CONGRESO INTERNACIONAL-CUERNAVACA, MEXICO

September 29 – October 4 I taught at the 3rd Exodus Latinoamerica Congress in Cuernavaca, Mexico. I taught on mother issues, conflict resolution and singleness. This was my first Latin American conference, and I so appreciated the hospitality and warmth of executive director Oscar Galindo and his team. This conference had their largest attendance to date, about 250 in attendance from 7 different countries. I also had many opportunities for prayer ministry and informal encouragement in conversation.

GROUP TALK

The Barnabas group on Monday nights continues with 5-10 men. We have been studying FALLING FORWARD by Craig Lockwood. It deals with sexual addiction in general. We have had some valuable discussions as well as fine-tuning the definitions of accountability and support, and the need for both.

The pilot support group for college students in College Station began Saturday, November 6, and we have met weekly since then. There are 5 young men coming. We have shared our personal stories, and watched Sy Rogers’ videos about realistic expectations for Christians and sexual struggles. Most have never been in a support group before, and most of this information about change is still new to them. We will take a break for Thanksgiving, and then resume for a few sessions before Christmas.

I met with four men interested in overcoming homosexuality at THE OPEN DOOR, a Christian drug rehabilitation center. My tentative plans are to do a monthly meeting there.

Continue prayers for Ginny and Kay, as the monthly UPLIFT parents and friends meeting continues to grow

MEDIA MENTION

The HOUSTON PRESS article “The Reorient Express” came out October 14. In addition to me, Craig Malisow also interviewed one of our LIVING WATERS graduates, Randy Thomas from Exodus central office, two pro-gay ministers, and an ex ex-gay. Christian Coalition for Reconciliation was never mentioned by name, although it did mention that I led an Exodus ministry (in Houston).

If you missed it on the stands, you can find it at www.houstonpress.com/ussyes.2004-10-14/news/feature.htm I have received an inquiry from a man desperate to know what we have to offer. Continue praying that God uses it to accomplish His Purposes

Right after the elections I did a radio interview with Voice of America in English and Spanish!

Listen for me each month on DYNAMIC HOUSTON 6:30pm to 7:00pm with Ken Garza on KKHT radio 1070 AM

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES IN 2005

• FREEDOM SEMINARS –to be announced
• Weekly Barnabas group for men
• Individual mentoring for men and women
• Monthly UPLIFT group for parents and friends
• LIVING WATERS group starts January 2005
• LOVE WON OUT-HOUSTON –February 19, 2005
• Bi-monthly college support group in College Station
• Monthly support group at Open Door Mission
• FOCUS ON THE FAMILY comes to Houston next year. Last year in Austin there were over 1,100 in attendance. CCR will have an exhibit table along with the other 6 Exodus Texas ministries
• LIVING WATERS training April 15-24 in Cordoba, Argentina (donation of American frequency flyer points appreciated)
• Exodus Global Alliance Conference in Canada May 2005
• SBC Conference in Nashville, TN June 21-25, 2005

NEEDS LIST

• New Computer and printer (’98 system is about to go)
• Frequent flyer miles donation (American for Argentina trip)
• Additional monthly pledge partners

Notice how much attention homosexuality has been getting in the past year! We have more challenges than ever!

Please keep us in your prayers; introduce us to your church and persons needing our resources. We are so blessed by your interest and concerns.

Churches are more willing to utilize CCR’s resources for training/mentoring. We have increasing numbers of high school and college students coming to us for help. Our donations were down by at least 10% in 2003 and did not increase substantially in 2004. Our needs are very modest. There were a few summer months when we did not meet budget with minimal operating costs.

Please consider a generous year-end gift to CCR, and/or joining us as a CCR pledge partner for 2004. We are committed to reaching as many as possible. Thank you so much for your financial support, prayers, and words of encouragement.

Pastor Michael Newman

P.S. Don't forget CCR has account at Randall’s (1982), Gerland’s (105440), Lifeline call 1-800-990-0109, Acct 25584). You can also contribute by credit card at www.helping.org

Tell me more on how to give.

Comments from Friends of CCR

• I thought of you today as I meditated on what in my life I have to be thankful for. I thought of how YOU have blessed my life and I thanked the Lord for blessing me by bringing you into my life. You are a blessing!
• Thank you for your encouragement and your prayers. Your "check-up" calls mean a lot to me
• I’m so happy you remembered me and i am very happy you wrote back. ... Stay strong and putting on the blood and armor every day, you are an example for me thank you , thank JESUS.
• We admire you for the ministry work you do and will continue to keep you in our prayers.
• You are awesome!
• Thanks for your faithful ministry. I know that you walk by faith each and every day. I do admire and respect your work.
• I was deeply rewarded by your teaching about the principles that get us to where we are and how the devil is always one step behind us ready for us to slip! You provided very enlightening nourishment for my soul
• What a blessing living here and living to see God's blessings unfold...and to think about how the enemy would have stolen it all years ago when having doubts about what direction my life should take
• I have been praying hard that God might provide a support group here in College Station
• I enjoy the questions. It helps me think through things
• The time spent in the group was awesome. It was just a joy to see others out there trying their hardest to live for God while battling the attacks of the enemy - all of the time keeping their trust and faith in our Lord and Savior
• I REALLY appreciate your prayers, support, and love