A Born Again Evangelical Christian Minister Speaks Up for His God Given Gay Lifestyle

The story that I have to tell is the same as that countless numbers of us have experienced. I have had these interests and desires as far back as elementary school age. During my marriage, I tried so hard to control the part of my life which remained so unfilled in our husband-wife relationship. At the same time, I was very misguided about the scriptual teachings regarding homosexuality, and constantly asked God to help me resist what I now know are God-given impulses. I accepted without question the traditional teaching of the church, and did not examine thoroughly for myself and the actual teaching of the word of God.

Although at the time, I would have been content to continue the marriage, as unsatisfactory as it was, I know that I must thank my wife for breaking those bonds, for only since then have I found the complete freedom and happiness. I was seeking all those years.

I can look back with very many beautiful memories of the years which God gave to us as a family, the five children He blessed us with, all of whom have grown up to become fine young men and women. I think back on the camping trips, the beach parties, the family projects we worked on together, the laughter and the tears, and I thank the Lord for that part of my life. But even though those years when there was a satisfactory sex life, at times an excellent one, there was that deep seated need with culiminated in our divorce. The isolated homosexual encounters that I had over those many years showed me that my real needs could not be met in a heterosexual/" marriage.

After the separation and eventual divorce, I moved to San Francisco where I served on the administrative staff of Jews for Jesus, a fine evangelical Christian missionary organization. I found beautiful Christian Fellowship with the Christian friends in the ministry there, and at the same time the wonderful freedom and duty of a Christian gay lifestyle developed. It was not until I was counseling with a young gay friend in my home in San Fran-. cisco that I discovered the truth. Frank was a 20 year old born-again gay Christian who was at the point of giving up his faith or giving up his homosexual lifestyle. I spoke with him at length, finally suggesting that he get professional counsel from both sides and then make up his own mind. I gave him the locations of "Love in Action," a ministry of former gays in San Rafael, and the Metropolitan Community Church in San Francsico. Frank went that Sunday afternoon to MCC and came home so bubbling over with enthusiasm for all he had found there that I just had to go to see for myself. And what I found that night was the start of the new awakening the Holy Spirit had prepared for me.

As I walked in, they were in the midst of a hymn sing and testimony meeting. The Lord's presence could be felt at once. It was clear that these lesbian sisters and gay brothers were my sincere brothers and sisters in the Lord. I began to attend MCC regularly.

It was during a series of lessons on "The Bible and Homosexuality," taught by Rev. Michael England, that my eyes were opened by the Holy Spirit to the false interpretations which I had so blindly accepted all my Christian life. It was not something decided upon suddenly; it was a growing assurance that God accepts homosexual love. Praise God!! I found the assurance and the freedom I had been seeking all my adult life.

I do not expect straight Christian friends to simply accept this fact, for they are comfortable in the belief they have accepted without sincere investigation of the other side. They have not had the chance to meet, hear, and have fellowship with the outstanding leaders of the Gay Christian movement. I have. While I may not agree one hundred percent with everything each one believes and

practices, I know them to be viable, sincere followers of Jesus Christ. Consult with homosexual clergy and laymen in your area. They will give you a sincere, honest, scriptual explanation of the issue if you approach it with an open mind. Unless you are afraid of being convinced by these Gay Christians, in all honesty you should hear them out.

I have found greater happiness and love in my homosexual life than I ever did before. I have found the beauty of the. active gay life, the peace and the fulfillment of sharing life with another man. It took time to discover my freedom of life as one of God's gay children, but I am today happy, satisfied as a gay Christian. May God lead you into the truth and give you happiness!

Dear Mr. Ray,

Rev. Ken Debus

I often read articles in the newspaper about people who espouse ideas that are not agreeable to me, but I rarely give them. much thought or ever write to them.

Ever since I read the article about you in Monday's, September 7 Detroit News, however, you have been in mind and prayers.

I don't know exactly how to expresswhat I want to say but in reading book this week entitled "The Pursuit of Holiness" by Jerry Bridges a lot of thoughts come to mind.

I don't know if you have any church affiliation or have a Christian background but I fully know that God who loves you deeply is calling you to turn away from your present lifestyle. God does give us guidelines in his word (Bible) on how we should live so that we may spend a happy eternity which is far more important than anything here on earth.

I hope you're still reading this!

Some of the special verses I read this week made me think of you, and me, for we're all sinners, one way or another. These are some of the verses from "Pursuit of Holiness" taken from God's word.

"Make every effort to live in Peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14. "Let God remake you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed." Romans 12:2

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

"It is God's will that you should be holy; that you should avoid sexual immorality. I Thessalonians 4:3

It matters not that homosexuality is being accepted more and more by mankind. It is against God's law and always will be. Please consider your future, when you leave this earth, and turn back to God, who is calling you, you're very special to Him.

Please visit a Christian Bookstore and buy "The Pursuit of Holiness," better yet, take the word of God to heart, read His scriptures everyday. I and my family will be praying for you.

Go with God, Marge Bradley

"If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart."

Dear Michael,

You could do much in your position as editor of leading people to Christ and away from a lifestyle that is not pleasing to Him. Please serve the Lord Jesus in your life the angels will be dancing and singing alleluias when you come back! Bless you and love you in Jesus!

(Editor's Note: Attached to this letter were Bible quotes, including the famous letter of Paul to the Romans (Romans, 1,24-28) and others for my edification and salvation. Also included was a neat little 2"x2" pocket scripture book with tiny Bible flash cards. No kidding!)

MR

Sunday, Oct. 25th

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ISSUE 59