Norma Hurless

Norma Hurless encountered God in a difficult, dark period of her life. Now she uses her light, her testimony, her life to love and serve others.

Norma says without a doubt that God put Luke, her husband, in her path when she needed a friend. Once they started dating, she started looking for a church. Tired of isolation, she wanted to find a church home, looking for peace, joy, and community. We are so happy that she found Freedom Church in 2012. Celebrate Freedom is a big part of Norma’s story now too. She has a powerful testimony.

“We have a choice to stay in darkness or get out.”

Norma declared this and decided she wanted to give her daughter a better life than the path she had traveled. In her heart she always knew that God had something better for her.

Norma rejoices in sobriety now, since Nov 21, 2003, giving all the glory to her relationship with God!

Nathan Cartwright

Nathan Cartwright has grown up right here at Freedom before it was called Freedom. He has a powerful testimony of God meeting with him in a very real way and rescuing him from many years of severe depression, feeling empty, and doing things his way. Nathan says he would find unhealthy outlets to help him cope, but no matter what he tried, he had a consistent feeling of emptiness and lack of purpose. Nathan vividly remembers an evening when his dad brought him a book, talked to him about the book and about a new way to try to pray. Something stirred inside, something prompted him to open up and ask, “why no, what’s it going to hurt?” That night he went to be alone in his car and started having a conversation with God. It turned into 3 hours of prayer and a supernatural touch and healing. Once Nathan surrendered, everything that the enemy had hammered into his heart for 10 years, God restored in a moment. Nathan is now walking in his calling to use his passions and his faith to further the Kingdom and follow God’s plan. He is developing new ventures and currently volunteers in Freedom Youth. He wants students to know how important they are, and for them to realize that if they have just one encounter with Him, they will not cling to other useless things of this world.

Erica Holder

Erica Wilson experienced an incredible, miraculous healing when she was just a baby. Born with cystic fibrosis, Erica was diagnosed at seven months and given just two years to live. Her parents called on their church to pray over Erica, and in a moment, she was healed – completely healed. Her next doctor visit showed that the gene was gone, disappeared, as if it never existed!

During high school, some family difficulties left Erica feeling lost and dispassionate. She quit everything. Though she stayed plugged into church, she refused to participate in ministry. She wanted nothing to do with it. But God had better plans. He orchestrated the people and the pieces together to lead her down His path until He captured her heart again. In another miracle, Erica’s heart was changed in an instant.

To know her, you can visibly see how Erica loves discipleship, planting seeds, and believing in complete transformation. We are so excited for her new role as the Children’s Pastor here at Freedom Church! When you see her, say hello, and share where you need a miracle in your own life. She knows God can change anything! Erica, we’re so glad you are at Freedom!

Melanie Seaman

Melanie Seaman has been attending and serving at Freedom since 1987! Wow, that’s over three decades! Melanie has seen so many changes around here – including the church name – and through all the years, she and her husband, Tim, have had clarity that God brought them to Freedom, and He has kept them there for His purposes.

Since Melanie was young, she has prayed for God to put her in a position to lead worship. That is exactly what she’s doing now, leading the praise worship for senior Bible study on Sunday mornings, and she loves it. Melanie has served in so many capacities here at Freedom. To name just a few: MOPS, music department, painting, small group co-leader, VBS – and the list goes on!

Outside of church, Melanie also sees her work as her mission field. She has been able to build relationships with customers, pray for and with them, and be a beacon of light and hope. Thank you, Melanie, for sharing your gifts with Freedom and openly embracing the Freedom Family! We love you!

Janelle Embry

I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share some important nursery information. My name is Janelle Embry, and I am the new Nursery Director at Freedom. In addition to raising two children of my own, a daughter that is 17 and a son that is 14, I have worked in early childhood for over 15 years ranging from childcare to preschool teacher and director. I am very excited to be partnering with our Freedom Kids Department, Pastor Erica, and Miss Hannah.

The purpose of our Nursery Ministry is to serve parents and children. We serve parents by providing excellent childcare during ministry events so you can devote your entire attention to worship. We serve children by providing a safe and loving environment for them to learn and grow.

Over the next several weeks we will be making a few changes to improve your nursery experience. Our most immediate need is for more volunteers, so if you are interested or know of anyone that would be an asset to our volunteer team, please find me!

And if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know!

I am looking forward to serving with our amazing nursery team.

Sabrina Roberts

Sabrina Roberts is a testament to God meeting us right where we are. Sabrina has walked through big challenges, and it is beautiful to see her remain steadfast in her faith and committed to her people.

Some phrases to describe Sabrina are confident and hard-working nurse, dedicated wife (to Paster Kelly), faithful, trusting mom (to Julia and Balian), enthusiastic gardener, and encourager to others.

