THE NEXT GENERATION

This year we have seen a continuing trend of younger clientele seeking our services. We are seeing more teen-agers, college age, and young adults in their early 20s. It has also been exciting to be able to counsel with some of the adult children of some of our UPLIFT members. God does answer faithful prayers. Sometimes it is just hard to wait!

EXODUS CONFERENCE IN WHEATON

The Exodus Conference in Wheaton (July 25-31) had over 1,100 participants! At Directors Day, we talked about last year’s media blitz and its effects, as well as strategies for reaching the upcoming Y generation. Some helpful workshops I attended dealt with grant writing, media strategies, note taking, and worship as part of healing. I also volunteered for another three-year term as regional representative. My long time friend, Larry Campbell, an American missionary to Argentina, roomed with me. This gave us opportunities to brainstorm ex-gay ministry possibilities for his church. We also met with the informal Latin delegations of about 20 people at various times throughout the week.

FREEDOM FROM HOMOSEXUALITY

The seminar of August 14 was well attended. One of my LIVING WATERS alumni flew in from Colorado to give his testimony! It is so good to see God continue to work in lives that have been touched by God here at CCR. We had many parents, including an extended family group!

COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING!

More and more people are finding us through our website at http:\\over.to\ccr. Also, after much concern and prodding, CCR now has call notes to enable people to leave messages even when I am on the computer! For those of you with e-mail, you are the first to receive updates and newsletters! So if you would like more current updates, let us know your e-mail address!

LIVING WATERS TRAINING IN FRANCE

I was thrilled to join the team for Living Waters training September 26-October 1). It was the first ever-offered in France. There were about 70 people in attendance from all over French-speaking Europe. People came with the need to deal with sexual wounding, heterosexual and homosexual. They also came with hopes of receiving more from Jehovah Rapha to take back to their local congregations for possible future groups. I was privileged to lead a group of 6 men. Healing prayer in small group is a vital part of the program, and I saw God do some major healing in the life of every man in my group. They will remain in my heart and my prayers. I was also greatly blessed as God reminded me of His faithfulness these 15 years in ministry. God has already done so much, and I was challenged to keep going forward in a walk of purity, integrity, and accountability. At the end of the week as I was saying my good byes to the men in my group, I was really touched by their kind words and fraternal brotherly kisses! What God did this week will have great eternal significance for France, Belgium, and Switzerland! After my years of preparation it was such a blessing to minister in French.

TEXODUS 99: CHAMPIONS BY GRACE

There were about 35 people at the conference at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Austin October 16, I gave the keynote address CHAMPIONS BY GRACE. Tim Gould gave us important insights on spiritual warfare. Gloria Zwinggi challenged parents with her quiet, convicting talk from a mother’s perspective. Kyle Miller challenged us in our understanding of real relationship with God. Erin Johnson and her mother gave a very interesting mother-daughter testimony entitled "Time to Dance". It was a time for encouragement, fellowship, and prayer. I was also glad to talk to people about emerging ministries in Corsicana, Waco, Beaumont, and the Valley. Mark your calendars now for Texodus 2000 in San Antonio!

LIVING WATERS-HOUSTON 2000

After having been part of the LIVING WATERS training in France, I am again re-energized to start our ninth group in January of 2000. As Roger Sims is busy finishing up coursework, he will not be able to co-lead as he has for the past four years. We are glad to have Russ Kennedy, (LIVING WATERS 98) as worship leader/small group leader, as well as a new intern from the class of 99. We will have capacity for at least 10 men and 5 women. LIVING WATERS is NOT just limited to those dealing with homosexuality. If you might be interested, feel free to inquire at 713-465- 7045. FOR CONCERNED FRIENDS AND FAMILY

For those of you who are affected by the homosexual struggles of a loved one! Uplift meets monthly for testimony, fellowship, and prayer. You can reach coordinators Al and Bev at 281-890-8958.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW

We praise God for all of you who contribute financially to this ministry with one-time gifts or monthly pledges (more than 50% of all our contributions). CCR does not receive mega-contributions from hundreds of churches and big grants. Those gifts of $20 or more coming as a monthly commitment/pledge have sustained us through 15 years of ministry. Since 1985 CCR has been an outpost to proclaim freedom from homosexuality to an ever growing cynical world through counseling, support groups, personal discipleship, speaking engagements, and literature. In recent years you have read how God is extending our outreach beyond US borders. You can also contribute through LIFELINE (acct 25584 ph 1 800 990 0109), Randall’s (acct 1982), or Gerland’s (acct 105440). Please consider a special gift before the end of the year or becoming a member of the PLEDGE PARTNER team in 2000.

TESTIMONY TIME

I just came across your email on the Internet and wanted to say hello. If you remember about 12 years ago or so I used to attend a group you hosted in the Montrose area. Actually, you came by and visited my wife and I at our duplex there in Montrose. We now have 2 children - a boy and a girl and life is fantastic! It was a great help for me to visit with you and be involved in your ministry when I was coming out of the lifestyle. God only knows what would have happened to me without the support, guidance and inspiration you provided for me back in my early Christian walk. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks for keeping the faith and staying strong and being such a great example for everyone.