Set Free
Nov 17, 2019 | by Nancy Newbrough
When the Lord used my brokenness to start a small ministry in Katy, I had no idea how much He would grow this ministry. He used me to start Castimonia on June 12, 2010, at The Fellowship. In the beginning, there were three of us attending this support group meeting. Castimonia is Latin for “moral purity,” a purity for which every man should strive. Castimonia’s primary purpose is to serve the Lord by helping others fight for their sexual purity.
My own personal brokenness included excessive lustful thoughts, viewing pornography, and even committing adultery through numerous affairs. I thought that if anyone knew about all these activities, they would abandon me -- especially my wife. I thought that sexual activity was my most important need. Most especially, I thought a person like me could not be redeemed or used for good in God’s Kingdom.
How wrong I was! Upon entering recovery for my brokenness and finding freedom from my addiction after working the program, I asked the Lord what He would have me do to serve Him. I was not sure where I fit in at church or in ministry and prayed over and over about how I could serve the Lord. Well, He definitely answered my prayers through an Englishman who supported the idea the Lord gave me to start Castimonia. And He demonstrated His power over my life by restoring my marriage through a wife who forgave me and absolutely supports the mission of Castimonia.
In the last ten years of ministry Castimonia has become its own 501(c)(3) non-profit under our official name, Castimonia Restoration Ministry, Inc. We chose that name because the Lord is restoring each one of us -- our lives, our spirits, and our marriages. In ten years, this program has served thousands of men and we have been immeasurably blessed to see the Lord work through those that choose to embrace the program and live a life of sanctification in Jesus Christ.
During these years, I have learned what an individual needs to do to allow God’s healing of their brokenness. It must be done alongside others and never alone. Confession to others is key as is bearing each other’s burdens in and out of the support group setting. Finally, once relief is received from the affliction, we continue to work the sanctification process and, more importantly, teach it to others. This is a lifelong process, not a quick fix -- but so is our sanctification in Christ.
The Lord has expanded the ministry from one meeting once a week in Katy to other Texas cities as well as to three (soon to be four) other states. There are currently 18 meetings every week in various locations. Weekend retreats are another way Castimonia powerfully impacts men who are being set free from sexual addictions. Who would have ever dreamed that a simple prayer to serve the Lord would result in a ministry that is growing exponentially because the need is so great?
J.L.S.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
All men who are struggling with any type of sexual purity issue are invited to join our meetings. If you do not feel comfortable attending a meeting at The Fellowship (Saturdays 10 am or Mondays 7 pm), there are several locations you can visit.
In just two weeks a great opportunity to embrace the sanctification process will begin. Starting on November 30th, a 22-month growth group will meet every other Saturday morning at 8:30 am in the Community Room here at The Fellowship. Come experience the freedom that the Lord wants to give you - If I can be set free, then so can you!
For more information, contact