Who I'd like to meet:

COMING HOME: AN OPEN LETTER TO THE BLACK GAY and LESBIAN COMMUNITY Dear Brothers and Sisters, Is there a longing in your heart to come home? Has your struggle with sexuality kept you from the relational
blessings of God? If so, it's time for a change. As your brothers and sisters who have had like experiences dealing with sexuality, we are offering you our help to make it back to that place where you used to be with God. Or if you have never experienced the joy of knowing Him, we invite you to read on.
Gospel music pioneer Andrae Crouch sang a song many of us heard growing up. Do you remember it?
"Take me back, Take me back Dear Lord, to the place where I first received you."
We're alike, we're different Perhaps more than anyone else, we understand the pain that you may have suffered at the hands of people who said they represented God, but failed to give you the compassion, love and acceptance you needed to overcome the wounding in your heart. We know how it feels to sit in churches where you are the object of ridicule and scorn. We can identify with the intense struggle not to give in to something
your heart knows is wrong, but your body feels is right. We take this opportunity to call on every African American church to stop contributing to the anguish and suffering of sexually confused black men and women and begin promoting healing through the ministry of
reconciliation.
Yet the church and its oft times wayward characterizations of gays and lesbians are not your only problem. In your own community many of the new HIV infections are in men of color. Hundreds more are dying silently of AIDS as a
result of shame, guilt and self-embraced ignorance. Far too many of those men continue to have condomless sex without disclosing the fact that they are infected.
Sex parties and pornography exploit the loneliness many same-sex attracted individuals experience. While white gays continue to make advances politically,
financially and educationally, black gays struggle for basic equality in the gay community. Unfortunately, white gay racism and elitism continues to grow. On top of all of this are substance abuses and sexual fetishes which reduce the quality of life.
For financial gain, some misguided therapists have spread falsehoods about "sexual orientation." To date, there has been no credible scientific or biological causation for sexual orientation. Studies conducted by individuals with a predisposed agenda have been proven many times over to be false. We believe this is a primary source of the
suffering of same-sex attracted people. Lies delay
healing but truth brings freedom. Accepting a lie keeps you in rebellion. In a rebellious state there can be no peace with God. If you truly want to save your lives,
don't take it into your own hands, submit yourself to God.
It's a journey many of us as former gays and lesbians have had to walk through. That's why we are making a special effort to reach out to you who may not have heard that the choice to change is still available to you. Please
understand that the challenges facing you are not entirely caused by "homophobia" and hate. And please know that the way to escape those problems is not necessarily by "coming out."
We know that the hype surrounding homosexuality is at a breaking point. Both sides have become polarized and extremes have formed. Accusations, unfair portrayals and stubborn anger has kept too many men and women from
getting back home. It's time for a change. You deserve a better life and you can have it.
Coming home means coming out We have to let you know that getting home won't be easy. Despite what you may have heard about "instant
deliverance" and "miraculous breakthroughs" we've discovered that God is a Father who purposely teaches His children through process. Coming back to Him regardless of how many years you have been "in the wilderness" of
homosexual living will require committment and endurance. Coming out of homosexuality may be one of the most difficult things you have ever done, but difficult is not synonymous with impossible. God specializes in things which man thinks are impossible.
Our ministries to the sexually broken are a simply a labor of love. Therefore, our letter makes no specific political or denominational claims. It seeks no financial gains, but is birthed out of a heartfelt desitre to show you a better way to live.
For those who would reject our invitations to find peace, we say that you have a human right to be gay or lesbian. If that's your choice then we accept that. But we want you to know that you have a greater spiritual right to be
free. The choice is yours. Please don't stand in the way of those who no longer want to see themselves as gay or lesbian. Don't take away their choice to change.
We also understand and acknowledge that the term "exgay" may be misleading. It's not our intention to pretend that we are completely healed or that all of our past
dysfunctions have evaporated into thin air. Yet, while the term "exgay" does not adequately convey the process of change that we are going through, our living, thinking and desires have undergone drastic transformation.
Booker T. Washington said, "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to
succeed." We can testify that we are new creations in Christ, we are no longer slaves to our former passions.
