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Finding A Place to Belong

In The Beginning: Attachment

by Ricky Chelette, Executive Director

I am often asked, "How does Living Hope help people?"  I generally answer in many different ways: 1) We love people where they are as they are and show them who they are in Christ. 2) We point people to Jesus, who is the author and definer of our identity. 3) We help people embrace who they are in Christ. All the answers are accurate, and no one finds truly transformative, sustained healing without Jesus. Still, after journeying with people for over twenty-five years, I have discovered another aspect of what we do at LHM that has an incredible impact on people's lives. It is secondary to (read the rest of the story)

Belonging

by Bonnie White, Women’s Minister

Belonging, this is the very thing that every woman seeking out our ministry is longing for and hoping she might find. She may have been attracted to other girls ever since she can remember but has never acted on it or is realizing acting on these desires did not bring the fulfillment she thought it would. She may be trying her best to get out of an unhealthy relationship or simply seeking a sisterhood of healthy friends. She may have finally decided she cannot do this alone anymore, or she may have just met the Lord and is trying (read the rest of the story)

In Their Own Words…

“While I was growing stronger in my walk with the Lord I was still finding myself attracted to other girls and becoming emotionally dependent on them. I would pray the gay away but still finding myself longing for that connection. At Living Hope there were finally people who truly got it. It gave me the confidence to share my struggle with the people in my life in hopes that maybe I didn’t have to walk through this alone. There were finally people who truly got it. It gave me the confidence to share my struggle with the people in my life in hopes that maybe I didn’t have to walk through this alone.” - Women’s Group participant

“I just wanted to thank you again for your time spent with me. Just being able to share for the first time, was freeing, and I so I am grateful for you being there and for speaking hope, encouragement and truth to me. Thank you for your prayer as well." -  mom from South Africa  

“Although we cannot change our son’s mind, studying and believing God’s Word and praying are two things we can do. I will be in prayer for your family and ministry." -mom of a son, Friends and Family Group

“I can't thank you enough.  I feel a weight lifted just knowing we have a Christian community supporting and praying right with us! “ - grandmother whose grandson is non-binary

Introducing…

We are proud to announce the launch of the Institute of Biblical Sexuality. The Institute, or IBS, will function as a part of the educational and training ministry of LHM. IBS will not only address issues of LGBTQIA+ but all areas of sexuality and help the church and believers understand God's design and plan for biblical sexuality. It will also equip the church and believers in healthy sexuality and how to respond to the cultural distortions of God's design from a biblical and redemptive perspective.  

IBS will also provide curated resources that demonstrate adherence to a biblically orthodox view of sexuality and original resources from like-minded ministries, individuals, and entities.

Bruno Borges will direct this new branch of LHM's ministry as we seek to educate the church and provide training for her leadership and people.

We ask that you pray for the Institute of Biblical Sexuality and Living Hope Ministries as we branch out and give expanded attention to all aspects of human sexuality and expression from a biblical worldview.

We are excited to see how this new ministry endeavor will expand our educational outreach to churches seeking to respond biblically and redemptively to the issues of sexual and relational brokenness.

You may donate your tax-deductible gift by clicking on IBS or LHM.

Ricky Chelette

Executive Director

Clarity in A World of Confusion

Unlock new perspectives on sexuality and gender identity by inviting Living Hope to your church. We bring our expertise to help you understand and engage with our society's fixation on sexuality and identity. We can also help you nurture gender-healthy children in a world of gender confusion. Hurry and secure your spot for 2023 as our calendar fills up rapidly. Don't miss this unique opportunity, reach out to us now!

Our Executive Director, Ricky Chelette, was again honored by an invitation to teaching in two breakout sessions at the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s CONCLAVE, January 18-19, in Chattanooga, TN.

On January 30, Ricky will be teaching a staff training at the invitation of Harmony Hills Baptist Church in Lufkin, TX.

Some Not-So-Good News

In January, The Hope House, our highly accountable living home for men 18-27, was unoccupied as we awaited new residents. While vacant, five homeless people broke into the home and made themselves at home. We are grateful that nothing was seriously damaged, and no one was hurt. Unfortunately, the police did have to break a door down to get into the house and we will be installing a security system to deter future difficulties. Please pray for the Hope House, its residents, and its protection. Pray also for these precious people who were seeking shelter. Donations to support the repairs and security for the Hope House can be made here. Your prayers and support are appreciated.