Geez Rob, I have no advice to offer this Freeper friend other than for him to talk to his pastor directly and ask for guidance. He is obviously hurting and feels that his church (I'm assuming he has one) will forsake him but assure him that his Church is there specifically for his salvation if he can only accept it..........
I think that he will use all these kind thoughts and prayers to help him know that God wants him to succeed. And that God is not ashamed of anyone who is trying to improve themselves.