We no longer desire to live or identify as gay, lesbian, same gender loving or anything which calls attention to bodily passions. Rather we have a new identity in Christ and our future and hope is secure in that identity.
If you choose to, coming out of homosexuality will mean: Submission to Christ's authority Dealing with the roots of your sexuality issues Being honest and accountable for your actions Having a heart that is willing to acknowledge when you're wrong and then repenting
Accepting the grace of God as sufficiency for your sins
Planting yourself in a fellowship which embraces a balanced approach to overcoming
In short, the opposite of homosexuality is not heterosexuality but holiness (emotional, sexual and spiritual living which is pure and whole). That's the goal. That's the mark. And that's our passion.
"I feel that I'm so far from you Lord, yet I hear you calling me." He is calling you. You've heard him while dancing at the club. You've heard him in the quiet of your home. Perhaps in the midst of doing what you've become sick of doing, you've heard Him calling you to come home. We're here to let you know that coming home is only a prayer away. We don't have all the answers, but we do have the most important one: God's loves you unconditionally.
Haven't you felt that feeling stirring inside you? It's
the Holy Spirit urging you to answer God. We too, have been at that place where things and people could no longer satisfy. Not another lover. Not another drink. Not another club. Not another affirming seminar. Not another pride parade. Not another house party. It left us feeling empty, cold and just as rejected as the day we first assumed our gay identities.
If you are "same gender loving", we respectfully believe that's not God's will for you. We feel that loving someone of the same gender produces nothing fruitful or life-giving. It reflects nothing in creation, life or God's natural order and holds no possibility of
continuation. God's will is that you grow, prosper and produce the fruit of right relationships. Many gays have attempted to reach these goals by alternative efforts but realbut real life should be lived with real results.
The co-signers of this letter, comprised of former
homosexuals and those others who support our mission are united in our desire to present such opportunities for change. Please contact someone at one of the resources
listed below and let them know you're ready to come home. We'll leave the light on for you.
In the love of Christ, Pastor and Mrs. DL Foster, Atlanta Kevin D. Giles, Los Angeles Pastor Mike Lumberger, Pittsburgh Mignon Middleton, Washington DC Min Marjorie Ellis, JD, LCPC Decatur, GA Rev Robert Coggins, Atlanta Kimberly Williams, Los Angeles Mrs. Gwendolyn Shuman Fox, Atlanta Rev Jerry E. Martin, II, Atlanta Zalee Harris, Temple Hills, MD Jacque Trim, McMinnville, TN Elder and Mrs. Roger Ford, Chicago Evangelist Miriam Passmore, Miami Dr. John Diggs, Jr, MD, South Hadley, MA Linda Carter, Mobile, AL June R. Forbes, Richmond, VA Elder Cheryl North, Gary, IN Jackie Rice, Washington, DC Pastor Victoria Jones, San Jose, CA (WRITTEN BY PASTOR D.L.FOSTER FOUNDER OF WITNESS FOR THE WORLD. www.witnessfortheworld.org) PASTOR D.L. FOSTER FOUNDER OF WITNESS FOR THE WORLD If you desire to live in freedom from homosexuality, please consider being a part of Pastor Foster's "The system 2008. Watch the video below then Visit http:www.witnessfortheworld.org for more information. UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY by Andrew Comiskey Homosexual behavior is an attempt to fulfill normal needs for love, acceptance, and identity through sexual intimacy with someone of the same sex. Although the factors that

contribute to the development of sexual orientation are complex and subtle, our experience suggests that one of the deepest roots of homosexuality is a break in early relational bonds. This relational breakdown can stunt the development of the individual..s ability to healthily connect with others throughout life.
The security of a child depends on the three-way bond of mother to child, father to child, and the bond between the parents. Any break in these bonds can produce insecurity in the child and thus a lack of that sense of belonging and affirmation which is so vital in the development of gender identity.
If the child has an absent or an emotionally distant mother or father, he or she will feel a certain amount of vulnerability - a vague longing for closeness and
protection that the parent has not been able to fulfill. In addition to this, if the young person has been sexually molested, the impact upon his or her ability to bond with others will be all the more broken.
