Dear Faithful Friends of Where Grace Abounds,
I hope that this year has shown you God’s grace and mercy. I take comfort knowing that He is always with us, and His mercies are ever new! As 2024 comes to a close, I want to share with you about some of the amazing work God has been doing through Where Grace Abounds.
As I sit here typing this, I can hear Scott Kingry, WGA’s Program Director, down the hall in a Zoom meeting. He is speaking to a couple of parents who live in Brazil and have a trans-identifying child. Since Scott does not speak Portuguese, they are using a translator who is located in Hawaii (and happens to be the man who led Scott back to the Lord in 1987). God continues to use connections and relationships all the way back to the very beginnings of WGA. And time zones are not a limitation of God!
Another story: Twenty years ago, a woman came to WGA with questions about her faith and sexuality. She was same-sex attracted and wasn’t sure how to resolve what she believed to be God’s plan for her sexuality and what she felt like her attractions said about her. She stayed at WGA for a brief time before she left to pursue same-sex relationships and joined a LGBTQ+ affirming church. All these years later, she has returned to WGA, disillusioned with her experiences. As she questioned God’s purpose for her life over many years, He did not abandon her. I am grateful that WGA has endured years and that there is a place for her to return.
Yet another story of God at work: This year, we were able to journey with a young woman who had recently divorced. Over the course of several years, her husband began saying things like, “I think I may really be a woman instead of a man.” He chose to begin transitioning… changing his appearance and name. The wife wanted to be loving and supportive in the ways her husband hoped, but in reality, her husband was no more.
In order to complete his transition, he ultimately ended relationship with almost everyone in his life, including her and many of his biological family members. It was too difficult to maintain the new identity while being reminded of the old version of himself. Of course, his wife was heartbroken. What truly amazed me is that I can’t recall ever hearing someone who had been so hurt yet continues to express such love and care for her (ex) husband. I was (and continue to be) blessed by her faithfulness, love and compassion.
After 38 years of ministry, we’ve walked with many men and women through some deep places of pain and some mountain-top, joyful experiences. It is a privilege to be able to join men and women on these journeys.
If you are a parent with a child who is making choices that seem contrary to what you hope and believe to be true, take heart! God is with you and with your loved one. He will not abandon or forsake, even when we can’t see how He is working.
If you are struggling personally with questions about your sexuality or gender, take heart! God is with you. He will not abandon or forsake, even when it feels like you are alone.
2024 is winding down. As I reflect on the past year, there have been things to grieve and things to celebrate. Sounds like life, huh? As a staff, we have been dealing with the loss of family members, medical concerns, financial uncertainty, and questions about the future. We’ve also completed our Uphold Video Series as a resource for families and continue to provide support and discipleship for those who find their way to WGA.
Would you consider how you can support WGA as we move into 2025? Your donations help us to continue being present for those coming to WGA for the first time and for those coming back after a 20-year hiatus. Your prayers for the precious ones that God entrusts to us are appreciated. Our staff would appreciate you lifting us up in prayer as well, as we grieve and heal and celebrate what God is doing in our own lives and the privilege it is to walk with others.
Many Blessings to You and Yours!
Roger Jones
Executive Director
PS I mentioned above our Uphold Video Series. We would love for you to check out the trailer for it at www.upholdministry.org.
Roger Jones
Executive Director
In the spring of 1995, the conflict Roger felt between his faith and his sexuality, as well as an addiction to pornography, led him to WGA. His personal journey has provided him unique insights into sexuality and the pain of adversity, which he shares through his testimony, facilitation of small groups, writing and public speaking.
Roger began working with WGA in October of 1996 as the Assistant Office Manager. Since that time, he has worn many hats and served in several different positions, including Assistant Program Director and Operations Director. In April of 2007, Roger assumed the position of Executive Director.
Roger attended West Texas A&M University, where he studied Music Business. Much of his training has been “on the job,” where he was mentored by the ministry’s Founder, Mary Heathman, and the Program Director, Scott Kingry. He holds a BA from West Texas A&M University.
Roger, his wife Jill, and their daughter Julia and son William, attend Celebration Community Church where Jill serves as Senior Pastor.
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If you enjoy reading WGA’s blogs and would like to show your support, please consider making a donation. Where Grace Abounds is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The majority of services, including support groups and discipleship counseling, are provided free of charge. Your financial gifts help to cover the costs associated with offering a free program to those who seek WGA’s services.