Hi, As a child I went to the Episcopalian church became an acolyte. At age 13 my parents started going to the baptist church and I was fully involved with the music ministry and youth. At age 18 I was filled with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues at a non-denominational youth service. Needless to say I couldn’t keep quiet in the baptist church so i started going to the Assemblies of God church in my town. Moved away and went to Southeastern Bible College of the Assemblies of God, Got married, then finished my music degree at World Harvest Bible institute in Columbus Ohio. 6 years into my marriage and two kids all I started to have a breakdown. I had known all my life I was attracted to the same sex. Yes, I too went under the casting out of demons through my teenage years, denouncing the devil and his grip on me. Plagued by feelings of self loathing and wondering why God didn’t take the feelings away. I still would lead worship and still know the Presence of God in a wonderful way. Needless to say a divorce came. I’m estranged from my children, my son wants to know why i do this it embarrasses him. He wanted to know that at age 9 now he is 14. I still haven’t spoken to him or my daughter who is now age 10. On the up side, I have found my way Home to God. I know that I am Loved. I’m currently attending an MCC (Metro Community Church) And I’m struggling with my Spirituality because of the abuse I use to take in the church. But I do know….God will make a way when there seems to be No way.

Thanks a lot for the encouragement. One thing I read today which really helped me a lot is that…our orientation is not a choice but morality is a choice. Even though i’m in a church that is accepting of people who love God and that are glbtiq….a lot of them are there for social reasons and sometimes I can’t believe what I hear coming out of peoples mouth. Not that I’m judging but I don’t think Jesus had a potty mouth or lusted after his brothers. I’m there to experience God. He is all I need. If he sends me that special someone great it will be awesome I’m sure…but until then, God is my All and the Love of God is all I need. Again thanks for the encouragement and I’m looking forward to the discussions. 😛 🙂 😀

hi Jay…..great to have you in our community. Welcome.

gathering all these stories its often amazing how similar they all are. I think we could all write the same book and all we would need to do is change the names and places. All the events would be the same though.

thank God things are changing for GLBT young people in some churches.

that statement of mine “My morality is a choice, my sexual orientation however isn’t” has brought clarity to many people……even the leadership of the Assemblies of God here in Australia and is refelcted in their new statement on homosexuality.

Imagine if we had known that at an early age. My life would certainly taken a different path.

i think its good as you say not to judge others morality………in essense the only person I need to be concerned about is myself.

Hope to hear more from you….I think you will fit in well here. Have you checked out our target market doc yet