The child may detach from the parent and other significant adults in order to avoid any further hurt and
disappointment. This tendency to withdraw produces fear of intimacy, isolation from others, and envy on account of what is missing; it also adds to the weight of the unworthiness and rejection that the young person is already carrying.
This leaves him or her with tremendous needs for affirmation and affection. In most instances, the
attraction for the same sex begins around the age of ten; it is emotional, non-sexual, and involuntary. With sexual maturity, these needs become eroticized; sexual intimacy becomes a primary means for feeling loved and affirmed.
Hence, sexual activity offers some sense of being truly accepted. What seems to be love is received, the person extending this love is idolized, and as the pain becomes covered over with pleasure, a momentary sense of self-esteem emerges - a temporary relief from the confusion of identity.
Finding Completion Thus, the homosexual condition is a result of the many hurts, real or perceived, that the child has suffered in the wake of broken relationships. The homosexual behavior is the activity that emerges as that "hurt child" seeks to fulfill these unmet needs for love. He or she may not know that sexual union can not impart the sense of completion and connectedness that is perhaps the most essential longing of the human soul.
The result of these efforts to meet one..s needs
homosexually is loneliness; the individual is left more fragmented and ill at ease than ever. In addition to this emotional confusion, the person often blames God for the hurts and for creating him or her homosexual. This hinders his or her ability to trust the Creator, and taste of the deep intimacy with Him that would provide comfort and strength in the face of as yet unmet inner longings.
Are "they" born that way? The teaching of Scripture is that God intended for men and women to experience relational completion - an easing of aloneness - through union with a partner who is sexually distinct from them, and who can thus be a true helpmate and companion in life.
"So God created man in His own image¿male and female He created them¿.The Lord God said, ..It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him..." (Genesis 1:27, 2:18)
Homosexuality is a relational brokenness that scripture reveals as contrary to God..s creative intent for
humanity..s sexuality. In light of this, one can be sure that whether homosexuality is the result of developmental causes or inborn characteristics, it is not the result of an act of creation by God.
But is it inborn? Much research has been done to explore potential genetic or hormonal contributions to the origins of homosexuality. No conclusive evidence has yet to be found. The exploration continues, with most experts citing a variety of influences that include culture, family-of-origin, biological factors, and one..s own reaction to these influences. At Desert Stream, we believe that
biological factors influence the formation of personality. Our personalities in turn will partially determine how and why we act and react to the influences around us. Some personality types, when paired with other factors, may be more prone than other types to developing homosexual tendencies.
Is there hope for healing? Homosexuality is clearly a two-fold condition. A fallen world imposes wounds, fears, identity confusion, and alienation; people react with sinful choices in an attempt to restore what has been broken and gain consolation in the midst of pain and need. Yet the goal remains
unreached; the promise of real, lasting fulfillment proves to be all too elusive.
Jesus Christ is the alternative. He addresses the problem - humanity limited to self - and provides the way through which we can find fulfillment in God and His people. By releasing us from the dictates of the past, Jesus frees us to live as new creatures. The Holy Spirit carries on that process of change in our lives.
His grace is sufficient, for His strength is made perfect in weakness. He provides the mooring point fora new identity - the center out of which a true sense of well being can be enjoyed. As we draw close to Him, we are enabled to reflect His image in our humanity more and more fully.
The goal of our growth is the freedom to love aright: to relate intimately but non-erotically to the same-sex, and to be able to address the opposite sex as a needed
counterpart without fear or disinterest. As we at Desert Stream believe such love is Christ..s intent for us, we affirm His capacity to carry it out in our lives, and in the lives of those who seek to be free from homosexuality.
Three Responses To Same Sex Attractions, by Tim Wilkins In most cases same sex attractions are not chosen. They probably result from many complex factors over a period of time. One of the mysteries of life is that we don..t get to choose what we are tempted by. Someone once said, "I can resist everthing except temptation." The Bible clearly states all are tempted. First Corinthians 10:13 reads,
"...But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." Note that Paul said "but when you are tempted" not "if." The fact is inevitable and though we may not choose to be tempted by something, we do choose our response to the temptation.
