Freedom from Homosexuality – A Letter to OKC Gazette Editor
Several years ago I meet Louis Hommel who had already started his journey with God in walking away from homosexuality. I had the honor and privilege to spend time serving Louis in discipleship care and support group ministry within First Stone Ministries. I am so proud of how consistent and diligent Louis has been in seeking Christ as Savior and Lord of his life and his sexuality. Many of us who have left homosexuality behind embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ Gospel communicates clearly that we must deny ourselves and live our lives separate from the desires of the world, the flesh and sensual powers. As people who used to identify as gay; we are on a journey looking for eternity and not the momentary pleasures of this life that is offered by the “gay” Gospel proponents. The “gay gospel” is a false gospel and a dangerous message Biblically. However, there is hope! I want to share with you the excellent letter written by Louis Hommel that he shared with the Oklahoma City Gazette. The letter was published a few weeks ago, however it was edited down. Therefore I asked Louis’ permission to post the entire letter, here it is:
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A Letter to the Editor by Louis Hommel
In his letter last week Thomas Furlong makes a valid point, homosexuals are no different from other sinners and since all of us have fallen short of the glory of God, this is a message of hope! For many people who are Christian by identity and troubled by a homosexual inclination, the church’s message that it is sinful is a message of hope because God can help you stop sinning. The Church does not condemn people with a homosexual inclination by labeling it sin, it empowers them to gain control of their lives. This is not a theoretical argument because there are people who choose to leave homosexuality and have chosen the church to help them. Tolerance and respect for diversity is not a one way street and we should practice real compassion by giving them the respect they deserve. They have not been “led astray” by the church and “tricked” into adopting so called “homophobic” attitudes. They are discouraged by their experience of living a gay life and have chosen to leave of their own free will. When we blame the church we overlook these people and fail to realize that the church is meeting their demand to provide ministry for them.
In Mr. Batchelder’s letter he claims that the American Medical Association, The American Psychological Association, The American Psychiatric Association, and the National Association of Social Workers claim that homosexuality is neither sickness nor sin. Sin is not a topic for psychology, psychiatry, social work or medicine. It is a topic for theology, which is a legitimate field of study and an authentic body of knowledge. Since theology is not a matter of opinion, we can no more decide for ourselves what is and is not sinful than we can redefine the value of pi as 3.17. All the major world religions are in agreement on the sinfulness of homosexuality, even though they made the decision separately thousands of years ago. It is this consistency in doctrine that has made religion so important in people’s lives for so many centuries.
Meanwhile psychology is less than 150 years old and has changed its mind several times on many topics including homosexuality. (Anyone remember lobotomy surgery or LSD enhanced psychotherapy, how about nude encounter groups?) Now some psychologists imagine that they are the governing body for religion? They must still be running around stoned and naked!
Religion is the guide most people choose for deciding how to live their lives. If you doubt this drive around your neighborhood and count the number of churches versus the number of counseling centers. Most psychologists can only dream of filling an arena like Billy Graham did, let alone write a book as popular as Rick Warren’s “A Purpose Driven Life” As for these organizations that claim that homosexuality is a natural trait and not a mental illness, it should be pointed out that they are professional associations and not governing bodies. It is individual states that govern licensure through licensing boards. The truth is that many psychologists offer reparative therapy for unwanted homosexual inclinations. To find out more visit the National Association for Research and Treatment of Homosexuality (www.narth.com) . Here you can find out what scientific research really shows about homosexuality. For those who may be interested in learning about 12 step recovery from homosexuality you can visit Homosexuals Anonymous at: www.ha-fs.org. (There is also help with an entire network of Christian ministries world-wide called Exodus International www.exodus.to).
For anyone who is offended by this letter, let me be the first to welcome you to America where all people have their first amendment rights to freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and freedom to petition. I know all five rights very well because I use them on a regular basis and encourage others to do so too!
