I wouldn't give a penny to this supposed 'Christian' organization. I contacted them years ago, when I was desperate to change my life in the sex industry and turning my life over to the Lord. I didn't have much money and also had a developing medical bone issue I was born with. Thank God- a non-for- profit group of surgeons agreed to do my surgery for free (Operation Walk- support them!). A woman from GA, who's name I don't remember (Mary maybe?), at first, litened compassionately to my story- every detail. Then she started changing in her 'approach', telling me I needed to 'stand naked' before God (seriously?) in a very condescending way. I needed help with bills and was chastised for even asking. I was eventually connectd to a woman who lived in my city. She was very kind (at first) and her church (who did help fix my laptop) also had a food bank. This was a very big church with lots of pricey cars in the parking lot and located in a very pricey neighborhood. They had a 'food bank' and, because I couldn't even afford food, I was, at first,thankful for.. Not going into excactly what they gave me to live on, the largest item of food was a cake (?!). It was all sugar and nothing I could even make a meal with but I tried to be thankful. I gave this woman my big bag of gummy bears (yes-maybe they would be turned to bread?). The F.M. woman was constantly critical and dismissed the immense amount of pain I was in and, in no way, would they help ('do you expect us to pay for your bills? Umm-where is their money going?'). I thought, maybe, the 'nice' woman that I met who had lived close to me, would maybe want to see a movie or something. That's when she changed. I guess I wasn't 'good enough' for her to associate with and she shared that with another organization she was involved with- right on their website, on the front page, using my real name (!!) They never unerstood my depression, my medical issue- which turned out to be very real-or even tried to help me get out' of my situation. They made me feel even more worthless and filled with shame. I hated myself and was even considering ending my life. Thankfully, I met some non- religous organizations who,literally,saved me life (with financial aide, therapy and medication). I have my own relationship with God and am so turned off to any religion now. These people are hypocrites. It took me years to get to this place where I could post something. Please do not suport this organazation> They caused me nothing but harm. But I forgive them.
If God has given you a vision to either begin a ministry or be a part of one, you are in the right place. No matter who you are being called to reach or where, Fireproof can help you get started. As the founder of a strip club ministry, the support, encouragement, training, and resources made available to me through Fireproof and Strip Church have been invaluable. God never intended for any of us to go alone, and being able to network with those who are ahead of you makes embarking on the journey so much sweeter. You will find people who sincerely care about you, take an interest in you personally, pray for you, and invest in the God sized vision before you.
Fireproof Ministries has just enough manpower and guts to completely leverage itself against a monster - in this case, sexual addiction. Working with Fireproof Ministries is like guerilla warfare and it's awesome. Often it feels like no-holds-barred conversations about Jesus, one-on-ten, with the vision of a decade down the road when those ten will be doing the same thing, and freedom will blot out slavery because it's Jesus running the show.
After working with Fireproof Ministries for about three years, this is my perspective.
I heard about Fireproof Ministries from my brother a little over a month ago and I was completely blown away by the amount of love and help I have received from them. I was thinking I was just going to write a quick email, get a quick response and that would be the end of that but it was not. I sent an email and within minutes received a response wanting to set up a phone call to make it more personal. I have weekly contact with FM and it is amazing. It is def a sincere, genuine desire of theirs to reach out an help other who are where they may have been. Its so nice to know that when I am down about life or struggling with situations, I always have FM to turn to for support, advise, prayer or whatever I may need at the moment. They have truly been a blessing to me and have helped me start to get my life back...it will be a long road but I know that they will be there to help me each step of the way, i couldnt ask for more!
Fireproof Ministries continues to be on the edge of ministry, creating innovative ways to help others with Nonprofitland. They never stop moving, working, or finding new ways to serve all kinds of people. I've exchanged emails with several staff at Fireproof and every interaction has been quick and kind. They truly believe in their ministry and continue to blaze a trail that few have followed.
