Stand fast in the liberty
by which Christ has made us free.
GALATIANS 5:1
I love teaching a class on freedom from anger to 24 men every Monday evening (over 100 men a year) at the Haven of Rest mission in Anderson, South Carolina (photo above).
As with every other aspect of the discipleship ministry of Journey in Christ, I did not (knowingly) seek this teaching position. I was simply following my heart of Christ that God had given me. You have this same heart.
Two years ago, I followed my heart to drive a friend to be interviewed to enter the mission. While I was at the mission, I was struck by the mission's passionate focus on discipleship for men -- my same passion.
As I subsequently developed relationships with the mission staff and the men, I was asked to teach this class. It is a special time for me to be nurtured by Christ in and through my heart in teaching the men.
TEACHING FOR TRANSFORMATION
I tell the men that this teaching is a mutual teaching. I want them to know that I am in need of the freeing truths of God's Word just as much as they are. I am the instrument, Christ is the Teacher. And when the men learn from Him, they are transformed.
I tell the men that this teaching does not focus on their right behavior, but does focus on their right beliefs. Transformed behavior is a result of right beliefs.
I tell the men that while they have all the resources of Christ to overcome anger, their focus is to be on their relationship with Christ. A focus on just resources from Christ can miss the relationship. It is a personal daily relationship with Christ that transforms.
TESTIMONIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Following are written testimonies from some of the men in last week's class:
I am learning ways to learn, through Christ, how to handle my long-time explosive temper. Thank you.
This class helps me deal with agitation. In the mornings, I think of this class.
This class is the highlight of my week. I have been greatly enriched by it.
I look forward to this class each week. I enjoy learning a new perspective toward anger in a biblical sense.
This class is helping me a lot. I'm a very angry person. Thank you for coming. Love you.
Not only is this class helping me with getting my child back, but it's teaching me how to deal with anger and frustration that comes with relationship so I can treat my family with the respect they deserve.
I have had anger issues a lot over the years. Gregg's approach to help me and this class is quite unique and comforting. His plan for our understanding makes it easy in lay terms.
This class is proving itself to be ordained by the Holy Spirit to my life and others. From this class, the Holy Spirit is leading me to become more Christ-like.
Transformed lives transform our world!
CLOSING
I would love for you to accompany me any Monday evening to this class. I would be proud to introduce you to the men, and you would be an encouragement to them.
If you would like to know more about further partnering with me in reaching out to disciple a growing number of people like these men with the great good news of Jesus Christ, please feel free to contact me. My wife, Joy, and I are prayerfully and financially supported by personal ministry partners.
God bless you this week!
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Freedom from Anger 