Louis Hommel is a contact person for Homosexuals Anonymous in the Oklahoma City area. He is an advocate for the right of people to choose to leave homosexuality and embrace heterosexuality. Louis is a graduate student of psychology and is working on his internship in reparative therapy. Louis can be contacted at: okccourage@yahoo.com.
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First Stone Ministries’ Staff Proclaims Freedom from Homosexuality!
There Really Is Something to Celebrate this Month! The Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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Staff in photo from left to right:
Stephen Black, Andrew Franklin, Laura Leigh Stanlake and Joseph Thiessen.
Annual Exodus National FREEDOM Conference
I am attending, participating and serving at this years’ conference! I am very excited to be apart of a wonderful team of speakers, ministers, and professionals. I am equally exciting to see God moving in all of our hearts as we hunger for MORE of Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit to give us grace and freedom to overcome our struggles and our griefs.
“Father, help us who minister to be ONE in Your Spirit and cultivate a desire to fulfill Jesus’ prayer in John 17 in the entire Church! Father make us ONE in holiness, truth, grace and mercy for Jesus’ sake! Amen!”
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“Exodus International comforts the hurting, strengthens the weak, and encourages those who are struggling. Without judgmental-ness or self-righteousness, they love sinners to the Cross and just give them Jesus.” ~ Anne Graham Lotz
Watch This Video of Hope!
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I have been to over a dozen of these conferences over the last 18 years. I thoroughly enjoy being with hundreds of people from a common background – relational and sexual brokenness; many desiring understanding and freedom from homosexuality. The power felt in the auditorium of hundreds of people of weakness worshiping God and reaching out to Him for help is an amazing experience I wished everyone I know could experience. The worship experience alone is worth coming to an Exodus conference; as you will experience God in the power of the Holy Spirit during those times. The teachings are also a wonderful time of equipping. You will also experience encouragement in the fellowship of people from around the world. This is a top notch conference, and is life changing for those who desire freedom.
I have personally been on my own journey of freedom from homosexuality now for over 26 years; and this conference is one of the most amazing experiences of hope and encouragement a person can have in overcoming homosexuality. I want to personally invite you to attend this conference if at all possible. You will not regret it. I am also plan on teaching at this conference this year.
A word about this location: Wheaton College Campus is an amazing place to have a conference. There are several beautiful things to see right there on their campus; The Billy Graham Center, The C.S. Lewis Library and you are only 30 minutes from Chicago. I also want you to know that the cafeteria at this campus is one of the best in the country. Please make your plans now! Sincerely in HIS love and service, Stephen Black, Executive Director, First Stone Ministries.
Have you ever considered attending an Annual Exodus International Freedom Conference? click here for registration and detailed information: www.exodusfreedom.org
Check out other Exodus related upcoming conferences: www.exodus.to/conferences I am excited to announce that First Stone Ministries will be the hosting ministry for the Exodus Mid-Central Regional Conference, October 2-4 this year in Oklahoma City. Save the dates now, October 2-4, 2009 in South Oklahoma City. More details to come.
Experience One Worship Song at last year’s conference
A Brother ~ My Brother! An Answer to Prayer!
FINALLY! A NATIONAL LEADER! A Man of God, Ken Hutcherson, the senior pastor of Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Washington. Pastor Hutcherson is a beautiful black man in my view, for he is a courageous man of God, but not just because he is black, but that he has godly conviction as a black man. This is God’s beauty – the feet of those who preach good news! No doubt Pastor Hutcherson will take a lot hits (verbal abuse) over speaking the truth with the “One New Now” interviews. However I have no doubt that he will stand strong on the truth, boldly proclaiming, because Jesus Christ is his God and king. I am rejoicing today! FINALLY one my brothers in Christ who is boldly speaking the truth! A godly black conservative leader who is not afraid of the back lash or the “black lash” of the politically correct leftist elite. I am so grateful for Pastor Hutcherson’s interviews; this brought tears to my eyes as I read the articles and then again when I called Antioch Bible Church to express my gratefulness! I am sure that Pastor Hutcherson is not the only leader who is speaking up, however he just happens to be one who is speaking up loud enough to be heard nationally.