Sabrina’s grandparents taught her about God at a young age and how to set her foundation on Him. She knows that in the middle of some of her biggest storms it is only God who has sustained her. Sabrina has seen full restoration and now helps to lead and teach at Freedom’s Celebrate Recovery.

Thank you, Sabrina, for all you do by just being you! We’re so glad you are part of our Freedom Family!

Stevie Jo Lawhon

Most of you know my parents but haven’t met me yet. My name is Stevie Jo Lawhon. I haven’t been here very long, but I am already loved so much. In fact, my mom and dad say they have now experienced a whole new realm of love that they had never known before I arrived.

My parents, Andrew and Kylie, serve as pastors to Freedom Youth, Freedom Leadership School, and Young Adults. They are energetic, loving, exceptional leaders who are committed to pursuing God. They were busy before, but I am bringing a whole new level of attentiveness and diligence.

One of the prayers of my parents while I was in my mom‘s belly was that “Stevie Jo will carry a special anointing on her life to be a bold and gentle woman of God.” If you want to, you can pray for me and my parents. They probably need it right now more than ever!

Vanessa Valencia

Vanessa Valencia is a busy, joy-filled, driven woman on the move.

Vanessa is a mom to 4 and impacts the lives of precious children as a fourth grade math and science teacher.

After moving from California to Texas in 2014, Vanessa and her husband, Ralph, did not know anyone in the area. She met April Mathews one day at a park in Richardson. They quickly built a friendship and April invited her to church at Freedom. We are thrilled for God‘s direction. Vanessa has been committed, serving in the children’s ministry, MPACT girls, and faithfully attending a small group that she loves.

Her continued prayer is that her kids will know that they are world changers and that God will keep them uncorrupted by the enemy. We can all agree with her on that! We love you, Valencia family! We are so glad you have made Freedom your church family!

Josh Rubin

Authenticity comes to mind when describing Josh Rubin. To know him, you understand immediately that he is genuine, both in his friendships, and by being his own true "goofy" self. In talking with him, you hear how important sincere relationships are in his life.

Josh works as an ER Tech at Baylor Hospital and is also pursuing medical school. He has known he wants to be in the medical field since high school. He has walked along the journey with a close aunt, friends, and his mom while they were challenged with difficult health diagnoses. Josh has also seen complete healing.

Freedom Young Adults is a big part of Josh's life. The FYA retreat in 2020 was an impactful and memorable weekend for Josh. He felt the strong presence of the Holy Spirit personally, and he has been forever changed. As his church family, we can pray for his continued endurance through the medical school application process. Thank you, Josh, for your integrity and purposeful approach to pursuing relationships and the Lord at Freedom. We love you!

Erica Mincks

Erica Mincks found Freedom Church to be her home away from home when she and husband, Brock, moved to Texas from Missouri. We are so thankful to have them. They have served and poured into others, and in return have received much love and support from many church members.

What started out as a problem area noticed by Erica‘s dentist later turned into years of specialists, treatments, questions, pain, surgeries, and a cancer diagnosis. Walking through this the past few years could have filled Erica with stress and anxiety, but she did not allow fear to take over. She chose to stay connected to God each step along the way. She knows she could not have made it through without Him and now calls it an “amazingly peaceful journey.” Erica is full of peace, joy and strong faith.

Erica‘s testimony is powerful, not just through her cancer journey, but going all the way back to when she decided to walk with Christ in 1998. She has had a consistent desire to grow in her faith and to be obedient to God‘s direction. Erica’s greatest desire is for her kids, Caleb and Milana, to know and love God with all of their hearts.

Erica, thank you for being an example of perseverance with joy to others at Freedom Church and beyond our church walls. We love you and are glad you are part of the Freedom Family!

Katy Ballard

Katy Ballard knows firsthand about the power of generational prayers. She has had grandparents taking her to church, teaching biblical wisdom to her, and praying continuously over her throughout her lifetime.

Katy shares testimonies of walking in some very dark times, running away from the good, and being filled with depression and anxiety. She knows that it was the power of prayer that carried her through the darkness, and gave her an amazing gift, her son, Christopher. She is so thankful Christopher gave her the courage to walk away from an abusive relationship and has since brought so much joy and love in her life and the lives of her family members.

With a desire to serve, grow in her faith walk, loosen reins on trying to control life, and to be a part of a community for God, Katy has submerged herself into Freedom Church. You will see her all around, from the Hospitality Team to the Children's Ministry. The connections that she and Christopher have made at church have been healing and life-giving. She has served with spunk and vigor since she arrived, and we are so happy to know her! Thank you, Katy, for all you give to Freedom Church and our Freedom Family!

Andre Morales

Andre Morales is determined that he will live his days to the fullest and not waste his "second chance" of this life! He has personally experienced God saving him from death. After a severe motorcycle accident in 2010, doctors did not expect him to survive through the night. Look at Andre now, completely healed and restored!

