcome to come to the farm to see for themselves what is taking place here and perhaps receive inspiration to give that way.

The only exception to this is if we feel specifically directed to seek help from or partner with a particular individual or organization, to find a sponsor, apply for a grant, etc. Otherwise, our default practice is to direct our requests for help and provision from the greatest need to the smallest detail to God alone and trust Him to provide through people who respond to His Spirit or the prompting of their own convictions. We also may generate income for the ministry by charging a small fee or suggested donation for community classes, small group studies, gardening or equine workshops or other programs. However, it is our desire that no woman or child ever be turned away from a program for lack of ability to pay. Looking to God for provision means we need not turn someone away who needs the care we offer. 

We work hard and take responsibility for meeting our own needs. We live simply and do not spend recklessly. We only spend from what we have, not what we don’t have, and we take responsibility for paying our own bills no matter how long it takes. If others feel prompted to help us personally, that is for them to decide, but we will not be asking for support for our personal needs. For Freedom Farm, we have a board to whom we are accountable for how we administer the funds entrusted to us. When we have the funds or other available resources, we seek to share and invest in the lives of others as well outside the farm.

Needs obviously arise with every step we take to pursue our mission. The needs will be great because there are women and children everywhere in dire need of physical, emotional and spiritual healing and growth in their recovery from life’s wounds and losses. First and always, we will pray over every need of the farm and those to whom we minister as well as our own personal needs. We direct funds chiefly toward therapeutic programs, as well as the purchase, development and maintenance of land, buildings, equipment and support of the animals for the work.

Through social media, newsletter reports and other means, we will simply share what we are doing at the farm and encourage those who would like to support our programs and projects to give “cheerfully from the heart without compulsion” or pressure from intensive marketing and fundraising efforts. If you are a person who prays, then pray and ask God what you should give and watch the fun unfold!   If you do not ascribe to a particular faith, simply give as your heart is prompted to give according to your area of interest and the dictates of your conscience. In this way, each person receives the joy and the exciting adventure of giving freely and according to their own convictions and in a way that is authentic to them. Our executive board, volunteers (and any future staff) understand this and are encouraged to adopt this approach so we might be unified in prayer to see every need of the farm met by God and the loving people who feel prompted to support the mission of Freedom Farm.  

In doing so, in no way do we criticize or judge other ministries or charitable organizations for their own fundraising methods. We are very proud of the many excellent ministries and charitable organizations that serve our region and are thrilled to join their ranks. This is just our own particular way — we are keen to see the beautiful provision of our faithful Heavenly Father for Freedom Farm through those who give, whether financially or through the offering of time, talents, services, or other creative means of support.

The benefit for us at Freedom Farm in this approach is that we are freed from spending inordinate amounts of time and resources developing fundraising programs to support the farm. We are at liberty to give our time, love and attention to those God sends us to help, whether they can afford services or not. We are free to love and serve people and our community regardless of how much they give or don’t give or whether they ever give at all. We are free to look to our heavenly Father and through believing prayer, let our faith, joy and confidence in His loving character put a demand on His willingness and ability to provide for every need of “the least of these.”  

We will do our best to be consistent with our convictions in this matter as we explore what a life dependent on God alone looks like. We also believe that life in community develops a healthy interdependence on one another so all may bring their time, talents, strengths and passions to the table to accomplish this work. We have no illusions we are doing this alone, nor do we wish to. To some degree or another, for many years we have already been putting these convictions into practice. We may make mistakes in our attempts to live out this lifestyle, and some may even be skeptical of our motives, but all we can say is we will do our best and we welcome honest inquiries and discussion at any time.

The benefit for you in this approach is the same as the benefit for us: you get to experience the blessing of God’s provision through you, you are not compelled or manipulated in any way to give, but can give freely and cheerfully according to the God’s leading and your own conscience, and you can witness God’s abundant provision and exciting answers to prayer for your own life!