Over 10 years ago, while Pastor South was preaching in Texas, a young preacher approached him asking for help in dealing with an issue that was affecting him and his marriage.  He was battling an addiction to pornography.  When Pastor South asked the young man if he had talked to his pastor about this problem, the young man stated that he had but the situation was no better.  Pastor South gave him some verses and both men went their separate ways.  Pastor South felt that he had not sufficiently helped the young man but he felt he had done all he could do at the time.
     Some six years after that event, Pastor South was facing an even bigger problem with a close friend and, again, pornography was at the root of this man's trouble.  As Pastor South began to try to help this man and his family, yet two more men and their wives approached him for guidance in how to deal with pornography's influence in their lives.  There were several other instances of young people who confided in Bro. South about their involvement in pornography.   
     Because of the volume of people in the recent past who have surfaced with pornography issues, God began stirring in his heart concerning a ministry of restoration for men and their families who have been affected by the perils of pornography.  For over 10 years, a ministry of this sort has been on the mind of Pastor South.  As he began to pray for wisdom and the facilities to house such a ministry, God was working on behalf of Grace Baptist Church to place this ministry in their charge. 
     In November of 2008, Grace Baptist Church acquired a building and 14+ acres of land in neighboring Jefferson County, Georgia.   After a good cleaning and a few minor changes to the bathrooms and the fellowship hall of the facility, it was ready to house the Abounding Grace Restoration Ministry.  This would be a place where men could find help in overcoming their issues with pornography and the sin of lust.  
     The purpose of this ministry is to teach men Biblical principles for overcoming lust and their addiction to pornography.  It is not a "12 step method" program used by other ministries.  It is a 16 week course of intensive Bible study and instruction to help them establish a structure of regular Bible study in their lives, as well as developing an accountability to a spiritual man in their church.  Also, along with the structure and accountability, Abounding Grace Restoration Ministry will endeavor to help the man cultivate a love for God.  As of June 2009, the doors of Abounding Grace are open and ready to help men be restored to a place of usefulness.  We have welcomed our first delegate and he is now in his home church working with his pastor who is preparing him for a place to be used in the work of God.  Thank God for this man who was more concerned about being right with God than being esteemed by men!  
     Abounding Grace is also adding another dimension to the restoration ministry.  It is called Life Preparation.  The goal of this phase of the ministry is to prepare and equip young men, particularly those who have surrendered to full time Christian service, to overcome the temptations of life.  Life Preparation will follow much of the same curriculum as Abounding Grace, teaching young men not only the major disciplines of daily Bible reading, study and prayer times but also little disciplines such as cleaning, grooming, appearance and attitude.  Though this is a part of Abounding Grace  Restoration Ministry, Life Preparation will be preventative in nature.  
     Through the last few months we have begun to develop a curriculum that can be used by pastors to help their men who are unable to break away to attend Abounding Grace. This curriculum has been prepared by independent Baptists though other sources may be quoted.  Although it is still in the process of being put together, it can be used by pastors with the men and families who are struggling in dealing with sins of the flesh. It should also be understood that though the success rate for this type of program is not nearly as high, we also understand the need for this type of curriculum. The principles of God’s Word remain the same and if they are applied, they will bring victory.  We are calling this curriculum Victory at Home. Our hope is to have it completed by June or July of 2010. Maybe this could be used as a last major effort to salvage someone before they are totally lost to the lusts of the flesh and of the mind.
     If you would like more information about Abounding Grace, Life Preparation or Victory at Home, you may contact us through this website and we will be happy to send you a letter and a color brochure describing the ministries of Abounding Grace.