In this episode of Freedom Initiative Radio, hosts Aaron and Fred address the subtle and dangerous trap of turning the good work of ministry into an idol. Drawing from Jeremiah 1:16, they discuss how easy it is to fall in love with human effort, strategic cleverness, and visible metrics rather than celebrating God's transformative power. The episode emphasizes that unless the Lord builds the house, laborers labor in vain, challenging leaders to examine whether ministry is built by human hands or by the Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to protect themselves through secret prayer, deflecting praise back to God, embracing a loss of control, and viewing setbacks as an invitation to release ownership back to Him.
Email: ptpinfo@ptpca.org Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

In this episode of&nbsp;Freedom Initiative Radio, hosts Aaron and Fred address the subtle and dangerous trap of turning the good work of ministry into an idol. Drawing from Jeremiah 1:16, they discuss how easy it is to fall in love with human effort, strategic cleverness, and visible metrics rather than celebrating God's transformative power. The episode emphasizes that unless the Lord builds the house, laborers labor in vain, challenging leaders to examine whether ministry is built by human hands or by the Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to protect themselves through secret prayer, deflecting praise back to God, embracing a loss of control, and viewing setbacks as an invitation to release ownership back to Him. Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ptpinfo@ptpca.org" data-linkindex="1">ptpinfo@ptpca.org</a>&nbsp;Websites: Pastorstoprisoners.org; Contagiousdisciplemaking.com

Freedom Initiative Radio exalts Christ by highlighting prison ministry via the prayer driven, Holy Spirit led disciple making practices of inmates at R.J. Donovan state prison.

Aaron Buttery: In 2013, Aaron walked away from a career in nuclear power to pursue God’s call in his life for prison ministry. Since then, he has served at RJ Donovan state prison, fulfilling a variety of roles as a Christian volunteer. In 2017 Aaron graduated from Bethel seminary with a Master of Divinity and was ordained by Converge Worldwide. As a yard pastor, Aaron helps inmates meet, know, and follow Jesus through Bible studies, prayer groups, recovery groups, church services, Kairos events, various discipleship groups, one on one counseling, walking the yard, and cell visits. In 2021, Aaron met his wife, Vicki; together they have two children which they absolutely adore.

Fred Vaught: Fred M. Vaught is a retired financial executive and dedicated community leader who has transitioned a 39-year career in financial planning into a lifelong mission of discipleship and philanthropy. Since 1975, he has shared his life and journey with his wife, Kaye; together, they have three children and four grandchildren, residing in Valley Center, California, since 1990.

In 2021, Fred became involved with prison ministry, teaching a class called “Faith and Finance” at RJ Donovan Prison. Since then, he serves as a coach and mentor through the Freedom Initiative, empowering inmates to live out the Great Commission and Great Commandment.

Freedom Initiative Radio exalts Christ by highlighting prison ministry via the prayer driven, Holy Spirit led disciple making practices of inmates at R.J. Donovan state prison.
Aaron Buttery: In 2013, Aaron walked away from a career in nuclear power to pursue God&rsquo;s call in his life for prison ministry. Since then, he has served at RJ Donovan state prison, fulfilling a variety of roles as a Christian volunteer. In 2017 Aaron graduated from Bethel seminary with a Master of Divinity and was ordained by Converge Worldwide. As a yard pastor, Aaron helps inmates meet, know, and follow Jesus through Bible studies, prayer groups, recovery groups, church services, Kairos events, various discipleship groups, one on one counseling, walking the yard, and cell visits. In 2021, Aaron met his wife, Vicki; together they have two children which they absolutely adore.
Fred Vaught: Fred M. Vaught is a retired financial executive and dedicated community leader who has transitioned a 39-year career in financial planning into a lifelong mission of discipleship and philanthropy. Since 1975, he has shared his life and journey with his wife, Kaye; together, they have three children and four grandchildren, residing in Valley Center, California, since 1990.
In 2021, Fred became involved with prison ministry, teaching a class called &ldquo;Faith and Finance&rdquo; at RJ Donovan Prison. Since then, he serves as a coach and mentor through the Freedom Initiative, empowering inmates to live out the Great Commission and Great Commandment.