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Fireproof Ministries is the Church in full swing. They truly model Jesus' way of walking with the people. I've seen Fireproof Ministries tirelessly find new and creative ways to reach people, keeping the focus on love and support, from the prayer forums and support groups to awareness campaigns, addressing finally the elephant in the room. The genuine love and compassion for Ron Jeremy and all those in similar industries goes beyond where the church has been able to reach in her history.
Fireproof Ministries (XXXChurch) is one of the most dynamic, creative, and courageous non-profits I have ever been acquainted with. For the last 10 years, they have tackled issues many were (and still are) afraid to tackle - the damaging effects of pornography, both for the producer and the consumer. XXXChurch also has an incredible ability to have an enormous, international reach with a relatively small operational budget. Their operations are streamlined yet effective, and they are never afraid to try new approaches to draw attention to these critical issues affecting millions around the world. I completely support the work of this organization with my time, money, and energy.
Always a life being changed, a new opportunity being developed to reach people, and an unwavering commitment to shining the light of Jesus into the dark pain and hurt of our world. Privileged to be a part of such a growing and impactful organization.
The roll that Fireproof has played in my life far exceeds any other organization. It has helped me personally and helped my marriage HUGE! They aren't afraid to tell the truth in a real and authentic ways. The impact and influence is far beyond encouraging and inspiring. They are in the business of saving lives and that is exactly what they do. I will forever be grateful.
I have never heard of any other organization that even dares to do the type of outreach that Fireproof Ministries does through XXXchurch and Strip Church. This is an incredible organization that desires to reach those who are often forgotten in our society. They are always coming up with new ideas and approaches to helping those caught consuming or working in the adult entertainment industry.
Fireproof Ministries is the most refreshing ministry I have seen in a long time. They are not scared to get outside their comfort zone and help those in need. They don't think outside the box, they threw the box away and love people right where they are at. I have been involved with this ministry for several years now and have seen first hand the impact that has been made in the lives of people.
Fireproof Ministries has been a catalyst for incredible organizations, namely "To Write Love on Her Arms" and many others through their Launch 501c3 initiative. FM doesn't exist for itself and their projects XXXChurch, Strip Church and Heart Support, they have shown that they are all about caring for people and developing organizations. Craig Gross, Jake Larson, Ryan Russell, the Board of Directors and staff and are great people and talented leaders. I have been a fan of FM since 2000 and am glad to call many of them friends.
The people at Fireproof are amazing. They really care and want to help others. They have really helped me and I have been honored to work with them to reach out to others. This is an amazing ministry that has changed so many people's lives.
The core of this ministry is to help people get free from addiction (or whatever is holding them back) so people can do what God has intended for them to do. You can see that focus woven in and out of everything they do. The leaders of this organization do not apologize for taking on major topics that are breaking down society and marriage-like pornography addiction. They don't run from these topics, they run toward them and in turn, have changed many lives because of their open and honest approach.
Fireproof goes places and does things that many Christian organizations are too fearful to do. Their programs have helped many men, women, & families. I have seen the fruits of their labor in lives of people I know & in my own life. Thanks to Fireproof's work & Jesus I have been freed from the chains of pornography addiction for over two years!
This ministry has had an incredible impact on my life, and because of that, I wanted to do what I could to give back, so I began volunteering in any way that I could. I believe very strongly in the mission, the methodology, and the heart behind this organization. It is literally saving lives on a daily basis and reaching out to a segment of our culture and a group of people not many care to give a second thought to. LOVE who they are and what they do!
I first heard of Fireproof ministries and xxxchurch.com about 9 years ago at a time when I was struggling with sexual addiction. I had never heard anyone talk about these issues in church before and it was like a huge relief to know that other people struggled too and importantly that there were people who would not be afraid in the slightest to discuss this and ruffle a few feathers if needed. I now have the honour and privilege of working with xxxchurch as a volunteer in the UK, writing blogs and speaking for them, sharing the hope they gave me, to others.
My husband and I operate a transitional home for men in drug/alcohol recovery, so I understand the devastation caused by addictions. I have a dear friend who is on staff with Fireproof Ministries and she is my hero. Fireproof goes where most Christians would not go. They are in the trenches fighting a war no one wants to acknowledge exists. They conquer with love and offer a way out of the entrapment so many people are trapped in.. Fireproof has excellent educational materials of which we are glad to possess. Thank you Fireproof, for all that you do, fighting the good fight.
