Meet the Founders:
Bob & Johna Hale
We started as L.I.F.E. Ministries International in 2000 and are continuing the ministry under the new name Captives Free. We've combined our experiences in addiction recovery to make the ministry you know and love today.
Johna Hale, Chief Executive Officer
Johna Hale is cofounder of the original L.I.F.E. Ministries International now operating as Captives Free. In her position as President, Johna provides executive leadership and strategic direction to the ministry. Johna’s father struggled with multiple addictions for years, and those addictions had a major impact on her life for several years and gave her a heart for ministering to those similarly impacted during their lives. Having been involved in Christ-centered ministries since 1978, she has a passion to provide a safe place within the Christian community for those struggling with the effects of addiction and has practiced as a Christian counselor specializing in addiction recovery under Living Water Ministries. Johna holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and Speech Communication, both from the University of Kansas, in addition to holding an MA in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Cornerstone University. An Ordained Minister in Counseling, she has done extensive work in Bowen Family Systems. johna@captivesfree.com
Bob Hale, Chief Financial Officer
Bob Hale is also a cofounder of L.I.F.E. Ministries International, under which Captives Free now operates. In his role as Chief Financial Officer, Bob draws from more than two decades of ministry experience to direct the day-to-day activities and operations of the ministry. In addition to his position at Captive Free, Bob has served as President of Living Water Ministries, a Christian counseling ministry operating in the Central Florida community, and provided managerial and financial consultation for Crown Ministries when they were located here. Bob holds a Master in Business Administration from Auburn University and dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and in Business Management. In addition, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years in strategic missile and space development programs and retired in 1985 at the rank of colonel. Bob was active in the Promise Keepers men’s ministry program for a number of years, and previously led the men’s ministry program at a large Orlando area church. bob@captivesfree.com
Purpose Statement
To create safe and healing places—locally and globally, in person and online—for anyone struggling with addiction
STATEMENT OF FAITH—CAPTIVES FREE
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit
We believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to be the final authority for doctrine, instruction, correction and healing.
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and lived a sinless life. He was crucified and buried; and rose again from the dead to ascend into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to the earth in power and great glory.
We believe that faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is the only thing that saves us from slavery to sin, the consequences of death, and eternal separation from God. It was He, in perfect obedience to the will of the Father, who took the penalty of our sin upon Himself, and thus enable us to have eternal life in the power of His resurrection.
We believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, who carries out this work of redemption, restoration and renewal in our lives, so that we can live in personal relationship with God the Father and in obedience to His will.
We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is composed of all who know Him as Savior and Lord, regardless of denominational heritage or beliefs.