On Thursday, October 30th, Freedom Farm Ministries gathered with friends, family, and supporters for our annual Proclaiming Freedom Banquet—an evening filled with powerful stories of redemption, heartfelt worship, and shared purpose. Held at Samaritan’s Purse in Boone, the room radiated warmth with fall-inspired centerpieces generously donated by The Mustard Seed Market and the roaring fire at the entrance of the ballroom.
Guests arrived to the hum of conversation and laughter, greeted by our team and welcomed into a beautifully decorated space. The silent auction drew attention, featuring an incredible variety of items—from a selection of antique clocks donated by John Vaughn of Vaughntronics, to a Blue Ridge mountain getaway from Carolina Cabin Rentals, to a relaxing Chetola Spa package donated by Terminix Boone. Guests bid throughout the evening on these items and more, donated by businesses and individuals in our community.
As guests took their seats, Executive Director Jim Quigley opened the evening in prayer, setting the tone for a night centered on gratitude and God’s glory. Dinner followed, a delicious three-course meal prepared by Gadabouts Catering, while guests continued to browse auction tables and enjoy the fellowship of one another.
Each table featured a special touch—handwritten “Stories of Hope” from Freedom Farm residents.
These personal testimonies, written in their own words, shared how Christ has transformed their lives and brought them from darkness into light. Guests were invited to read these powerful stories throughout the evening.
After dinner, the evening turned reflective with a short video presentation that shared the stories of three Freedom Farm residents, along with Jim’s own reflections on the difference between secular recovery programs and the Christ-centered approach that defines Freedom Farm. The message was clear—lasting transformation begins with Jesus.
The night’s special guest and keynote speaker, John James, former lead singer of the Newsboys, shared a raw and moving testimony. From a painful and abusive childhood to fame and eventual downfall in the music industry, John’s story was one of brokenness redeemed by the grace of God. His words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, reminding us that no life is beyond restoration when surrendered to Christ.
Following John’s message, current resident Harry Carter took the stage to share his own story—a powerful testimony of how God lifted him out of homelessness and addiction in Raleigh and gave him new life and brotherhood through Freedom Farm. His courage, humility, and faith moved hearts and reinforced the very mission of our ministry.
As the evening drew to a close, Freedom Farm President Craig Ritchie encouraged guests to make one final bid in the silent auction and prayerfully consider giving toward our new campus initiative—a project designed to increase capacity and efficiency so that more men can experience the healing power of Christ through our year-long recovery program.
The night ended with a spirit of thankfulness as Jim Quigley returned to offer closing remarks and prayer. Silent auction winners were announced, and guests were invited to take home the beautiful centerpieces from The Mustard Seed Market as a token of the evening.
We are deeply grateful to all who made this event possible—our sponsors Moss Boyles Construction, Modern Systems, and Common Good Co., our contributors including Gadabouts Catering, and every donor, volunteer, and guest who joined us to celebrate the redemptive work of Christ.
Donate Today to Change a Life
For those who were unable to attend, we invite you to join us in reaching our banquet giving goal to help fund the new Freedom Farm campus. Every contribution—no matter the size—helps us continue offering Biblical, Christ-centered recovery to men seeking true freedom.