Set Free Christian Fellowship was founded in the early eighties by Pastor Phil Aguilar, in Anaheim, CA. He was formerly an outlaw biker, into drugs and alcohol, and was serving time in the California State Prison when the LORD got hold of him. When he was released, the LORD sent him back to the same streets where he came from, still riding his Harley, but with a much different purpose. He went back among his old friends, sharing with them what Jesus Christ had done in his own life. When he found someone who was homeless, he took them home to his own house. When he saw the hungry, he found a way to feed them. When he found them hurting, he gave them LOVE.
Set Free World Wide Ministries has grown very rapidly. There are now over 50 churches that have been started around the world! Anaheim alone is doing more than 20 school assemblies per week, with an anti-drug message. They are doing the work the LORD taught us to do, and that is “FEED MY SHEEP” (John 21:17) Set Free is one of many ministries which have come together in unity to spread the Word and serve the people. (1 Cor 1:10)
Set Free in Maine was established in 1992. We have developed a “life center” with the overall purpose being to assist people in crisis situations with meeting all their needs. The population we are most interested in serving are those who have fallen through the cracks of social services, and maybe have gone through the safety nets that are available. By their own choice, they may have rejected “the system”, or just don’t fit into it. We are not trying to re-invent the wheel — just do our part to make it turn.
This “life center” is a single-source information center. It offers options to those in need, some internal to our own operations, some external to other service providers. This center will eventually be manned 24 hrs a day/7 days a week. We are seeking to serve those in or just getting out of prison, the homeless, those involved with drugs and alcohol, those who are or have been in abusive situations, the unemployable, and those who are just plain lost. We do not limit ourselves to just this population, all are welcome. The main ingredient in our calling is to pour out abundant amounts of unconditional caring and love. We are to show by example there is a better way to live life. Don’t just “talk the talk”, “walk the walk.”
The SET FREE Winslow “life center” is now located at 18 Lithgow st. Winslow, ME. This is not only an information center, but offers employment, transitional job-training, and skill development options. We have a wood working shop which manufactures unfinished furniture and other wood products, known as HIS Carpentry Shop. HCS works together with several prison, jail, and rehab ministries, providing for individuals who are incarcerated, as well as their families. We are also looking into other vocations that may fit the needs of our target population. It is most important that we find the “something” that will lift up the confidence in each person.
Having the ability to supply housing plays a big roll in our overall plan. This option brings real stability to these peoples lives. It not only represents a place to stay, but also is a place for sharing and fellowship. We are exploring different options at this time, seeking to purchase a suitable home for this endeavor. Those living at the house, and involved in our job-training program, would also be assisted by our own “support team”.
Our main goal is to be the self-sufficient example on which these people can set their sights. Because of this, we have not, nor do we receive any State or Federal aid. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all those individuals who have contributed financially to our effort, and who believe, like we do, that GOD never intended for any of us to go without, or to go into debt, while in this earthbound life.