Freedom Fest brings community together
Sponsors and volunteers of Freedom Fest gather to help support the work of the nonprofit Freedom Initiative International.
Taylor Long gets a splash of color from his brother Tucker Long and Riley Latham at the first Freedom Fest.
Co-founder of Freedom Initiative International, Tyson Long, gets dunked by his eldest son, Tyler Long, at the first Freedom Fest.
ANAHUAC— Many came together to celebrate and support the work of Freedom Initiative International as the nonprofit helps communities while spreading the message of God's love.
The first Freedom Fest was held on Saturday, May 31, organized by the nonprofit.
"It is to bring the community together but mostly to celebrate the freedom of Christ and then also to share awareness and to generate support of our nonprofit," said Carrie Long, co-founder of the nonprofit.
Co-founder Tyson Long shared the same message, saying they wanted to bring the community together.
Both were very pleased with the turnout, as many gathered to celebrate God's love and to support one another and the nonprofit.
The day began with a 5K color run with participants ranging from young children to adults.
Aside from the color run, there was a bounce house, dunk tank, a variety of vendors, a raffle for a Ninja Creami, and, of course, fellowship.
After the 5K and a bit of fun with the dunk tank, Cornerstone Church Pastor Cody East led the band in song.
During worship, Carrie shared messages of Jesus Christ's love.
"There's so much heaviness all around in our world," Carrie said. "We all need Jesus. We all need the love, hope and freedom of Jesus Christ, and it's there. It is ours. He gives it to us freely."
Carrie thanked the sponsors, vendors, volunteers and participants who helped or participated in Freedom Fest.
"Whether it is through prayer, through giving, through serving alongside us, or just sharing our ministry, it helps move the kingdom mission that God has in us."
Through their nonprofit, the Longs serve the communities of Anahuac and Guatemala through various programs.
For Anahuac, the Longs have Freedom Youth, an after-school program designed to give children a safe space to go to after school.
Their coffee shop, Freedom Café, serves as a welcoming space for students where they can get free snacks and drinks after school.
Carrie said the students were interested in having the program for another year, and when she asked what it did for them, they said, "It was a safe haven, helped them grow closer to God, build relationships with friends and become better leaders."
Aside from Freedom Youth, the nonprofit has men's and women's ministries and more.
In Guatemala, they have bunk bed construction, food distribution, Vacation Bible School, community outreach, stove installation and more.
In Guatemala, one of the leading causes of death in children under five is smoke inhalation due to open-fire cooking. The Longs work to install stoves that vent smoke outside of the home and save on resources.
The couple will be headed to Guatemala from June 30 to July 23, and there are already plans in the works to organize another Freedom Fest for Oct. 10, 2026.