SBM Press Release WED 08/29/07
Wednesday, August 29th @ 1:02 PM
Is Senator Larry Craig 'Gay'? Former 'Gay' Man Offers Unique Insight
HUNTINGTON, Conn., Aug. 29 /Christian Newswire/ -- There's one question buzzing nationwide: "Is Republican Senator Larry Craig -- 'gay'?"
Stephen Bennett, executive director of Stephen Bennett Ministries (SBM) in Huntington, CT -- a former "gay" man, now happily married to his wife of 14 years with two children -- offers some unique insight.
Bennett, after being part of the "gay" community for over 11 years - sexually involved with over 100 men -- is very familiar with married men who have secretive homosexual encounters -- men living on the "down low" (a term usually affiliated with and coined by African-American men, yet in the opinion of SBM, applies to all in this sad situation) -- who then return to their wife and family as if nothing ever happened.
Most of these men would unequivocally identify as "straight" or heterosexual.
"Over the past several years, we've all seen numerous public and vocal advocates of the traditional family, values and morality, exposed as hypocrites. While an individual may say one thing, we've seen over and over again when 'exposed' - the person obviously doesn't practice what he or she preaches," said Bennett.
While time will tell the truth and bring to light the entire story regarding Senator Craig, Bennett offers a very unique and personal insight into the "gay" life: more importantly, men on the "down low" -- married men with families who secretly have homosexual encounters with other men.
Bennett is available for interviews by calling 203-926- 6960. SBM's National Office is only an hour outside of NYC.
Stephen has appeared on most every major and cable news network, including FOX News, CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC and more. For Bennett's bio, please go to: www.SBMinistries.org/media.html. More about Stephen Bennett can be found at www.SBMinistries.org.
Stephen Bennett
Executive Director ~ SBM, Inc.
1 Cor. 6:9-11; 2 Cor. 5:17
CALIFORNIA UPDATE# 4 - BACK HOME IN CT
Sunday, August 19th @ 12:01 PM
Hello everyone from a beautiful, sunny and cool 65 degrees in Connecticut! All I keep hearing in my head is John Denver's music, "Ain't it good to be back home again!"
We arrived home in CT this morning around 12:30 a.m. and the whole family is still on West Coast time. I awoke at 10 a.m. which is unheard of.
First, I want to thank everyone for your prayers during this very long week. It was ministry mixed with family time, and in the end, the Lord had his way. We are grateful and thankful.
I apologize for not being able to post on Friday as where we were staying did not have wi-fi access. I do have a Verizon network card installed in my laptop, yet I never activated it because there's a monthly charge and we already have high speed access in the office. When our upcoming Fall tour begins, we may have to change that.
If anyone reading missed any of the prior California updates (1-3), please watch those first to catch up, and then come back to this post.
Thursday and Friday were our last two days in California. We finished the taping of the Morris Cerullo broadcast on Thursday morning. We were able to get a late check-out as taping ran close to 11:00 a.m. By the time we left Anaheim, it was after 1:00 p.m.
I don't often talk about health issues I have (except with close friends to pray), however, I had a major back pull earlier in the week which put a damper on a lot of my physical activity. This was a major one. I tried to keep smiling (and sweating it out) as long as I could until I couldn't take it anymore.
I had planned several ministry meetings with a few key individuals in the San Diego area Thursday and Friday, however, the pain became too much and I ended up just trying to relax Thursday, hoping the pain would go away.
We were blessed to stay with very dear, close family members in the San Diego area -- and I know that is what the Lord intended.
My family (relatives) went out of their way to make our two days enjoyable and outstanding: the incredible food, the much needed family time and the love.
Friday, our last day in the San Diego area, our family went to Sea World as I promised (much cooler since it is on the ocean) and I stayed as long as my back could take it. The pain became excruciating and I had to leave (they stayed) and I unfortunately spent most of my last day at a local hospital in the urgent care unit. It was ordained of God - and I accept that.
I had a chance to talk with several kind people there (I was there for a good 3-4 hours) and after being seen by the doctor, picked up the family at Sea World.
After a beautiful and delicious pool-side, sunset dinner where we stayed, by phone, I talked with the ministry individuals I was planning to meet (minus one - we weren't able to catch up) and then spent the night with the family.
This week long trip to California was packed - over packed - with ministry and more. Everything happens for a reason and the Lord used my back to slow me down - and I'm glad He did.
Thursday and Friday were deep times of reflection for me. I could do ministry 24 hours a day if I had to -- but I KNOW that is not what the Lord intends nor wants.
Spending time with my family and relatives in CA the last two days was the most precious time of the week. Don't get me wrong, the ministry and situations the Lord arranged was amazing; but so was the much needed time of refreshing.
I always need to remember GOD'S balance: The LORD first, family next, followed by ministry. We literally have been going NON-STOP for the last three weeks (travel-wise).
Friday night while everyone was asleep and I finished packing to leave for 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning, I was reading my Bible and felt moved to tears in gratitude for my relatives - two individuals who clearly represent what love is.
I grabbed a pen and paper and began to write - trying not to let the tears hit the ink.
I love my family more than words can say. I am so grateful for the love of God, the love of Irene, Chloe and Blake. Yet I am also grateful for the most beautiful and selfless relatives -- my family -- that the Lord has blessed us with.
Many of you know I lost my mother nine years ago to cancer at 55 - one month before my daughter was born. My father remarried and the children don't see him as much as I'd wish he would.
When I see my aunt with my children - "Auntie Grammy" - her love is the same, exact love my mother would show them if she were alive. How I miss her so.
When my uncle was walking with my son hand in hand past horses in a stable, just talking and spending quality time with him in front of Irene and I, it is a photo ingrained into our memories forever. We were both wiping away the tears, hoping they wouldn't see.
A small part of what my son has missed out on, the Lord had provided through my uncle. That is the love of a grandfather.
Earlier in the week I said how I "hate" California because of the heat. Yet in the end, as it always does, love won out. I realized how much love there is in California - especially in that one, very, very special home.
I went to California to minister, yet I was ministered to deep inside in such a profound, life changing way. It is a time Irene, my children and I will never, ever forget.
Thank you to all who prayed for the ministry, for my back, and for our family. God answered every single one of your prayers. We do have a wonderful Heavenly Father who does care about each and every one of us -- even the deepest, hidden thoughts and concerns of the heart. I praise Him for His goodness.
I love you all. ~ Stephen
*Upcoming Travel Itinerary:
Sat. Sep. 8, 2007 - NYC Evangelistic Outreach
Sep. 14-16th, 2007 - Charleston, SC
Sep. 17th, 2007 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Stephen Bennett
Executive Director ~ SBM, Inc.
1 Cor. 6:9-11; 2 Cor. 5:17
