Radio Points discussed with Missouri Certified Counsellor Tony Ingrassia about his addiction to pornography and now his ministry to those so addicted:
- Tony became addicted to porn at an early age
- Viewing porn typically begins at age 11
- His was brought on when he discovered a “pile” of porn of a family member; also, he was sexually abused by two women
- Affected how he viewed women
- His addiction threatened his marriage
- He credits God in breaking his condition of slavery
- Having porn in one’s life is in direct opposition to the commands of Bible scripture: “As obedient children, do not be confirmed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY FOR I AM HOLY’” (I Peter 1: 14 – 16)
- God used effective counseling in breaking his bondage, his slavery, of porn; he now does the same
- The ministry he now leads is described as the “Power of Purity” – visit powerofpurity.org
- It meets a great need in that, he cites studies, that say 70% of men, even in the church, have recently viewed porn
- It is “shamed” based, usually hidden and in violation of their conscience.
- Men do not want others to know of their involvement in it, especially in their men’s group, their families, and especially their wives
- They typically will not seek help unless they get “caught”
- Tony Ingrassia posts weekly a “podcast” to help men wanting help from their exposure to porn The podcast can always be viewed privately, and … as of this recording … has 214 of them are available for anytime listening on powerofpurity.org
- He does ongoing counseling to help other men break porn’s bondage
- Four times a year he conducts a powerful weekend called “Pathway to Purity Intensive” for those seriously wanting to break the addiction of pornography
Several radio “links” from the past with similar themes
To hear … “Don Gray tells of his 35-year addiction to porn; heard Gospel, received Christ, addiction broken!” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2016/08/27/don-gray-tells-of-his-35-year-addiction-to-porn-heard-gospel-received-christ-addiction-broken/
To hear … “Jerome Bracely, 15-year addict, sought God, New Life Evangelist Center in St. Louis helped; now he’s helped 100s break addictions” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2017/07/12/jerome-bracely-15-year-addict-sought-god-nlec-helped-now-hes-helped-100s-break-addictions/
To hear … “CEO C. R. Kersten leads ‘Teen and Adult Challenge STL;’ A History of success in overcoming addictions such as alcoholism, drugs, porn, gambling, and prostitution. See www.teenchallengestl.com … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2020/02/12/an-effective-successful-program-to-address-additions-often-life-threating-for-teens-and-young-adults-hear-director-c-r-kersten-tell-of-great-victories-in-young-lives-and-v/
To hear … “Baker, John March 1, 2007” … a brief radio discussion with the founder of “Celebrate Recovery” with its founder, John Baker … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2007/05/06/baker-john-march-1-2007/
To hear … “Jason Gray, Rev. John Richardson: Jason’s concert to “Celebrate Recovery” in one of 28,000 churches” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2017/08/21/richardson-pastor-john-efree-musician-jason-gray/
To hear … “Pastor Mark Levesque re ministry with 80% success to date in overcoming drug addictions” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2012/09/06/pastor-mark-levesque-re-ministry-with-80-success-to-date-in-overcoming-drug-addictions/
To hear … “Hank Oplinger: 10-grand piano concert, St. Matthew UMC; Attorney Carl Hendrickson leads Citizens Against Porn” … click on … https://harold-hendrick.com/2013/10/18/hank-oplinger-10-grand-piano-concert-st-matthew-umc-carl-hendrickson-leads-citizens-against-porn/