(See links to the articles below).
My heart was sincerely grieved over hearing the election exiting statistical poll data; 95% of black America voting for Barack Hussein Obama for President, which includes the black church in America. It is conclusive that this was based upon the fact of Obama’s skin color. Many Christians, white, black or otherwise voted for the “change” because they were frustrated with the war in Iraq and the economy; but they did not consider the actual facts of the stated Obama goals during the campaign that were actually anti-Christian. I found that grievous, since church percentages should have been more politically conservative no matter what a persons race. The numbers of 52 to 48 percent should have been the norm in the Church as was the entire election. I tried to remind people of the Obama campaign promises. I was told not to worry Barack Obama will govern more from the center. I didn’t believe it and said so, but I did hope so; unfortunately to no avail as Barack Obama became our 44th President.
Since the election and on the very day of the inauguration I have been praying for God to raise up black Christian leaders to speak the truth. President Obama was clear at his inauguration that he wanted to “remake America” and on the same day he posted the Gay Agenda on the White House Web Site. (However recently the White House staff re-worked the web page “Support for the LGBT” and is now condensed with less details. It is not quite as boldly pro-LGBT as it was. However there is more to read on the White House by searching you can see for yourself.) President Obama hasn’t changed his radically left desires to “remake America.” His desire to remake America includes barbaric practices of partial-birth abortion, Hate Crimes Legislation, and a Presidential Proclamation making June 2009 LGBT Gay Pride Month for America. I am in agreement with Pastor Hutcherson, I look for the moral compass of a leader when voting. Clearly if a man or woman cannot see the barbarianism of partial-birth abortion, they should not be a leader. If they cannot clearly see abortion as murder how can they have the clarity of character and conscience to lead our country? They can easily violate the other 10 Commandments of God if they are willing to promote partial-birth abortion. This CHANGE and “remaking America” direction also has built-in plans to stifle the voices of ex-gays. This is especially exasperating for me as a man who left homosexuality 27 years ago. This propagation of Hate Crimes legislation has what I believe the potential to lead to a culture war on traditional family value ministries and the church at large.
I have asked, “Where are my black brothers and black pastors who are equally appalled?” Sincerely I prayed that T.D. Jakes would repent. I have asked the Father, “please raise up godly black leaders!” You will not find many white leaders in the church asking out loud. It’s too politically incorrect. They would face condemnation of being racist, divisive and bigoted. I have asked where are the men who truly love God above the color of a man’s skin? I thought we were so much further along in racial reconciliation in the church at large including the black church. I was naive. I was appalled at T.D. Jakes and other major leaders in the black church of America who were unwilling to stand ground on Biblical principles in their voting rather than glorying skin color and/or a man’s race. Please don’t misunderstand me here. It is exciting that America has voted for a black man for President. This does prove we have made strides in overcoming racism. I can honestly relate to some of the prejudice. I was called awful names growing up. (I apologize now for the words in this next sentence, but imagine hearing them almost every day for 2 years.) I had one bully who for 2 years in junior-high school screaming at me almost every day within the hearing of my peers “Black – you sissy faggot, you queer, your nothing but a nigger faggot.” It was so painful, shameful and damaging to my identity. It was also terrifying to be followed home and beat with the name calling. Perhaps you can see, I am not insensitive. I can truly relate to these terrible words. My heart has been broken. I love black people, especially my brothers in Christ, but most powerfully I am in love with my granddaughter who is half white and half black, a gift from God. You see, I am not insensitive, I just desire truth and righteousness.
I am so grateful to God and I thank God for Pastor Hutcherson who is speaking the truth boldly in these articles to call for repentance of black leaders standing with our President when he is propagating anti-Christian policies. I am so thankful for the call to come back to character and godly living rather than merely standing with a person based upon skin color or because he is charismatic or loved by the media. I have been so grieved over the racism I perceive in the black church of America who voted for Barack Obama, kicking Jesus’ teachings aside and the leaving the Scripture behind simply for the affirmation of having a black man in the White House. Pastor Hutcherson set things clear in these interviews. He is an answer to prayer. If you feel the same way, I encourage you to write, call or email Antioch Bible Church and let Pastor Hutcherson know that you are standing with him, and then make sure you pray for him, his family and church. I am sincerely praying for revival in America, and then doing something about it by speaking out; as is Pastor Hutcherson. Will you join us by praying, and then influencing by talking to people about truth and The Gospel?
