ner was over. He retreated to the den and closed the door. He told his wife he needed to work on a report for work. But he was lying.
Instead, he removed the parental controls from their computer and delved into his favorite X-rated Web site.
His intoxication with the sex goddess was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Article Photos
(Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec) Tim and Pam McCloskey of Altoona have started The Recovery Ministry in Altoona. It is a nonprofit Christ-centered organization that helps people with addictive and compulsive behaviors. Their mission is to help individuals and families learn life skills to deal with today’s fast-paced and complicated lifestyles. Separate meetings for men and women are held at 7 p.m. Mondays at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, 514 S. Seventh St. A variety of subjects are considered including depression, anger, fear, guilt, addictions and compulsive behaviors.
"Daddy, can I come in?"
"Sure," he said as he exited the site.
That was close, John thought.
He felt guilty. He was a Christian and knew he shouldn't be looking at such sites. He wanted to stop but he couldn't. He prayed over and over but the temptation was too great.
John is fictitious but the problem is not.
For every 10 men in church, five are struggling with pornography accordin g to "The Call to Biblical Manhood, Man in the Mirror." An article in the 2005 edition of "Christianity Today" states that pastors say the top sexual issue damaging to their congregations is pornography addiction.
While it may be surprising that church-goers have a problem, its affect on society as a whole is far reaching. According to the National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families' Web site, about 40 million people in the United States are sexually involved with the Internet.
Tim and Pam McCloskey of Altoona are helping people regardless of their spiritual background to overcome addictions, including pornography through The Recovery Ministry.
The couple will hold a seminar on "The Effects of Pornography in Our Lives and How to be Victorious" from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12 at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, 514 S. Seventh St. Registration is at 8 a.m. and lunch is provided.
It is open to anyone 18 and older who wants to learn more about the topic as well as those struggling with the problem, the McCloskeys said.
Pam said a lot of people get an adrenaline rush from viewing pornography, yet also have feelings of shame and guilt.
"They want to stop but don't know how," she said.
She said during the beginning of the seminar, a video will be shown to explain how pornography affects the brain.
Tim said people get caught up in pornography because Americans are bombarded with sex.
"Men don't have to drive to the adult book store anymore. They can stay at home and click on the Internet," he said.
The desire is often planted early in life and by age 11, most boys have already seen a pornographic image, he said.
If they are caught, often it is dismissed as natural curiosity. Tim said sexual images are pushed like drugs and that communities believe in pushing out the pusher but need to be just as vigilant in combating the tactics that get people hooked on pornography.
Pam said it is damaging to families because it takes time away from the children and affects a man's relationship with his wife.
During the seminar, Pam will talk to women about the effects their husbands' addiction have on their families. She also will address women's sexual addictions.
Women are less likely to look at porn, but they are relational and use chat rooms to develop friendships that can lead to an affair, she said.
Recovery Ministry not only helps people with pornography addiction but any factor that may be controlling their lives.
Separate classes for men and women are held at 7 p.m. Mondays at the church where a variety of topics are discussed, and the program is open to anyone.
Pam and Tim also mentor individuals one-on-one.
Among the common addictions people combat are alcohol, gambling, shopping, talking, sugar, work and overeating.
The McCloskeys have seen the program improve their own relationship.
Pam said she grew up in an abusive home and had a lot of anger when she and Tim married 21 years ago.
"I thought, 'What's wrong with me? Others have it all together. I was dying inside and people didn't know it," she said.
After seven years of marriage, the McCloskeys and their three daughters moved to Dallas, Texas, where Tim worked as an airplane mechanic.
It was there that Pam learned of the James Group that offered the coaching and mentoring that helped her work through her anger.
Tim was so impressed with the changes in her that he became interested in the men's group. Tim said he didn't think he had any issues until the men went on a fishing trip, and he confronted the leader about areas that he needed to overcome.
The leader pointed out that Tim was a people pleaser and a perfectionist. After working through his problems, the McCloskeys took training to help others and have about eight years of experience as facilitators.
After Dallas, they lived in Kentucky for three years, where they continued the ministry. During a visit to Altoona, the elders of Pleasant Valley Church of Christ asked them about starting a recovery ministry here. They moved back to Altoona about six months ago to begin the ministry.
Tim said although the sessions are biblically based, the program is about developing healthy relationships.
He said people can be mad at God or not believe in him and still be helped.
He said their goal is to let people know someone cares.
