The Freedom Farm

09/21/2026

Here is a message that Barb sent out in 2023. It made me smile. It is so Barb.
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Have you heard about the revival at Asbury and other colleges? Students are experiencing God’s word in a new way with lives being changed. On top of that the movie, “Jesus Revolution” is crushing all expectations in theatres! A coincidence? Or maybe God. Former farmers tell me it is well done reminding them of the Jesus Movement in the 70’s. Some of you were with us then. Remember your excitement as you realized God wasn’t dead? Farm meetings were filled with choruses and gifted teachers opening God’s word. Plus, special times sharing together what God was doing in our lives. Then the Jesus Movement began. We loaded our Gospel bus with teens and off we went to crusades and concerts, as so many began their lives with Jesus. Amazingly, God put Paul and me in the middle of it! But that was then, and this is now. I regret so many around us think this world is all that matters. If they only knew the truth about Jesus: that he knows us by name with a deep, immeasurable, forgiving love! He walks with us, forgives us, nurtures us, and holds us with a unique plan for each. He truly wants to be our forever friend. I vividly remember my 40th class reunion in Boston when we shared our lives since graduation. Many classmates were Jewish and high achievers. I was dreading my turn as I listened to their worldly accomplishments. How could I explain the Freedom Farm? Thankfully insight came as I spoke. “I’m in investments.” Now I was speaking their language and they listened! Until I explained. “I’m investing my life in the lives of others.” I then gave them a glimpse of why Paul and I did that as we I followed the Lord’s plan for us. As we were leaving one gal whispered to me, “I’m a Christian too.” I sadly realized she didn’t want others to know. But as I look back over 50 plus years, I must tell you I am overwhelmed by the faithfulness and love of God. The Bible says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” Surely, we need another revival. Do you?
Barb 😉

09/21/2026

Barb Weatherbee passed away this morning. For years she's told me and others that she was ready to see the Lord. He called her today, and we can be confident in knowing she ran her race well, she's reunited with many fiend and family who've gone before her, and she's in glory with Jesus, her Savior.

Her family expects to have a memorial / celebration of life service in the Spring.

Friends, Barbara Weatherbee has passed on to be with the Lord.

Laurie said it best:

"Mom passed away this morning. To glory she goes...the long awaited blessing. To be in heaven, how awesome."

Barb lived her life returning goodness to the Lord who saved her. She gave so much to so many. Comfort, advice, wise teaching, a kind word, grace, and prayer, much prayer. And all of the above was often accompanied by a cup of tea or one of her whoopie pies. She gave us all an example of what serving the Lord and striving to be more like Jesus looks like. She loved the Lord, and she loved people.

In Psalm 116, King David ponders his gratitude toward God. I think this passage captures how Barb wholeheartedly lived out her life in service to Jesus.

12 What shall I return to the Lord
for all his goodness to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
Psalm 116:12-16

We who put our faith in Jesus Christ have faith that this is not the end, but only the beginning of Eternity for Barb, who we will meet again one day.
..in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39

And while we may feel the pain of this loss in our lives, we must remember that this is temporary. In the span of eternity, our separation will not be long. And we should be comforted that Barb is now reunited with her beloved Paul and hearing her Lord Jesus say to her:

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:23)

I know Barb would be telling us, "Don't be sad for me, I'm with the Lord Jesus at last."

In Christ,

Ed Murphy

09/20/2026

Friends, Barbara Weatherbee has passed on to be with the Lord.

Laurie said it best:

"Mom passed away this morning. To glory she goes...the long awaited blessing. To be in heaven, how awesome."

Barb lived her life returning goodness to the Lord who saved her. She gave so much to so many. Comfort, advice, wise teaching, a kind word, grace, and prayer, much prayer. And all of the above was often accompanied by a cup of tea or one of her whoopie pies. She gave us all an example of what serving the Lord and striving to be more like Jesus looks like. She loved the Lord, and she loved people.

In Psalm 116, King David ponders his gratitude toward God. I think this passage captures how Barb wholeheartedly lived out her life in service to Jesus.

12 What shall I return to the Lord
for all his goodness to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.

15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful servants.
16 Truly I am your servant, Lord;
I serve you just as my mother did;
you have freed me from my chains.
Psalm 116:12-16

We who put our faith in Jesus Christ have faith that this is not the end, but only the beginning of Eternity for Barb, who we will meet again one day.
..in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39

And while we may feel the pain of this loss in our lives, we must remember that this is temporary. In the span of eternity, our separation will not be long. And we should be comforted that Barb is now reunited with her beloved Paul and hearing her Lord Jesus say to her:

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:23)

I know Barb would be telling us, "Don't be sad for me, I'm with the Lord Jesus at last."

In Christ,

Ed Murphy

09/19/2026

Freedom Farmers, friends and family of Barbara Weatherbee:

Please lift Barb up in your prayers.

Barb fell recently and her body is failing. She is now on hospice. This is sad and shocking news, but Barb is ready and happy to be going to glory with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and all those who've gone on ahead of her.

Remember Your word to Your servant;
You have given me hope through it.
This is my comfort in my affliction:
Your promise has given me life.
Psalm 119:49,50

Please pray for the family, too. They have a lot on their plate caring for Barb. May they know the comfort and strength that Jesus can grant.

If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
Your faithful love will support me, Lord.
When I am filled with cares,
Your comfort brings me joy.
Psalm 94:18,19

We don't want to overwhelm Barb's caregivers, so please do not visit or call unless invited. In the meantime, praying on behalf of her and the family is the best thing we can do for Barb.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18

And, if you've drifted, if you've fallen away, if your love for Jesus has grown cold, I know that Barb would plead with you, that you would turn again to her Lord and Savior. He can be yours, too!

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16

As I learn more, I will keep you posted.

In Christ,

Ed Murphy