Aaron and Theresa Clark's story
Pure & Simple is unlike any other conference in our family of churches. It is specifically designed for those who have had ongoing struggles with sexual sin, and for couples who are seeking to recover from losses due to sexual sin.
For the past three years, Pure & Simple has hosted men and women, married people and singles from many of our churches in the United States as well as participants from Canada and England. Click for more information >>>
Its mission is simple. Provide much needed teaching and encouragement to those fighting addiction with sexual sin or struggling with same sex attraction. Simply put, Pure & Simple is an oasis of grace, truth and inspiration.
Matt Schwarz contributing writer for Disciples Today “sat down” with Aaron and Theresa Clark to talk about the upcoming Pure & Simple Conference, November 2nd - 4th in Boise, Idaho hosted by Purity Restored Ministries. Aaron and Theresa are recovery veterans. They have attended the previous three Pure & Simple conferences and two marriage weekend retreats with Dave and Robin Weidner. This is their story.
Aaron and Theresa Clark are from the Central Jersey Church of Christ. Aaron became a disciple 23 years ago and Theresa was converted 22 years ago. They have been married for six and half years.
DT: What initially drew you to Pure & Simple?
Theresa Clark (TC): I was desperate for answers. We were fumbling in our marriage. Aaron was fighting addiction with sexual sin and I was struggling with co-dependency. We needed help!
Aaron Clark (AC): I had been working on recovery for years. My struggle with sexual sin started when I was very young. But in early 2008, I met Dave Weidner when he came to speak at our church in Central Jersey. I was moved and inspired by Dave. He was the first man I had ever heard speak publicly about his battle and ensuing victory over sexual sin. I could relate to everything he said that day. From that point on, I knew I needed this ministry. Pure & Simple is a revolutionary conference.
DT: What brings you back to Pure & Simple each year?
TC: We always want to take it higher. We have built life-long friends with our brothers and sisters who attend this conference each year. Growing in our own recovery and helping others with theirs is our life.
AC: The fellowship and the victory stories move my heart the most year after year. No matter how hard, sad, or difficult the situation is, God can turn it around. He can turn any situation around. The brothers and sisters I meet at Pure & Simple are my heroes in the faith. Pure & Simple is the “main event” in the battle against sexual sin.
DT: What are some of the main lessons you have learned at these conferences?
TC: Vulnerability is the window to repentance and total freedom. It feeds my emotional connection with Jesus. As a wife, I have my own personal journey. When Aaron took the step to go after his purity, I was inspired. I decided go after my own sin. His steps of repentance, encouraged me to look at my own heart.
AC: We need to have pure desperation. If we are willing to view ourselves as completely dependent on and desperate for God, we will truly connect with him.
The other lesson is founded on 1 Corinthians 9:24-27: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. . . Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Jesus promises freedom, but we have to go after it. Growth comes from training and focusing on winning the battle. We won't obtain sexual purity through passive measures or short cuts.
DT: What advice would you give a couple who just disclosed a pattern of sexual sin to their spouse?
TC: Definitely go to the conference. If you can get there, then get there. You won't regret it. The other thing I would tell a couple in this situation is - this is not the end; rather, it is the beginning of something for which you have been praying. We all desire close, intimate and real relationships. This is God's dream too. Developing an understanding why the addiction happened will help you live the life you have desired all along.
AC: Real, honest communication is an absolute first step. It helps to reestablish trust with your spouse. After that there is a 99.999% chance that you will need some help. My advice is to find some relationships in the church that you trust. People who will speak the truth in love and show you the grace and compassion you need to overcome. Come to Pure & Simple. God will use this conference to “jumpstart” the process in your life.
DT: What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourselves and God since becoming a part of this ministry?
TC: There is nothing that we cannot overcome. Because of this ministry and our battle with sexual sin, I have a tangible faith. I am not afraid of anything. Hope has replaced fear.
AC: Jesus means what he says. When Jesus said he came to give us life to the full - he meant it. When he said a faith as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain - he meant it. This is not just the power of positive thinking. It is the spirit of God. Before Pure & Simple, the best I thought I could do was cut back to acting out once every three months. That was my idea of doing well. Jesus said he came to set us free, and he means it. I am free.
See more at Purity Restored.com