There are at least three responses to same-sex
attractions. This brief article is not meant to answer all the questions surrounding homosexuality, but to provide an understanding of what we can do when homosexual temptation rears its ugly head.
One response is to repress it! From a psyhchological propective, repress means to "to exclude" (painful or unpleasant memories, for example)from the conscious mind" repressing same-sex attractions is like trying to hold a large beach ball under water forever. Although it can be done for short periods of time, it..s an exhausting task and requires almost undivided attention. Many men and women who are tempted by homosexuality mistakenly think they have mastered this technique. They never really deal with the issue; rather they try to keep it in check, until one day they give into a second response.
They express it! They give in and act on the temptation; what follows is a snowball effect. Very soon one act of indiscretion takes control and they find themselves imprisoned. The brief sexual pleasure becomes the dominating factor in their life. Career, healthy
friendships, hobbies begin to suffer. As a wise sage said, "The devil will take you farther than you want to go and keep you longer than you want to stay."
Fortunately, there is a third response to same-sex attractions. Confess it! John the Apostle wrote "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)Confessing a temptation or sin to God is agreeing with God that it is wrong. It is not a sin to struggle with temptation; it is a sin to give in to the temptation.
A wonderful thing happens when we agree with God that He is right. His power is unleashed in our lives to keep us from giving into temptation. Additionally, James 5:16 reads, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." You may say you cannot tell anyone your struggle? Yes you can, but it takes time to find a mature Christian who will listen. Take the first step and He will provide light for each
subsequent step.
href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lm15d2Fja29zcGFjZS5jb20="> A PRAYER FOR THE HEALING OF THOSE TRAPPED IN THE DECEPTION OF HOMOSEXUALITY Father, in the Precious Name of Your Son Jesus, I come, first of all with a heart of thanksgiving, for the sacrifices you made at Calvary for us all. It is because of your living, your suffering, your dying and your resurrection that we are able to claim redemption today.
Father, I want to thank you for the awesome change you have wrought in MY life. How you allowed me to survive while I was trapped under the deception of homosexuality, that it even resembled ‘life’. Lord, thank you for how you protected me all those years, for how you provided for me and healed my body even though I was so lost. Thank you, Lord, for how you loved me anyway and how you NEVER let me out of your site. And most of all, Lord, I thank you for how you spoke to my heart one Tuesday morning and called me to come out from among them, to begin this joyous journey of your tremendous salvation. Thank you Jesus! Thank you for your gifts and for this ministry to teach and to love those who, like I once did, walk outside of your will with regard to homosexuality.
Thank you for choosing me to share the truth of your rewards of eternal life through your son, Jesus, but also to warn about the consequences of rejecting the truth of your Word and your divine order.
Lord, look on those whose hearts have been blinded by the darkness of this world. Lord we ask for your mercy for gays and non-gays alike who have heard and believed a lie against you, causing them to err. Lord I pray for your Holy Spirit to use everything I have and to use the lives of other believers to throw down the stronghold of this lie regarding men and women having been ‘born gay.’ Lord place a seed of desire deep within the hearts of my brothers and sisters to begin to call into question this lie against them and you. God, cause them to know that before you even created the world, that you intended for a man and a woman to be united in holiness, and that this HOLY order, pleases you.
God, have mercy on us and give us wisdom to know how to minister to those who have believed this lie. Teach us, Oh God, what to say when the opportunity arises. Give us grace and most of all let us show love to every individual, save or unsaved, gay or non-gay, that they may see you in us. Lord, I especially thank you today for those who have experienced deliverance from sexual sin, that you would grant them a holy boldness to be a witness for you; to stand and be an epistle of CHANGE. God, I thank you for those who you are calling out of homosexuality everyday! Thank you Jesus for keeping your promise that if we simply LIFT YOU UP, that you would draw all men unto you. Thank you Jesus, that when we don’t know what else to do, ALL we NEED to do is LOVE THEM and LIFT YOU!