I began as a volunteer for one of the ministries under the umbrella of Fireproof (XXXchurch) in 2004. I became so passionate about their work and the many lives that they were impacting whether that be providing resources, bibles, prayer or tangible assistance that I came on staff full time in 2006. My (almost) 9 years with this organization has been both a privilege and a blessing in my own life. I work with a team of people who truly believe in making a difference in a broken world through Jesus Christ, one life at a time. The growth of Fireproof Ministries in its almost 14 years of existence (as of this review) is evidence of God's approval and blessing.
For as long as I remember I felt I was different from other males. I was reminded of myself as a baby; I was anemic and colloquy, I cried a lot and was a bother. I don’t recall ever being told that I was a blessing. I remember my Mom once commenting that “Satan uses children” in their parents lives. Also that words can hurt more than any physical act of aggression. My dad was an engineer and he worked a lot, got home, had dinner and that was that. I don’t recall that he never really expressed any words of encouragement although I am sure he must have. We went to church because it was what we were supposed to do. We were workers. We had no family devotions. both my mom and dad were extremely well read and I can recall my dad reading a lot. He knew his doctrine. There was a kind of fatalistic approach to things: God would do what He would do. He would save whom He would save. End of story. It was our job to obey Him and trust Him with the results.
I went to grade school just up the road form our house and my brother and I walked to school each day. School was rather joyless. Also I found out, later, that I was dyslexic and in the 50’s it was not fully understood. I was regarded as “retarded” by some of the teachers which my parents HIGHLY objected to as they felt I was smart just not applying myself. I became a class clown but I had no real friends. I wanted a boy to be my friend so when I met Paul it was really like a dream come true. Paul was a good athlete, he was rugged and handsome and he was my friend. At least I thought so. It was Paul that taught me about sexual sin. I did not discourage this as Paul was my friend and it was exciting and forbidden. I think I would have done anything to keep him as my friend.
These events started me on a life course that would not end until I was sixty years old! Years of "working" at my relationship with the Lord, trying to please Him by doing the right thing, then periods of rebellion and embracing my sin, ended when I got involved with Fireproof ministries and the XXX Church study. These paved the way for me to hear God say, "I love you and I will never leave you." When I accepted God as He is NOT as I understood Him, when I came to know that He did love me I was able to accept Him and He touched my life. That happened over five months ago and God is faithful! I finally have come to know that I didn't need victory over my sin I needed deliverance. God did that and He used FM, XXX Church and real caring Christians around me to do it. Mostly He just spoke to me and I finally heard Him. I now am not worried about being accepted by other men because I am accepted by God; I no longer worry over it. God made me the way I am and He has transformed me as well. Many of my attributes that I felt excluded me from the "Man Club" are true across the board for many men. God has allowed me to witness to some of them and that is the greatest of blessings! I have told many that "I am vacation from myself!" And that is a truth that only tears and laughter can really express.
Thank you so very much. When I first contacted you I was without hope. Today, I feel in love with my husband and hopeful. I must remember God has a plan. My husband is such a great guy in so many areas. I knows he has a battle that should be fought, but he isn't ready yet. But that doesn't mean I have to lose myself and wallow in the despair I was feeling. I have found that by sharing and receiving advise from those that have lived through the very same battles, I can be victorious. Instead of retreating, I have joined a study group at my church. I read and share what I have read with my husband. He has accepted me as I am, a Christian Wife. He treats me with the understanding that I do not tolerate some of his behavior and obsessions. I believe this has opened the door for Gods hand to work in his heart. Because he is the love of my life and I want this to be a successful marriage as does he. I am so thankful that I found this site and for those that shared with me as I cried on this end of the emails, they were praying on the other. I could feel it and was strengthened. Thank you.
michelle 11/19/2012
WOW. Thank you for this feedback. It is so encouraging for us to be reminded from time to time that we really are changing the world... one life at a time. God bless you. -Michelle