Freedom Initiative Radio
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.
Episodes
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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, chal...
In this episode of Freedom Initiative Radio, hosts Aaron and Fred explore the vital connection between social silos (naturally occurring groups or subcultures that share environments, information, and influence) and strongholds (entrenched patterns of thinking, cultural lies, or spiritual barriers that isolate these groups). Drawing parallels from biblical accounts like Jesus intentionally engaging the Sama...
This episode addresses the long-term reality of disciple-making inside maximum-security settings, reminding listeners that spiritual transformation operates on a seasonal clock rather than an instant schedule. The conversation focuses on cultivating spiritual endurance to push through institutional delays, systemic friction, and resistance. By encouraging ministers and leaders to remain steadfa...
This episode tackles the complex challenge of overcoming invisible social barriers, such as gang affiliations, distinct housing units, and deep cultural divisions within prison facilities. The episode highlights how effective disciple-making requires believers to deliberately cross these established boundaries to build authentic trust and unity. By framing the Gospel as a bridge rather than an ...
In this episode, Aaron, Fred, and their special guest Charlie from College Ave., explore the foundational mission of Christian discipleship, centering on ministry work inside the R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility. The discussion emphasizes that true discipleship extends far beyond standard church attendance, passive gathering, or internal Bible studies. Grounded in both the Great Com...
Hosts Aaron and Fred welcome Charlie Hickok, a resident intern at College Avenue Church. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of youth-driven evangelism and prison ministry, shedding light on how a new generation is answering the call to share the gospel with urgent passion. Charlie shares his personal journey of faith, his heart for reaching college students, and his anticipation o...
This episode features the core mission of Christian discipleship, with a specific focus on the ministry work at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility. The hosts emphasize that true discipleship extends beyond standard church attendance, internal Bible studies, or passive gathering. Grounded in the Great Commission and Great Commandment, we outline an active, intentional process for reaching others that is centered on prayer, obedience, ...
In this episode we explore the essential heart posture required for effective Christian discipleship. Emphasizing that meaningful disciple-making begins from within, Aaron highlights the vital roles of repentance, immediate obedience, and personal humility. By encouraging listeners to regularly practice a "prayer of examine" and turn divine insights into practical, actionable steps, this inspiring message serves as both a roadmap a...
In this episode, hosts Aaron Buttery and Fred Vaught are joined for the first time by Aaron's wife, Vicky Buttery. The session focuses entirely on targeted prayer and intercession for the inmates, leaders, and chaplains across the five individual yards at Richard J. Donovan (R.J. Donovan) State Prison.
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In this episode hosts Aaron Buttery and Fred Vaught explore a transformative disciple-making tool used behind prison walls: the "I Will" statement. Grounded in 2 Timothy 3:16–17, we discuss how moving from passive intentions to actionable, SMART commitments shatters spiritual stagnation. Discover how incarcerated men at R.J. Donovan are bringing a living faith to the prison yard, and learn how to apply this pr...
Aaron Buttery sits down with Pastor Roger Ziegler, a former chiropractor who gave up his practice to spend over 26 years in prison ministry at R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility. Together, they share powerful stories of divine transformation behind bars, including former satanists and Wiccans surrendering their lives to Christ. Listen to hear how no heart is beyond the gospel's reach.
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On this episode, host Aaron Buttery speaks with Pastor Roger Ziegler, who left a 25-year chiropractic career to pursue full-time prison ministry. Pastor Roger shares how he overcame hesitation, experienced miraculous financial provision, and witnessed transformed lives behind bars. Tune in for an inspiring look at what happens when you step out in faith and answer God's call.
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Pastor Aaron Buttrey explores Mark 3:7–35 to confront a vital question: Is Jesus truly the Lord of your entire life? By unpacking the crowds, the calling of the Twelve, and Christ’s triumph over darkness, this message invites you to move past unmet expectations and step into a deep, transforming relationship with Jesus. This is a powerful call to action for anyone ready to renew their faith and stand radically for Chris...
In this episode, Aaron explores a Spirit-led approach to prison ministry and daily discipleship. Listeners are invited to trade self-reliance for genuine love, intentional prayer, and practical relationship-building. Through a simple four-step framework, this episode equips everyday people to make disciples and transform communities right where they are.
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What happens when you stop fighting in your own strength and go "all in" with God? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sam Redmond to discuss his incredible journey from facing an insurmountable legal sentence to experiencing true inner freedom. Sam shares raw, vulnerable insights on how the ultimate Waymaker broke down his physical and spiritual walls, the dangerous reality of the "drift" when we rely on our own hustle, and...
Sentenced to two life terms without the possibility of parole, Sam Redmond candidly opens up about his troubled youth, the devastating reality of facing a lifetime behind bars, and the rock-bottom moment that nearly ended his life. In this episode, Sam shares how the consistent, loving presence of prison ministries and volunteers radically broke his chains of addiction and filled his soul with a miraculous, lasting peace. Tune in t...
In this episode we bring together the powerful disciple-making tools explored throughout the series and reveal how they work together to create a thriving, Christ-centered movement of discipleship. While each tool is effective on its own, listeners will discover how the Prayer Calendar, Scripture-Focused Prayer, Conversation Quadrant, and Discovery Bible Study form a beautiful ecosystem that equips ordinary believers to make extrao...
Explore with us the powerful tool of Discovery Bible Study and how God uses His Word to transform lives from the inside out. Through a simple yet profound process of reading, answering simple questions, and applying Scripture, listeners are encouraged to move beyond merely gaining knowledge towards genuine obedience to Christ and thus, transformation. This episode highlights how the Holy Spirit speaks through God's Word, fostering ...
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the Conversation Quadrant and how the quality of our conversations shapes the depth of our relationships, leadership, and spiritual growth. Through practical insight and meaningful reflection, listeners are challenged to move beyond surface-level communication and engage in conversations that build trust, invite understanding, and create genuine connection. Whether in friendships, famil...
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