Lord, I ask you to touch someone, right now. Someone is tired of living a gay life and wants a fresh start and a new life. Someone is ready to surrender their all to you. Lord received them now. Renew him; restore her, in the name of Jesus. Father as they make this decision to turn away from sin, we ask you to strengthen their new MIND, as they walk with you. Father, wash them in your blood, as you have done for me. Lord wash them so that we won’t even recognized their old ‘selves’.
Thank you for you giving such beauty in exchange for our ashes—Thank you Lord, we believe it is done—this new heart, this change of mind, this NEW life--, we believe it in our hearts and we will, from this moment on, confess your death and resurrection to someone, everyday, with our mouths.
Lord, I lift up the parents and loved ones of gays and lesbians all over the world. Father, they are hurting and their hearts are broken. We ask you, Holy Spirit, to comfort them. Lord let them, even by my testimony of change, be encouraged. Bring peace to their hearts, by making them to know that you have their loved one under your divine protection. Give these mothers and fathers and siblings and friends the grace they will need to endure as you hold & draw that loved one.
Lord, restore love and connection between that father and his son. Lord, dry the tears of that mother grieving the loss of who she hoped her daughter would become. Lord, forgive any parent whatever needs to be forgiven and give them the grace and courage to reach out and embrace and love their children JUST AS THEY ARE, knowing that You Lord, are STILL in the ‘saving’ business, you are STILL in the miracle working business and that you alone have the power to change even the most stubborn hearts and minds.
Father, I lift up the church in prayer today. Lord, you so clearly built your church, your body of believers—upon your holy Word, but the gates of Hell continue to release false prophets against us and the enemy continues to blind many of our leaders. Lord, encourage the church. You promised that the enemy would not prevail! Lord, we throw down even the idea of ‘gay’ Christianity. Lord, forgive our leaders who know the truth but allow themselves to be manipulated by the politics and powers of darkness. Lord, raise up a new nation of leaders in your church who will obey you without compromise; who will sincerely love and welcome every soul, but who will stand and proclaim the gospel of truth. Lord forgive and restore, if it is your will, those leaders who have erred against you.
Lord, send a fresh anointing, and renewed strength for those you have chosen to carry this gospel forward. Encourage their hearts, supply their needs, and allow them to see the fruits of their labor, for we know that in you, we do not labor in vain.
Lord we ask every blessing in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Charlene E. Cothran Ministries VenusMagazine.org Copyright May 3, 2007 HONESTY IS THE DIFFERENCE Dena, with a great deal of passion, said, "Alan, what is the difference? Why do some make it while others don't?" Before I had a chance to answer, Leslie—who never struggled with same-sex attraction —said, "Honesty is the difference!"
Leslie and I have talked a great deal about this as we see people who have either not progressed in their battle for freedom or who have returned to a homosexual identity. She is right; honesty is one of the most essential components of long-term success. I think a lack of honesty with others is rooted in pride. We don't want others to think badly of us, so we stay silent about our sin and it grows like mold in a dark wet basement.
Before I make it sound like those who fall bear all responsibility for their actions, allow me to challenge those of us in the Church. As Joe Dallas so poignantly states in his Love Won Out session, "If the Church is not considered a safe harbor for people tempted by sin, perhaps we share some responsibility when they fall."
God did not create us to be relationally isolated. He is a relational God and we were created relational beings. First and foremost we were created to be in relationship with our Creator and then with one another. In our relationally defunct culture, however, we have settled for the counterfeit of sexual immorality to assuage the hunger each one of us has to connect deeply with another person. Sex is quicker and easier than developing strong, intimate and healthy friendships. But as my friend and colleague Scott Davis recently wrote, "Recreational sex is a pathetic forgery of God's wonderful gift of authentic sexuality¹."
Honesty goes hand in hand with another essential goal of long-term success: authentic community. Knowing that we were created to be in relationship and that it was going to be a struggle to live healthily without it, God established the local church to serve as the primary earthly place where we go to get our relational needs met. In our local body of believers we find camaraderie, companionship, encouragement, love, support, affirmation and a place to reciprocate all of the above. Church is also a place where we find instruction on how to have a deeply intimate and private relationship with our Heavenly Father.
