Letters to the Editor
Your article on "Redeemed" touched my heart
and soul as tears flowed down my face! God truly Bless you as you
testify of His Glory!
I was
sad to hear that some churches would not welcome someone that was
gay. If you walked into our church, I would put my arms around you
and love on you!
I
guess "old" traditional churches might be still very staunch. But
God is moving in a mighty way in many Houses of God!! We are living
Gods Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven! There is a true "move" of
God to reach out to any who are oppressed, and yes you are right,
there is not just one sin, there are many!!! We are all in the same
boat!!!
This
was just a note to let you know that I love you in Christ, and know
that God is going to mightly use you!!
I am
forwarding your article to all I know!!
Loni
Smithson
I am not gay but I am a Christian who struggles with
pornography.
God has given me James 4:7-10 as the way for me to fight this. Thank
you for sharing your testimony,
it has uplifted me and I hope many of you that struggle with
different sins will just submit to God.
Spend more time with him in prayer and he will change you. God
bless.
Bj
I am a mother of 3 married to a man. We are Christians.
I recently heard about your stand Ms. Cothran, at a Womens
retreat weekend from Pricilla Shirer. Just wanted to encourage you
and tell you I am praying for you. I am proud of you. I can not
imagine what level of strength you are needing to get through each
day. I am honored to stand with you my sister in Christ. If I do not
get to meet you before, I will be watching for you in heaven where
we are going to sing together. There, our differences will not
matter.
I have a friend who lives the lifestyle you have changed to and
lived the one you came out of. I watch her hurt and struggle and I
get caught up in anger on her behalf. Although I can not relate to
your same struggles, I have never been in a gay lifestyle, my heart
still aches as I see all the pain involved in being "shunned."
There is a new family out here waiting to embrace you. Do you feel
loved today? I pray that you will feel a full dose of the Holy
Spirits peace as you read this and know I am praying. I told my
friend about you. Her name is Aida and she was energized just to
hear this story. She was feeling a little beat up that day and it
helped to hear of the lengths you have gone to. You have been an
encouragement and an inspiration for us all.
Karan
Your article of redemption has encouraged me to no end
My husband and I are leaving tomorrow for New Jersey to see our
daughter Gwendolyn. She moved there a year ago last March with her
girlfriend. This will be the first we have seen her since she
left. She is 31 years old and has probably been in the lesbian
lifestyle for 5 or 6 years. She was once engaged to a nice young
man but called it off.
We
are a family of believers and she knows the truth. We have tried to
just love her through this but I'm sure that we have failed her as
well. I know that God hears our prayers and she will one day be His
again. I covet your prayers. Thank you for your wonderful article
and magazine.
God
bless you,
T.
Lewis
Long
Beach, CA
Your
article blessed me beyond measure
My daughter Hannah, who is not a
lesbian, has made the gay and lesbian cause her own. She has a male
friend from high school who came out of the closet after he
graduated. In April of this year she informed her father and me
that she didn't believe the same way we did and in essence was
rejecting the God she was raised to believe in. We have had many
conversations since then where I mostly listen and show
unconditional love. I understand her compassion for the gay
community because I share it. I have challenged her thinking on
some of these occasions as she has challenged mine. It grieves me
to see her reject her Lord and Savior. But I have been standing on
His promises and believe He is allowing Hannah to take this journey
to ultimately use her to reach gays and lesbians for Him. Your
testimony was so encouraging to me. I immediately wanted to forward
this article to her but I know I can't. So I will pray that this
information I have been reading will come across her path and plant
seeds of truth in her. May God richly bless you as you pour your
life out for Him!
Thank
You!!
Tina
Winograd
Having just read your testimony I had to send you a letter
of encouragement!! I'm neither African-American or gay but I am your sister in Christ. My brother is gay and I have been praying for him to come to the same realization as you....he knows the truth and the truth will set him free!!! as it has set you free. It is my prayer that God will send incredible Christian people around you to hold you up and walk beside you in your ministry! you have no idea how much your story has encouraged me and given me hope for my brother. May God bless you richly as you declare His truth and be his vessel to lead so many others away from a stronghold of sin and into a life free of captivity thru Jesus and may many come to their own personal salvation as a result of Him calling you at this crucial time.
