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September 2009 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV Greetings in Jesus’ Name, We have just enjoyed one of the largest intakes in recent years, eleven men and seven women. During the interviews counselors noted every imaginable variation of addictions: alcohol, drug, sexual, eating disorder, information addiction (internet), pornography, and internet fantasy-life. With so many presenting problems and even more emerging as the trust level rises; how do we adjust the spiritual discernment microscope so as to isolate and bring into focus a fundamental place to begin biblical therapy? At the very core of any addiction is the matter of the soul: the mind. This is the “thought organ” if you will. This is where we know, think, imagine, remember and understand. Our intellect, reasoning, wisdom and cleverness pertain to the mind. Watchman Nee suggests that broadly speaking, the mind is the brain. In my work I see the mind as a psychological term and the brain as a physiological term. Whatever; the mind plays a huge part in one’s mental health because our thoughts so easily influence our actions. Care must be taken as we approach the new residents as to not lose sight of the fact that we are dealing with minds that have been battlefields for strongholds that evil spirits seek to control or possess. I know how ridiculous this sounds in our present culture of enlightenment, but no effective healing will take place without beginning at this root. Note how Paul uses the terms “casting down arguments” and “bringing every thought…” The battle is in the mind! It is here we begin with those newly arrived troubled men and women; teaching them to recognize truth from lies, catching those “thoughts” that lead to temptation. Merely being isolated in an environment in which evil stimulation is purposely minimized opens the pathway to healing. Once the mind has undergone a spiritual purging, God’s Word can fill the vacuum and perform the cleansing and renewing work God has empowered it to do. Already, in less than two weeks since the recent intake, we’ve once again rejoiced with the angels. Yesterday morning at breakfast I observed a young women, whose countenance beamed. Not even knowing her name, I asked to come to where I stood. “Has anything special happened to you lately?” I asked. She quickly proclaimed that after the Sunday morning service she received Jesus Christ. Several other men and women are poised for the same healing experience. Pray for them, as there is an adversary who contests for their souls. Summer Work Groups Several summer work teams have blessed us with their youthful exuberance and effort. A group from First Baptist of Little Falls in upstate NY brought a team of ten. It is their thirteenth summer here, and they always set an excellent example. 
A very young team of eighteen from Calvary Chapel in Canterbury Connecticut came for a week. What a marvelous group they are. In addition to their great work ethic, they led a Wednesday evening worship, which left everyone moved and blessed. 
Each year veteran seniors who come and serve bless us. Because of their age and experience they perform projects not expected of the youth groups. In addition to their expertise, Joan and I get to play with kids our own age! 
Summertime brings much-loved visitors to His Mansion. One such couple went way out of their way to see the ministry that they have supported for many years. Dick Clark and his wife Peggy of Portland Oregon shared Wednesday evening worship with us. Peg (nee Green) served with CMML (Christian Missions in Many Lands) in the Congo for thirty-seven years and Dick was on the board of International Teams. Veteran servants of God are an inspiration to our community. We welcome them. Please consider His Mansion as a destination during your vacation trips. As you read this newsletter, Joan and I are in Ireland celebrating our forty-eighth anniversary (And my sixty-eighth birthday). Celtic music and Ginger Ale, Oh what a treat! There are some things you might pray about. If you have a Counseling or Social Work degree, and would like to exercise your gift in the context of community, here’s your chance. We are particularly praying that God would direct older twenties/early thirties men and women with solid life experiences to contribute their skill and maturity to the healing work. News on the Hill The construction of the new dormitory is right on schedule, and provided that pledged gifts are forthcoming, we will finish before snowfall fully paid for. These are particularly difficult times for parents, grandparents, and those who work among the young adult addiction population. Every one that responds to God’s healing power and graduates from our programs relieves the taxpayer and citizen of a significant financial and emotional burden. You may not have a clear idea of the scope of the His Mansion campus, even though you read the newsletter, pray, and support us. A friend of mine, who owns a restored seaplane, recently took some aerial shots. Here is a birds-eye view of the New Hampshire campus. 
Once again, though we are feeling the effect of financial strain, as are you, we are able to praise Him by declaring that all our bills are paid and we have no mortgage. Your consistent and generous support encourages many. Thank you. Joyful in His Service,
Stan Farmer, CEO
His Mansion Ministries, Inc.
www.hismansion.com
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