Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Greetings to you all; all of you are so very important to us personally and to the vitality of the work here at Where Grace Abounds. We are so grateful for your prayers and investment in our ministry! As I write this letter and think about the past year of ministry, I am grateful to you for your prayers and financial support. Without you, we could not have offered all the exciting and meaningful services that have touched the lives of so many.
God has continued to provide avenues of ministry for those wrestling with issues within their sexuality and relationships. Here are a few highlights for the year:
- The Uphold Video Series: For years, we have dreamed about putting together a video series that could be available to people online. As often happens, God “tricked” us into pressing into this area we have been uncertain/anxious about. We went to a designer we were connected to about updating our ministry materials (brochure, etc.). 9 months later, we have a video project completed! LOL. We are grateful for the process and that God led us to this connection. God knew exactly who we needed to work with.
The Uphold Series is geared towards parents who have a child identifying as LGBTQ+. Scott, Mary, Greg, and Steve & Jill share parts of their stories. They cover theological questions about LGBTQ+ topics and offer some practical tools to help parents better understand the challenges being faced.
We would love it if you would check out the series. You can access the website for it at www.upholdministry.org. or you can scan this QR code with your phone to be taken there directly. Please share this with those you think would benefit; and share your feedback with us! We’d love to hear how God is using this resource in people’s lives.
- Thursday Night Group: Since WGA’s beginning, we have offered our Thursday Night Support Group. This “staple” of our ministry continues to thrive. Twice each month, we meet in person and twice each month via Zoom. This has been a good rhythm for us, as we can offer support to people outside of the Denver area and provide something for people who can’t make it in person for whatever reason. We’ve been averaging 25-30 people in this meeting each week.
- Gender Issues: Over the past several years, both in our culture and in WGA’s groups, we have seen a sharp increase in the number of people dealing with gender identity issues. Our Family and Friends group has quite a few parents who are wrestling with how best to walk alongside their child who is wrestling in these ways. There are quite a few new books and other resources available on these topics. We’d be happy to share those with you if you’d like access to them.
- Financial Update: As always, we are grateful for God’s provision for WGA over these past 35+ years of ministry. We are also thankful to you for joining us, through your prayers and donations. Many have experienced financial hardship this year. As of the end of November, giving for 2023 has seen a slight dip. December is traditionally the month that brings in the most donations, which often carries us into the new year when giving tends to taper off a bit. Would you consider how God is asking you to support WGA this year-end? We value your prayer and your financial support.
These are just a few of the things that have happened over the past year. Lots more has been going on, despite all the challenges. We continue to post a new blog each week on our website, meet with individuals in-person and on Zoom, and offer short-term focus groups. We are available to you if need a listening ear or would like to put us in touch with someone you know who is struggling. Please give us a call or send an email.
2024 is only a few weeks away. I am prayerful that we will see some positive changes in the world, yet I know that God remains sovereign regardless. We at WGA will continue to do the work God sets before us. Will you join us? You can give online at https://wheregraceabounds.org/donate-now/ or you can drop your donation to WGA in the mail to 91 E Dartmouth Ave.; Englewood, CO 80113.
Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Roger Jones
Executive Director
PS We really would appreciate you checking out the new video series we’ve developed. We need your prayers… that this will reach people who need to hear the message of WGA. 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.