A Year of Milestones

A Year of Milestones – 30 Years of Freedom – Jack Hickey

Jack Hickey is the founder of Reconciliation Ministries. He is presently the Church Business Administrator at Faith Christian Assembly in Melvindale. Jack and his wife, Kate, were honored at Reconciliation Ministries 20^th Anniversary Celebration on October 14, 2004.

We all have milestone years in our lives. For some it is anniversaries, birthdays, or celebration of an event. 2004 is a milestone year for me in two ways. One was brought home to me through the kindness of others. I may have forgotten it had it not been for good friends. The other I have been looking forward to and will celebrate in quietness and with a humble heart.

The first was recently celebrated with the twentieth anniversary of Reconciliation Ministries. It was back in the fall of 1984 when I officially incorporated a work that I had done for some time. At that time I had been ministering to people who were struggling with homosexual issues for a few years. Through counseling, support groups and speaking at churches and Christian gatherings I was telling others of the great healing power of Christ to set the captives free. I knew of other ministries around the country connected with Exodus International. I was doing the work of ministry, however, it was not anything official.

I had attended a weekend conference with two friends (both were men I had been counseling with) in Minneapolis sponsored by a ministry called Outpost. It was a time where God had really blessed and showed the three of us that there was to be a ministry in Detroit. On the way home we were talking about the reality of 2 Cor. 5:17-18 in our lives. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, and the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” This still thrills me right to the core. I happen to believe every word that God tells me. This scripture speaks of such freedom and victory that I can’t help but shout! God is so incredibly wonderful!

Anyway, it was from that scripture that the name Reconciliation Ministries came about and the beginning of a twenty year journey. Where in that twenty years the ministry saw several leaders, good times and times of struggle, the consistent element has been the faithfulness of God. Men and women struggling with life dominating sin have found true and lasting freedom. Families torn by hurt and the bondages of loved ones found healing and peace through Jesus. Christians who once ignored sins like homosexuality now see that the freedom of Christ extends to ALL people no matter the sin. Yes it has been twenty years on the miraculous.

I said that it was brought to my attention by the kindness of others. You see, I had lost track of the ministry since I stepped down. God in His grace lead me away from the ministry in the same way He had lead me to it. What many do not understand about what is called an ex-gay ministry is that you as a leader never really escape the old identity. You enjoy the freedom you have found in Christ, but you are always identified by your testimony. This is a burden to those who come out of any life dominating sin and are called back to minister to those who are still trapped there. God called me to go and live the freedom I have faithfully proclaimed. Since that time I have served Him in several fields and have seen His faithfulness daily. I had not however given my testimony, or talked about my past. Many friends and co-workers do not know anything about my past. It is not that I seek to hide it, but I live as that new creation in Christ Jesus. The old has passed away and I identify it no more.

Then one day God brought a dear brother into my life. He came to speak at my church about the ministry he was involved in. That was Dan Hitz and the ministry was Reconciliation Ministries. I was so blessed by his powerful ministry and commitment to the Lord. Dan became a fast friend who I love and respect deeply. Sometime later I was given a great honor when allowed to pray with Dan at his ordination service. What a thrill not only to see that the work I had started was still going strong but God allowed me to be part of commissioning its leader. God is so good!

Dan asked if I would give a greeting at the twentieth anniversary dinner. When my wife Kate and I arrived we thought it would be a greeting and that was it. We found ourselves sitting at the head table and treated with honor by Dan and those there. I was overwhelmed and humbled by their kindness. Even more, as I sat there seeing folks who I have not seen in many years, I was overwhelmed at the Lord’s goodness. I thought of Psalm 121:7-8 which says, “The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” It is His goodness alone that has kept me.

That brings me to the second milestone of 2004. On the fourth of November I will have been a believer in Jesus Christ for thirty years. At the age of 24, after years of drugs, drinking, and homosexuality. After trying every religion and spiritual experience I could find, I thought I would give Jesus a try. In the thirty years there have been mountain tops and deep valleys but God has remained faithful. He has kept me and allowed me the great privilege of serving Him.

If you have any doubt about how good He is, in that thirty years I went from being broken and alone to a life so full at time I fear I can not contain it all. I walk in victory with a savior who I love and have a great relationship with. I have an incredible wife who loves me and I love her. She has brought a richness and excitement to my life I never thought possible. I have two daughters who have always been and still are the absolute joy of my life. Both are serving the Lord and have married wonderful young men who I am very proud to call my sons. Greatest of all, He has rewarded me with two grand-daughters, a grand-son, and one on the way (gender unknown at this time) who fill my life with more love than can be imagined.

I remember so many times when those seeking freedom would ask, “Can God really set me free?” “Will this last?” “Is God really interested in me?” The answer to all is a resounding yes. I can tell you first hand that He is faithful to forgive sin, set the captive free, change a life, and bless your socks off. Nothing in my life happened because I deserved it or earned it. I have let Him down countless times and fall far short of what He deserves. He blessed because of His grace. Because He is merciful. Because He loves us, even while we are away from Him.

I thank God for Dan Hitz and the work of Reconciliation Ministries. The world is still filled with those who need to hear the message of freedom. I pray for him and the work God has for him to do. I thank Dan for his kindness and willingness to serve the Lord even in the dark places.

To those who are still struggling or who wonder if God can set them free, I want to encourage you. Jesus is real and so is His power. Will surrender to Him be easy? No it will not! You are at war my friend. A war for your very soul. There is an enemy who is not out to upset you but to destroy you. Christ offers you life and a chance to be all God created you to be. Remember the scripture tells us we are new in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The old will pass away and the new has come. Oh if I could only help you see the glorious freedom there is in Christ Jesus. Do what I did, give Jesus a chance. In thirty years you will not regret that decision for one moment.

If you would like more information about Reconciliation Ministries, or any of the ministries we offer, visit us on the Web at www.recmin.org, or call (586) 739-5114. You may also e-mail us at info@recmin.org. All correspondence will be kept strictly confidential.

Our office is located at 25410, in Roseville, Michigan 48066.

Reconciliation Ministries is an affiliate ministry of Exodus International, and uses many of the programs written by Desert Stream Ministries.