My name is Augustine. I have a ministry called Bound to Liberty Ministries. Which is a prison, youth, homeless and music ministry.
It is said a picture says a thousand words, so you can look at the pictures posted here, which is only a fraction of the last 3 years I have had, to understand the commitment and mission I'm under or read farther and get the testimony of the calling on my life and more insight on ministry.
Upfront would mention those I minister to are the last people I can ask donations from, they don't have anything to give or cant, do to their situation. Not like a church with congregation, but I wouldn't have it any other way. That's why I created this page.
I have ask myself how do I begin to take on a task and a calling that God has put on his life for a righteous, most necessary cause? But to only grasp, the love of Christ, the intensity of times, seeing their short and know I cant do it alone. A decision to sacrifice everything, I climbed the corporate ladder with some level of success only to be let go and let down. Thinking it's too late to start over in life but then I think of Moses being 80 years old, Lol, when God began to use him. In hindsight, looking back all the things that have happened in my life to come to this point that God has willed and purposed through days of my rebellion, to use me, a nobody. And to understand success is not what the world makes it to be, but success in being obedient to the will and purpose God has for me. That the only true success I know is in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, " Any man who plans to build a tower must count the cost, unless he doesn't finish and he begins to be mocked." I have expenses such as printed materials for students, prisoners and homeless ( Bibles, Christian books, pamphlet's, Christian bracelet and Crosses) gas, vehicle maintenance (tires, oil change, brakes etc. the current vehicle I use has 395,000 miles, needs replaced) and Traveling expenses (hotels and food). Health expenses (need hernia surgery and dental work). And as musician, recording, production, mastering, Website, merchandise etc. Also to donate to homeless or often purchase a meal for them.
Jesus said, " A man does not stand on the abundance of his riches and that we cannot serve 2 masters. What's a man if he inherit the whole world but loose his soul? To pick up our cross daily or we are not worthy of him. A prophet is without honor in his own country. A man's enemy will be those of his own family. He who finds his life will lose it but he who loses his life for my name's sake will find it. Many are called but few are chosen. He who knows his master's will and does not prepare or do it, will receive many stripes." The brevity and the urgency of these words spoken 2000 years ago resonate in my heart and soul everyday.
Who am I? as Moses said to God, to go release from captivity the children of Israel. He didn't think he was able or capable of such a impossible task and mission, as I, in the calling to release the captives, men woman and youth of our time from lies. Youth is keyword especially this day and age, who are held prisoner by godless indoctrination in public schools. But I have been entrusted with Gods word, a different perspective, a renewing of mind and to deliver it properly to the youth, who will change the nation and world. Who I'm I? For I have a background of alcoholism, drug addiction ( which have now been clean of for 14yrs, Praise God!!), adopted, a broken home, abuse, living with no father, Who am I, to go to prisons, where I could have easily been, looking at 10 to 20 years for 3rd DWI, but God had a different plan. He kept me out of prison so I could go into prisons, voluntarily by choice. From dope dealer to hope dealer to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and the hope that men can have when they trust in Him, to be no more a prisoner to sin and move forward having that liberty to serve God. Called to go behind the walls of prisons where many won't go.. I am reminded that God chooses the foolish things of world to confound the wise and chooses the weak things to confound the strong. The two ministries, youth and prison go hand in hand because if the one doesn't hear in school, they end up in the other, prison!
God's word is so rich and reminds me what means the most, a compassion and love for mankind and a desire to share it, because the love He has shown, especially growing up in broken home from age 6, not having father figure to show me the way. And my Mother, God rest her soul, did all she could to protect, provide and get me in church to plant those much needed early seeds that have bloomed in a time such as these.
This is a full time commitment to share the gospel no matter what and can only hope in knowing the Faith of my brothers and sisters in Christ will help support the mission in which I have been called to the battlefield of prisoners, youth and homeless. We fund our military with no question involuntarily through taxes, how much more should we fund Gods army and Soldiers for Christ? We are in a true spiritual war like we have never seen before for the minds, soul and very bodies of the directly targeted youth! It is written, "No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier" 2 Timothy 2:4 The soldier must be totally focused and mission based to have a successful campaign but only with support!!!
I am currently partnered with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCA in several High schools in area, Matter of fact was able to return to my home High School after 40yrs to speak and my daughters were in meeting! Incredible! Full circle! I attend twice a month at Splendora High Schools Student Union Bible Class. At Cenikor Rehabilitation Center every other Friday. I began in prison ministry with Conviction for Christ Ministries out of Albuquerque NM. Presently working with Cool Ministries for prisons around Texas. And for Homeless, who need not only a temporary handout but a hand up, I am partnered with InnerFaith Disciple House for men and Home of Amazing Grace for women, also Godtel Mission house for both men and woman, Shiloh Men's House and Adult and Teen Challenge of Texas. Looking into speaking at Star of Hope, Eagles Nest, and other recovery facilities. Receiving some support from Gideon's International.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, bind up the broken hearted and preach liberty to the captives and them that are bound the opening of the prison. Isaiah 61:1
Don't let yourself be conformed like this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what that good and acceptable and perfect will of God is. Romans 12:2
Please reach out with questions, comments or suggestions because you will be a part of this great mission.
I Thank God for a platform like Give, Send, Go that was created for this very purpose. To be encouraged to ask for support for the most important thing in life, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ! For its all for His Glory!! The Liberty of all mankind!
Thank you so much for your time!!
Godbless you!!
Augustine
