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| | | | | Dear Friend,
As 2022 draws to a close, I can’t help but think about the dramatic shift that has taken place in our nation over the past two years. Since Covid-19 first made an appearance on American soil, our country has undergone a significant shift spiritually. It is grieving to watch, as our nation spirals further and further into lawlessness.
Back in 2005, I wrote a little book called, How America Lost Her Innocence. In it, I disclose that up until the 1950’s, decency, honesty, and morality were the way of life, yet seeds of corruption were quietly being sown by a handful of evil men, and within two generations, perversion became commonplace and pornography a national pastime.
The moral decline we are witnessing is no surprise considering the trajectory we have been on for the past 70 years. Since then, our culture has grown increasingly hostile towards Christians.
Thankfully, the Lord foresaw America’s spiritual downfall and established a place for men and women who are tired of the grueling bondage of sexual sin and want to find real freedom. Despite the onslaught of evil being unleashed in our nation, God is still filling beds in our Residential Program. After the shutdowns of 2020 caused a significant drop in our census, our numbers have recovered to near capacity again. Praise the Lord!
In Romans, we are told by the apostle Paul, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 – ESV) By God’s grace, this is what we are doing here at Pure Life Ministries.
In October, a dear friend of mine delivered a series of messages to the men in our Residential Program. In one of his talks, he spoke about the life of Joseph and the years of suffering he endured as a result of the envy and cruelty of his merciless brothers. And yet, at the end of it all, he was able to say, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20 – ESV)
The same is true of the men and women who come into our counseling programs. As these men and women allow the truth of God’s Word to enter their hearts, the Lord begins the process of actually turning the evil around and using it to bring about good in their lives. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 – ESV)
Before the Son of God came down from His heavenly throne, taking on the form of a man over 2,000 years ago, the spiritual climate that engulfed Israel was dark and seemingly hopeless, much like today.
Looking forward to that time when Jesus, the Messiah would come to redeem His people and save them from their sins, the prophet Isaiah declared,
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2 – ESV)
Jesus remains that great light for His people today! As we head into Christmas, “Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne.” (Hebrews 12:2 – GNT)
Finally, as you might have read in our most recent Newsletter, the foundation for our New Staff House has been laid and the walls for the main floor are up! Our maintenance team is doing a phenomenal job. To see the latest pictures and progress, please visit: www.purelifeministries.org/donate.
As I end this letter, I want to say thank you for your prayers and financial support. It means a lot to have friends who are like-minded and want to come alongside the work God is doing here. If you feel led to make a year-end donation to Pure Life Ministries, I would like to ask you to prayerfully consider whether to make your contribution to our General Fund or New Staff House—both of which have their needs!
From all of us here at Pure Life, we hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas and New Year! |
| | | | Steve Gallagher, President |
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Mailing Address | Pure Life Ministries | 14 School Street | Dry Ridge, KY 41035 Copyright © 2022 Pure Life Ministries, All rights reserved.
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