It is no wonder in light of all of this that we live in a sex-driven society. We are a bunch of emotionally, relationally and physically starved beings prostituting ourselves to anyone or anything that helps us silence the ache that resides within us. I use Christine Sneeringer's phrase all the time: homosexuality is not all about sex. It is an illegitimate way to meet legitimate needs. I wasn't looking most for sexual pleasure in my homosexual relationships or encounters as much as I was looking for love, acceptance and affirmation-- all things that God created me to need and to have met in a very different way.
Today, those who are living long-term successful lives without giving in to natural sinful desires are doing so because they are first submitting their humanness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They are pursuing an intimate and full relationship with Him and both investing in and being invested in by others. Vulnerability, transparency, honesty and accountability are all key components of lasting freedom. If you want to reign in life you will need to make these things daily rituals.
Freedom is possible. And it is wonderful. All for the Kingdom, Alan Chambers -------------------------------- GOD HAS AN POSITIVE ANSWER:CHANGE YOUR THINKING Ever considered life coaching? Tired of feeling lost and your voice silenced? Be encouraged and contact Lee Felicia She will walk you through the amazing steps of taking action for your life in the name of Jesus!
www.LeeFelicia.com Disassociate and Depend on God Dr. Creflo A. Dollar -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have you ever made a decision to change, and genuinely meant it from your heart? However, the more you attempted to make necessary adjustments in your life, your surroundings, friends and memories of the past kept dragging you back to your old ways? Or, you may have taken on a "lone ranger" mentality where you tried to do everything in your own ability, without depending on God or a support system of strong Believers. These are not uncommon occurrences in the lives of people who initially embark on the journey of change. In order to successfully endure the process of change, you'll have to simultaneously disconnect from hindering relationships, behaviors and mindsets, and embrace the help of the Holy Spirit and others who can benefit your life.
First, I can't emphasize enough, the importance of disassociating from things that stop your growth, once you decide to change. You may feel comfortable with your old ties and relationships with certain people, but you must honestly evaluate them to determine if they are bridges to your next level, or burdens in your life.
Everyone has a friend who is fun to be around, but doesn't contribute to your spiritual growth as a Christian. I'm not saying to be mean to your old associates. The Word instructs us to walk in love toward others (Matthew 22:39); but you should not remain in close fellowship with people who aren't going in the same spiritual direction. First Corinthians 15:33 says, "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." You will never reach your destiny if you hang on to people who are not beneficial to your advancement.
When God spoke to Abraham to leave his country and what was familiar to him, he disobeyed God's full directive and decided to bring Lot with him. As a result, Abraham experienced a period when God did not deal with him directly. He and Lot ended up separating because there was strife between them. Lot was family, but he was hindering God's purposes in Abraham's life.
Like Abraham, change may even involve choosing God over family members and loved ones (Matthew 10:34—38). Yes, there will be people in your life you must break ties with, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you sever unfruitful relationships and trust Him to show you exactly what to do and say. Be encouraged and submit to the will of God for your life by agreeing with what He has to say about your relationships while in the process of change.
As you disconnect from your past, be sure to rely on the Spirit of God. He is a helper and is standing by to assist you. As you let go of old relationships, ask Him for new ones that will help you grow. Divine connections from God are essential to your success; He never intended for you to be an island all by yourself. The right people in your life can be positive bridges to help you reach your destiny.
Even in your daily life, you will need the power of God to help you sustain lasting change. The enemy will try to get you to accept his words and suggestions, all in an attempt to get you to revert back to your old mindset and life. When times of testing and temptation come, resist the devil by using the Word against him. Declare that you are a new creation and your mind is being renewed (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 12:1—2). When you begin confessing God's Word, you activate the power of God to come in and give you the help you need during challenging moments.
No one ever said change was easy. However, change is necessary and achievable when you do your part. Set your mind on the goal of achieving everything God has imagined for you and press forward.
Learn more about how to change by ordering the message, Growing Up Spiritually. Visit our online bookstore for even more resources and study aids to assist with your growth and meditation in God’s Word.
Print © 2000-2008 Creflo Dollar Ministries. All Rights Reserved.