 
I'll bet when you got up this morning one of the first thoughts on your mind was not "I hope someone sends me another news-letter." Just a hunch, but I'm good at that. In case it was your hope to get one and my hunch was wrong, may I present you with a first addition copy of KIesis Monthly. Levity aside, we wanted to begin telling you about the wonderful things we are seeing Jesus do in helping men and women draw closer to Him. As you might hear Tricia say "It has been quite interesting." Actually, we are beginning to marvel at His healing power on behalf of His bound and wounded ones. In the months ahead we will be telling you more about that. §  Some of you know that Tncia and I have always seen ourselves as ministering together. However, in the past three years I have been the only official staff person. Tricia has done all kinds of ministering to people as a counselor, but not under Klesis. At the last Board meeting members felt that it was time for her to come on staff We agreed! So in January she will continue to use her gifts doing inner healing, counseling,and spiritual direction, but through this ministry. We feel very right about this. In fact, I suspect that one of the pieces that needs to fall into place in order for the Lord to shape our work as He intends is her coming aboard. She will grace all that we do, no doubt! §  You'd have to be mummified not to notice that God has begun to shake things up in mens' lives these days. Promise Keepers has certainly gotten our attention and we need to pray for the work it is doing around the country. I know something very deep and very important is taking place at the core of masculine identity. As I have done counseling, inner healing, and spiritual direction with men of all ages I have noticed in the last year that the Holy Spirit is beginning to call them out from their hiding places (we do that you know), so that they can be unbound, forgiven, healed and strengthened. In working with brothers I have seen three areas get particular attention from God lately. The first one has to do with sin, hidden sin that has caused crippling guilt and shame. Habitual sin which has trapped the man threatening to create havoc in his life. It could be sexual sin, anger, irrational fear, deceit, etc. Whatever the problem the Holy Spirit is helping men face their sin and repent. Another serious problem we are seeing more of with men is woundedness. The sin, abuse or neglect of others (often fathers) has left the man with a crushing sense of inadequacy, worthlessness, and fear. To compensate he might become overly aggressive or unable to form intimate relationships. He might chronically deny anything is wrong. Or he might be passive, weak-willed and defeated. Men are great at denying or covering up how they hurt and what they fear. But we are seeing Jesus help men look squarely at the wounds in their souls in order to be healed and strengthened with the truth. Finally, men can have blockages in their souls which stifle their ability to relate closely to God, especially in prayer. The blockage could be chronic anger, unforgiveness, bitterness or unbelief If not dealt with a man lives a superficial and impotent spiritual life, tending to see God as generally silent or distant. In all of these struggles the Holy Spirit is calling men into the light. We see Him demonstrating profound love for them. He is forgiving men in a way that frees them to be honest and couageous. He is showing the immense power that Jesus has to heal and restore. He is helping men mature in the face of heavy challenges and responsibilities. We are grateful to be a part of what Jesus is making happen with men. Pray for us. §  To keep you up to date with what we will be offering: 
In middle January the Klesis Academy for Spiritual Formation in Christ will be offering day and evening classes on the Christian spiritual life. You will soon be receiving a brochure.
In early 1997, KIesIs will also be offering a number of "Listening to the Voice of God" seminars for couples.
In the spring of 1997, Tricia and I will lead an 8 - week workshop on Inner Healing or the Healing of Memories. It will be geared toward those who want to learn how to minister in this way. §  Tricia and I have been finding ourselves spending increasing amounts of time doing inner healing with men and women. We began offering this type of ministry over 10 years ago after having received training from Rev. Earl Fox -- an Episcopalian priest now residing in the Pittsburgh area. We have noticed that the Lord seems to give us seasons of ministering this way: a number of people come for a time, and then it all stops. The cycle has been the same since we began. Because it is so intense, perhaps Jesus mercifully gives us a break. I like to think that anyway. What appears to be different this time around is that the level of healing is deeper for people than ever before. We are not getting more clever or more profoundly wise, but the Lord is moving powerfully to "proclaim freedom for the captives . . . recovery of sight for the blind. release of the oppressed." (Lk. 4:18-9) It is amazing to watch how Jesus gently, yet with great authority and power, draws the bound person to Himself, wins his trust, and then enables him or her to face what is so painful or terrifying. When people go through this process and they experience the release and healing He gives them, they are literally in awe. There are many tears of gratitude and joy. Another remarkable thing that we observe is that the healing results in clear behavioral, attitudinal or spiritual change. People have been telling us how they know they are different, that something has been unbound inside of them, and they are stronger, more at peace, more able to deal with the struggles and hurts of life that before would have sent them into a tailspin. What a masterful God we serve!!! We are also witnessing a similar increase in the number of people coming for marriage and family counseling. Marital problems are some of the most devastating experiences Christians have to face at times. What was designed by God to be a source of life and joy, can turn out to be a source of the most excruciating pain in life. The core issues of trust and vulnerability come into play. As some of you know, we have counseled married couples since we lived in Winsted, before coming to CPC. Lately, a new thing is happening in this area of ministry for us. The Lord is beginning to send families. Not only are we having the chance to serve Jesus by counseling husbands and wives, but we are getting the chance to help teenagers sort through some of the struggles they face in their families. We never expected this turn of events, but welcome it, and ask for your prayers. Helping people identify their gifts has had a resurgence for KIesis of late too. Kit has been doing such work since 1980. It is another ministry that ebbs and flows for us. Lately, the Lord seems to be using, in conjunction with other forms of counseling we do, Playmaker to fill out the identity of the person. He has also been sending college students, or younger folks in search of the right career direction. Some of you also know that Tricia is at the beginning of a 2-year process at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield to receive a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. The Lord, as He has done with us many times before, has led us into this way of helping Christians mature. The skills He has given us through retreat ministry, counseling, and inner healing has given us a good start. §  Tricia continues to offer counseling, inner healing and spiritual direction to women. If you are struggling with emotional, spiritual, or relational problems, she is available to help you open up to Jesus and receive healing. Kit is available for counseling, inner healing, spiritual direction, and vocational counseling. Kit and Tricia also offer and marriage and family counseling. To schedule an appointment with the McDermott's, call 860.651.1594. For counseling /spiritual direction sessions we ask a donation of $50 per session. Our desire is someday to offer all of our ministry as Jesus and the Apostles did -- for free. Until then, we will ask for your support in this way. On the other hand, we will turn no one away who cannot offer the suggested amount.§  About Klesis Ministries: What is the Klesis Academy for Spiritual Formation in Christ?  Would you take a minute to pray for us?
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