July 2001 Newsletter - Michael Newman

SUMMER UPDATE 2001

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

I was quoted in a May 11 story for the Baptist Press.
On May 8 I did a brief sound bite for FOX Channel 26 9PM news on my thoughts about the Spitzer study which gives evidence that homosexuals can change.
Adrienne Godre and I appeared on LIVING THE LIE on Debra Duncan Channel 13 on June 23. This was CCR's first opportunity on secular TV programming/interview in 15 years! The local media here has been very resistant to publicizing us throughout the years, so this was a great breakthrough. Adrienne and I really felt your prayers, but were greatly saddened by the stories of the other guests: Ben, who divorced his wife after 13 years to pursue the gay world, Harlan (who had undergone shock treatment therapy as a teenager and three marriages) and her gay partner Post-op transsexual (male -female) Mary, and the pro-gay psychologist. The show was quick paced and very civil. I had opportunities to interact further with the other guests after the show.
The brief news special entitled GROWING UP GAY aired Thursday, June 28, on KHOU, Channel 11 here in Houston. The story featured a 19-year-old who had decided he was gay at age 14 after discovering other gay adolescents on the Internet. They did a brief interview with me about the possibility of change, and also included the interview with web link on their web site.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

In early March I gave my testimony at a fledgling ex-gay support group, Called Out. Once again most of the group was Hispanic, which really warms my heart.
I joined Jim Gentile, director of Transforming Congregations to speak at two workshops at the April 20-21 Confessing Movement conference here in Houston. It seems so many in this Methodist group are aware of resources through Exodus ministries such as ours.
Adrienne Godre and I were at a regional prayer breakfast of Concerned Women of America at St. John’s May 5. I shared from the Gay and Lesbian Yellow Pages:
- Welcomes from Mayor Lee Brown, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, councilwoman Annise Parker, and state representative Debra Danburg
- Corporate funding given to Houston Area Teen council on Homosexuality
- 24 listings for pro-gay counselors
- 11 listings for gay friendly churches
- Chase PRIDE team and Exxon Gay and Lesbian Employees
- Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) with monthly meetings, speakers bureau, and satellites in Southwest and Woodlands

CONFERENCES

March 29-31 our LIVING WATERS group had a special treat as Andy Comiskey, author of the program, presented a conference PURSUING RELATIONAL WHOLENESS at the Vineyard -Houston. Almost all our group attended Thursday night. A major point of Andy’s teaching dealt with forgiveness related to wounds inflicted by men in attitudes and actions towards women, and vice versa. We also had a session on the great importance of confession, and the last evening we celebrated Communion together. I always enjoy ministering with Andy, and it was great to minister with the Vineyard, as well.
This year I was very pleased to be one of the ministry exhibitors for the College of Biblical Studies TEACH 2001 conference at Second Baptist Church March 2-3. Most of the students are Afro-American, Hispanic or Asian, so I was excited about this opportunity for more interactions crossing ethnic barriers.

GROUP NEWS

Ten graduated from our LIVING WATERS program this year. Breakthroughs continue for many, and enthusiasm is still high. We will again offer the program in January 2002. We are already accepting applications.

Michael leads 4-week module for men starting in July. It’s called the Barnabas group, and will encourage participants through weekly worship, teaching, prayer and sharing.. It will continue in consecutive 4-week cycles pending sufficient interest.

Adrienne leads a Women's group twice a month. Anyone interested needs to call CCR office at 713 532 7045 to talk with Michael about details.

MORE HITS FROM WEBSITE

More and more of our inquiries are coming from our web site, and e-mail. We are also glad to have increasing numbers of teen-agers contacting us.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FREEDOM FROM HOMOSEXUALITY seminar August 18 and November 17.
Dance Ad Deum Summer Intensive July 29-August 4
Exodus North America Conference in Ridgecrest, NC August 4-10
TEXODUS regional conference at Grace Community Church, Houston, September 29 (we already have brochures available, or you can also contact Tim Gould with Sexual Wholeness Ministries at 281-992-8800)

NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR

I’m excited about the media opportunities, new groups, and yet there is so much more we could be doing in Houston. Please let your church know about us as a resource. We also welcome them to participate as financial partners, as well as board members.

NON-FUND RAISING EVENT FORM

__ Sorry, I don’t trust you  and amateurs at a
   CARWASH. Here’s the $10 donation anyway.

__ My life is too busy to find junk for you to 
   sell or to buy any of yours.  Here is $25 
   to save me the aggravation.

__ My social life is already too busy, and I 
   hate rubber chicken at fund raising banquets.  
   Here is $____  so I can spend that rare free 
   evening at home.

__ I have fallen arches and can’t stand the heat,
   so I don’t want to participate in 
   walk/ride/bike/anything A-THON.  Here is $30 to 
   avoid medical expenses I may have had afterwards.  

__ I’m terrible at soliciting pledges or selling 
   stuff, so it’s worth  it to me to give you $15 
   so I don’t have to.

__ I can’t face another partners’ luncheon, so
   here’s $100 for me and the friend I couldn’t 
   find to invite.

__ My wife/doctor/scale tells me to stay away 
   from those sweets, so I’m willing to pay you 
   $50 to avoid those dessert gatherings.

__ Nor do I need to bake any goodies for 
   aforementioned dessert gatherings.  I will 
   donate $15 instead.

__ I hate phone solicitations , but hate to be rude.  
   Here’s $40 to soothe my conscience.

You can be a pledge partner or make your existing purchases contribute to CCR’s ministry by using Lifeline, Randall’s Remarkable Card or Gerland’s Advantage Card or Gerland’s Advantage Card. Tell me more on how to give.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Michael Newman