Two years after his accident Andre met his wife, Jennifer. They both had a desire to find purpose and a place to put down roots and grow.  He recalls visiting Freedom Church and that Pastor Kendall's messages spoke to him directly week after week, which motivated them to keep coming back. Once Andre built a personal relationship with Christ, he never looked back. Recently, Pastor Kyle gave Andre his very first Bible. It has been such a blessing and has created a desire to read more and seek more understanding. 

Andre serves with joy and enthusiasm as an usher and a door greeter. He just returned from his first mission trip to Honduras. When you see him, be sure to ask him about all the Lord accomplished in and through him. Praise the Lord!

Debbie Cordischi

Debbie Cordischi has lived most of her life stepping out and walking forward in faith. To listen to her share one example after another of God‘s faithfulness in her life is so encouraging.

Debbie met her husband, Joe, when she was just a little girl – and only 6 years old. They have now been married 22 years and have raised 3 boys! With each pregnancy, Debbie walked through unique obstacles and challenges. Her story of each pregnancy and delivery highlight God‘s hand over Debbie, Tyler, Justin and Mason every step of the way.

Debbie shares memories of seasons when they were unable to buy groceries, had no gas money and an empty car, and almost lost their home while still trying to feed their family with very little income. Financial setbacks were not the only difficulties. She is open about when she and Joe went through very difficult times in their marriage. Through the valleys and mountains, and woven into each memory, are reminders that God has always been dependable in His timing. Debbie declares: “God rewards those who step out in faith, even when it is not easy. He blesses those who stay the course." 

Thank you, Debbie, for being a part of Freedom Church! We are thankful for your faith and your family's presence in our lives! We love you!

Jill Gallops

Jill Gallops has been attending and serving at Freedom for 18 years! Her life is filled with steps of faith and obedience, and she prays that her walk will inspire others to take action in serving the needs of people who are around them. Jill didn’t grow up attending church or learning about God. But she remembers her grandmother setting an example as she was always praying, talking about God and creating a home that felt different to Jill. Those seeds took root deep in Jill’s heart. 

For many years, Jill has had a passion for helping kids; she knew she wanted to adopt and mentor. When she met Michael, her now husband of 18 years, she was blessed to know he had also worked with troubled kids in various places including CPS. As they dated, married, and grew in their faith walk, their dreams for how to get involved in the foster care system grew too. They now have 10 children of their own and have fostered and assisted many troubled teens through the years, as well as given so much of their time to serve at Freedom.

Jill says it has been a difficult road with many challenges, but she would do it all over again to give a child help and a chance at a better future. She and Michael continue this work that God has called them to and continue to educate others about fostering. Jill, we are so thankful for the seeds sown in your life at an early age and your obedience to fulfill God's call on your life to help children in need. Freedom is blessed to have you at our church!

Courtney Lawless

Freedom Church is important to Courtney Lawless, and Courtney is important to Freedom Church!

·  Courtney serves on the worship team. She remembers having a desire to be a worship leader from an early age. We love to see her fulfilling that desire, expressing her love for God.
·  All of Courtney‘s babies, not babies anymore by any means, have been dedicated at the church.
·  The Bridges’ family has been extremely supportive through all of the bad and good seasons of her life.
·  Courtney serves as a leader in Freedom Youth. She has a heart for the kids and teens, and a desire to be a strong, faithful mentor.

 Before Freedom, Courtney had walked away from a previous church, and "church life" altogether after being deeply hurt by people in the church. Thankfully, through God opening doors and making introductions, Courtney was able to see that though people, including church people, will hurt us, people are not Christ. Christ is who she seeks to be like and to trust. 

We are so thankful for her healed heart and her faithful walk in these ministries. She and her husband, Cash, have a heart for missions; they live and love and give passionately and want to influence others to do the same. A resounding truth you will see in her life is that she lives 100% transparent and open. Transparency is something Courtney is intentional about, this builds bridges for genuine connections, not shallow interactions. Courtney, we are so thankful you and your family are at Freedom Church!

Trista Motley

Trista and Keith have an incredible story of meeting in Egypt, and then serving for several years in Cairo and later in Oman. In 2018, God redirected them back to the United States. God has been faithful to restore her, restore their marriage, open doors for work and connect them with strong friendships. Plus, Trista is thankful to be settled at home in Texas. Trista speaks fondly of her job at Freedom's Mother’s Day Out program, expressing what a blessing it has been in her life.

Trista credits growing up on a farm in a village in Nebraska to her awareness of the importance of community. She believes in “living life together“ and walks it out. She and Keith currently lead a small group at Freedom in which they commit with the group members to disciple each other. She treasures one-on-one time with friends and enjoys building deeper relationships.

