CCR celebrated its 20 year birthday in May of 2005, so we are now into our 22nd year! Praise God for His Faithfulness through the years!

Coming Out

Did you get a chance to read the February 6 article Coming Out’ meant freedom in Christ for Houston resident at www.sbtexas.com? I was very pleased with the article.

Sabbtical

February 17-27 I took first Sabbatical after almost 21 years. I spent 10 days in Tucson, Arizona where I began my walk out of homosexuality in 1975. I visited with college friends as well as enjoying a spiritual pilgrimage and time for refreshing and reflection, personal, as well as ministry time.. Special thanks to the friend who financed this, so there was no cost to CCR!

ESTER Group

The ESTHER group celebrates a year in existence. Adrienne is very pleased with the growth she has seen in the women as they have matured. Her desire is to train to realize their leadership potential, as well. Ginny and Kay continue as mentors, as well as others.

UPLIFT

Lucy and Edrice have been really excited to see a larger attendance at recent UPLIFT meetings. Wanda has coordinated weekly prayer and fasting for the group to pray for their loved ones, and they have seen God at work.

SAN ANTONIO

June 30 I was in San Antonio at a conference for Lutheran ministers to college students throughout the US. I presented the workshop Walking In Love: Loving Those Who Struggle with Homosexuality which was very well received. It also gave me time to spend with Gloria, as well as Tom and Martha Hardin, coordinators of the AWAKENING parents and friends group there

COLLEGE STATION

We have various changes in the membership in the men’s group in COLLEGE STATION that started in November, 2004. We meet at least one Saturday a month. I also reserve time for lunch and one-on–one. . BARNABAS men’s group continues in weekly monthly modules

Thanks to frequent flyer miles contributed by a CCR supporter, airfare to Argentina and Europe were covered. CCR was also gifted with a wonderful Sony digital camera from a church partner; thus, I have photos to share by e-mail, etc! The LIVING WATERS training in La Falda, Argentina took place April 23-29. This was the third training for church leaders throughout South America. I again ministered as a small group leader, as well as in the plenary session, and also did a teaching. It is so exciting to see God building up His Kingdom through these precious friends throughout many nations in South America. This year Mauricio and Daniela Montion, coordinators for Argentina and SA blessed us with getting to know their son Jonathan. He was a real favorite for all of us. My friends Roly and Annie Hager were named as coordinators for Chile this year. We celebrated Annie’s birthday and first pregnancy! Hans Wust was named coordinator for Costa Rica.

May 21-28 I was at IBSTE for a speaking engagement near Barcelona, Spain May 21-28! I spoke to Miguel Castillo’s Leadership class, did two chapel talks, and also shared as part of a Sunday church service. The people at the church were so warm and friendly. I met a Wycliffe missionary from Algeciras Spain who told me she would love to have me speak there, and the pastor suggested I be invited to their men’s conference in the future

I have really enjoyed working with Wilfred Darden and several other Afro-American pastors with EQUIPPING THE SAINTS OUTREACH COALTION (ESOC). It challenges Afro-American churches to address homosexuality, and I am their resource for training. We have now produced a DVD, which was presented at a prayer rally for Black Churches on July 31 . Unexpected blessing. My LSU roommate Sam Henderson, who played a major role in encouraging me to walk away form homosexuality, has accepted an interim pastorate at Clearlake Presbyterian Church. I really look forward to resuming our friendship which began in 1972!

Ginny continues hosting a weekly prayer/ intercession time for CCR and our people. Prayer covering and intercession are so important.

CITY FEST

I will be participating with the LUIS PALAU CITY FEST celebration (October 7-8), as a volunteer utilizing my Spanish speaking abilities, before the event, as well as during the event. I hope to be able to help with prayer counseling, as well.

PRAYER REQUESTS

• Central donated office space (office has been in my apartment since February, 2005)
• Funds to reimburse $3,000 non-budgeted expenditure for new computer and printer
• Frequent flyer miles (i.e. Continental, 50,000 minimum) to enable further ministry abroad (I will be in Mexico City November 1-4).
• More volunteer staff (especially for men’s groups)
• More dedicated monthly pledge partners to join our faithful ranks ($1385 commited monthly, minimum budget need is $5000)

Remember, this is our ONLY fundraising effort during the year!

Thank you so much for your financial support, prayers, and words of encouragement

Pastor Michael Newman

Christian Coalition for Reconciliation
PO Box 420437 Houston, TX 77242-0437 
www.ccrhouston.org
281 497 7044

Tell me more on how to give.