Freedom House staff and residents were not just grateful to first responders but they were grateful to God for His protection and covering during a recent arson attempt on Sunday morning of their residential center that houses about 50 women and some of their children while they are recovering from addictions.
“One phone call an executive director hopes to never receive is ‘There’s a fire in the kitchen basement. The center is on fire!’” Freedom House Exec. Dir. Kathy Love said.
Though 911 had been called and the fire department dispatched, Love said she still drove over the speed limit, praying all the way for everyone’s safety.
When she reached the center, Checotah Police were there waiting with the Checotah Fire Department and another staff member.
Thankfully students and staff were in a safe area and all were accounted for.
Love is grateful students were awakened to fire alarms and were sent to their new chapel building next door to Freedom House where they worshipped while they waited out the danger. Finally the building was cleared for safe reentry and the ladies are able to return and get dressed, while staff fixed them a special breakfast.
After the fire was put out, Love was told it was an arson attempt but the suspect was apprehended fairly quickly. Damage was also minimal.
“The most important thing was everyone’s safety,” Love said. “Satan was defeated! And God gets ALL of the Glory! We want to thank everyone who prays regularly for Freedom House! The enemy thought he could panic us but God had greater plans! The enemy meant evil against us, but God meant it for good to save many! HA! Take that, devil!”
After a wild morning, Love then led the ladies in devotion and delivered a timely message as she quoted their state director, Wayne Gray, who once said “Sometimes you just have to laugh in the devil’s face. HA HA HA!” and that’s exactly what they did as they worshipped God for His divine protection, provision and perfect timing of everyone involved in the incident.
“This by far has been the scariest thing to happen here,” Julie Tittjung said. “Not just the fire, but I could not get to our ladies fast enough! Everyone who know me, knows that I generally don’t speed, but this a.m. it took me only six minutes to get there and a whole lot of prayer! I’m so grateful for everyone one that was involved. It went so smoothly and the emergency people involved were the best. So thankful that the panic did not set in and our staff did amazing which kept everyone safe. We were told we did everything perfectly. I don’t wish this stress on anyone! But again we are thankful for ALL the help that literally rolled in, just in time. Now it’s time to relax and thank God that we are able to continue helping others.”
Truly Jeremiah 29:11 was reinforced by God Himself Sunday morning, as He proved His Word. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
On Saturday, April 25 Freedom House ladies will celebrate their accomplishments at the Over and Above Spring Luncheon and Graduation at Summit Christian Academy in Broken Arrow. The Luncheon and Presentation will take place from 12-2 p.m. To reserve a seat call Julie at 918-8079913.