Trista has been relishing her time at home after giving birth to her 3rd child. Baby Isaac was born in November and has been the perfect addition to their growing family. Trista and Keith have two other children, Jonathan and Sarah.

Trista, we are so thankful you, Keith and the children have made Freedom your church home. We appreciate your commitment to community! We love you!

Kim Beal

Kim Beal says Freedom Church has felt like family from the very first time she attended. We love to hear that!
Now, Kim likes to make sure others feel welcome. She serves as a greeter, investing her time so that others feel and know they are welcome and loved. Kim also works full-time in Freedom's Mother’s Day Out program, taking care of babies (newborn through 1 year-old). She is not only a blessing to these babies and their families, but she feels blessed by getting to work with them. Kim has always had a love for kids and knew she wanted to work with children from an early age.
Kim lights up when she talks of her husband, Scott, and her daughter, Kayla. Explaining that Kayla was (and still is) a miracle child, impacting Kim by being an example to continue to stay focused on God and keep loving people. Through the years, Kim has learned to rely on God to bring her through many tough times. She has walked through cancer and now rejoices in complete healing. There have been other health scares, and God has always been faithful!
Currently Kim is praying for several families that God placed on her heart. She hopes that our church body will partner with her in prayer for them, their marriages, and for Kim to continue to plant seeds and love on them well. Thank you, Kim, for loving, caring and praying for people – no matter what their ages – in our church body. We appreciate you!

Austin Valdepena

Austin Valdepena has a special connection to Freedom Church. In 2013 while he was pursuing his interest in media work, Austin was helping a friend move to the area and that friend invited him to Freedom Church to check out the media team. During his visit he met Jamie. He had been attending a church closer to his home, but there was just something about Jamie…so he decided to continue attending Freedom. Later that year Austin and Jamie were married by Pastor Kendall in the very spot they had met in the foyer. Since then, they have built strong relationships with many others at the church. Their friends have prayed for them, supported them through many milestones, invested time in life groups and multiple areas of serving together in the church.

Austin enjoys working in the restaurant and service industry. He recognizes that it can demand much of your time and life. Earlier this year he decided to take a step back and re-prioritize his focus, making time with his family a top priority. He says it has been very rewarding, as it has allowed him to be fully present in his marriage and in the lives of his daughters, Matilda and Charlotte.

Austin gave his life to Christ at the age of 18. He recalls working at a hotel and getting to know a couple who regularly visited the hotel to have breakfast. Don was always talking about Jesus and what Jesus had done in his life. This impacted Austin deeply. His hunger to know more grew as Don began to mentor him. Austin started by reading the book of John, and from there he has continued to learn, grow, and strengthen his relationship with Christ.

Austin, we are so glad God brought you to Freedom Church! Thank you for being a part of our church family!

Deb Nelson

Deb Nelson was born in Mexico to parents who had sold everything while living in the United States to move to Mexico for the purpose of planting churches and sharing the message of Christ. Deb says being raised a pastor's daughter, she has known of and felt God‘s grace all of her life. Yet she recognizes that while growing up she knew God mainly through her parents’ relationship with Him. Her personal experience of building her own deep relationship with God happened while she was at college.
In 2013, Deb began attending, where met some wonderful people including her now husband, Jacob, who serves as Freedom Church's worship pastor. They married in 2015 and now have a precious daughter, Isla Amelia. Currently, Deb works as a style coordinator and is also the owner of a travel agency called seeandfathom.com. She enjoys the entire process of travel, from the initial planning to the adventure of going and seeing the world. Deb is now considering taking classes to get her certificate in interpreting in the near future and would like to become a medical interpreter.
When asked who has impacted her life, she speaks proudly and graciously of her mom. Deb says that Becky has always allowed her compassion and love for people to fuel everything she does, and she simply loves serving people. That same compassion and love can be seen in Deb. We love you, Deb. And we're thankful God brought you to Freedom!

DeAnna Nunez

In 1998 DeAnna was attending UNT and was invited by a friend to our church, known at the time as Christian Life Assembly. She began serving in the nursery immediately and has never stopped sharing her love and generosity. Many lives have been blessed by DeAnna giving her time in the nursery, Rainbows, Sunday School, and Mother’s Day Out.
Through current challenges and uncertainty, DeAnna continues to hear God remind her, “Do not be afraid." She focuses on staying safe and is committed to being cautious, committed to trusting God. She gratefully acknowledges that there has been so much trusting this year!
Let’s keep DeAnna, her husband, Albert, and their three boys in our prayers, as well as continuing to pray for safety for all teachers and students –believing for a safe environment for all of the people in DeAnna's life.
Thank you, DeAnna, for all you do for the children, parents and families at Freedom! We love and appreciate you!