Read Pastor Hutcherson’s Interviews with Jim Brown at One News Now:
Pastor: Obama has no ‘black experience’ to speak of
‘No truth’ in Obama’s speech before homosexuals
Related Article: Obama hopes to persuade all Americans to accept homosexuality
Luca WAS Gay – Luca ERA Gay by Povia
Click here read Povia’s story as told by NARTH. Read about what he has been going through with this amazing song going up on the pop charts despite the hate speech and death threats from the gay community. Povia is courageous and I applauded him! I also really like his song!
Povia is merely trying to kindly communicate a story of hope without any condemnation, and yet the level of vitriol and intolerance revealed by the Italian gay community is truly a hate crime. However, after hearing the rants of gays the audience decided that they had heard enough and began the ‘hissing’ ~ the same as booing here in the USA. People know kind authenticity when they see it. Rock on Povia!
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Here’s a good English translation of this Italian hit Luca Was Gay!
INTRO:
Luca was gay and now he’s together with her, Luca speaks from his heart, Luca says I’m another man.
1st VERSE:
Luca says: Before telling you about my sexual change, I want to clarify that if I believe in God I can’t recognise myself in human thought which is divided on this matter, I haven’t gone to psychologists, psychiatrists, priests nor scientists.
I’ve gone into my past, delved into it and found out a lot about myself.
My mother had too much love for me, her love turned into full obsession with her convictions, her attentions wouldn’t let me breathe.
My father used to take no decisions and I could never talk with him, he was away at work all day, but I had the feeling that wasn’t the truth, that’s why Mum asked for divorce, I was 12 and didn’t really understand my father, he said ‘that’s the right solution’ and started to drink after sometime.
Mum always spoke badly of Dad to me and used to say ‘never get married, for God’s sake.
She was sick jealous of my girlfriends and my identity was growing confused.
Chorus:
Luca was gay and now he’s together with her, Luca speaks from his heart, Luca says I’m another man.
Luca was gay and now he’s together with her, Luca speaks from his heart, Luca says I’m another man.
2nd VERSE:
I’m another man now, but at that time I was looking for answers, I was ashamed so looked for my answers in hiding, some used to say ‘it’s natural.’
I studied Freud and he didn’t think the same, then high school finished but I didn’t know what happiness was, a big man made my heart shake and that’s when I knew I was a homosexual.
I had no inhibitions with him, he courted me and I thought that was love, yes with him I could feel myself, but then it became like a competition on who made the best sex.
I felt guilty, sooner or later they’ll catch him, but if evidence disappears he’ll be acquitted.
I was looking for who my father was in men, and I used to go with men not to betray my mother.
2nd Chorus:
Luca was gay and now he’s together with her, Luca speaks from his heart. Luca says I’m another man.
Luca was gay and now he’s together with her, Luca speaks from his heart, Luca says I’m another man.
SPECIAL:
Luca says: For 4 years I’d been with a man through love and deceptions, we often betrayed each other.
I was still looking for my truth, that big eternal love, then I met her at a party, among a lot of people, she had nothing to do with it all, she listened to me, undressed me, understood me. I only remember that I missed her the day after.
This is my story, only my story, no illness, no recovery.
Dear Dad, I’ve forgiven you even though you’ve never come back here.
Mum, I often think of you and I love you, and sometimes still see your reflection.
But now I’ve become a father and I’m in love with the only woman I’ve ever loved.
Final Chorus:
Luca was gay and now he’s together with her, Luca speaks from his heart, Luca says I’m another man.
Luca was gay and now he’s together with her, Luca speaks from his heart, Luca says I’m another man.