Stay strong and seek Him with all your being
prayers and blessings!
Charlene Sutherland
Canada
Your testimony refreshed my hope
I happened to see your site
during my web search. I was and still am very moved by your
testimony. I have been a Christian as long as I can remember.
GOD has given me such a burden to pray for those who are under the
stronghold of homosexuality. My burden hits close to home as it
dwells in my family. Your testimony refreshed my hope. I
glorify our GOD for delivering you into his marvelous light that you
might lead others to him. I will be interceding for your
ministry. I pray that GOD's wisdom, counsel, and purity will
rest upon you and your staff so that he may get every ounce of glory
from your obedience to serve him.
C.M.
Greensboro, NC
You have inspired me to hang in there
I just got back from Nashville, TN. Your name happen to come up
during a most incredible speech.
Let me
say to you how you have got one heck of a testimony and you should
know that there are so many people praying for you. You are such a
BOLD statement. I had goose bumps hearing about you the other night.
There were thousands of us at this women's conference and we ALL had
a rush with the spirit hearing about how the Lord has changed you.
I just wanted to write to you and tell you that you are and will be
instrumental in people's lives. I am praying for you to be strong
for Jesus. So many people are so proud of what you have decided not
to mention, God has a special place for you know. I will find you in
Heaven and hug you. You have inspired me to hang in there with a not
so great marriage. If God can change the heart of you
(no
offense) then I know he can and will change things in my life. Thank
you for speaking out for God.
Sincerely,
Amanda
I feel God placed your story/situation directly in my life for a
divine purpose
I recently got back in contact with my childhood best friend who
decided to choose a "gay lifestyle" when she went to college. She
contacted me after losing touch for 5 years, pleading for help.
After a failed suicide attempt, she wants to change her ways, and
has sought me out for help. I have been struggling with what to say
to her. I have prayed for her everyday for 5 years and I'm finally
getting my chance to witness to her.
YOU have encouraged me and given me HOPE! I thank you
for that. Please pray for my friend, and myself that we can work
this out and I may guide her back on the correct path!
God Bless you!
Mary Sellers
We
could have nothing to do with her lifestyle
I have a daughter who a couple of years ago announced that she was
having a relationship with another woman. We were devastated
to say the least and told her that we could have nothing to do with
her lifestyle. We miss her and love her and don't know what to
do. My husband feels only god can change her heart and show
her what she is doing is wrong and yet we miss her.
Thank you for your response.
Publisher’s Note: We could have nothing to do with her lifestyle
Let
me say right off that I am praying for you and your husband to close
the gap with your daughter. She is still your daughter and she
needs you. Do not close the door on her. [I am assuming
that you no longer communicate with her since her announcement.]
You do not have to compromise your beliefs but you need to stay in
communication with your daughter. Ask yourselves, what would
Jesus do? Jesus walked among those who had sexual sin in their
lives and showed great compassion toward them. He did not
compromise when it came to sharing the truth with them but they
could not have HEARD Him if He wasn't THERE. Be there for her.
I understand how you feel. My mother refused to meet my
partner of 10 years but she never fused to see ME. My ex's
parents were much more welcoming to us as a couple although they DID
NOT compromise their beliefs. They did not approve, yet they
treated me as well as they could. I hope this does help.
I'll be out of the country for several weeks on a speaking tour.
I hope to hear from you via email.
God
Bless!!
-Charlene
Charlene E. Cothran Ministries
www.VenusMagazine.org
Kay Arthur shared with 22,000 women about your ministry
to share the truth and I just want to say thank you and God bless
you and your endeavor to get the word to everyone through your
magazine. There is no doubt that many lives will be changed and come
to Jesus Christ through your testimony. Keep that fence gate closed,
you know Satan is trying his best to get inside and defeat you. I
will be praying for you.
kw
I
am from Kentucky, but drove to Nashville over this past weekend.
Priscilla Shirer, one of the speakers at the event I attended in
Nashville, spoke of your story. She said she had talked with
you on the phone. There were 23,000 women at this conference.
I believe they said that 36 states and 3 countries were represented.
I was so struck that I just wanted to be an encourager to you!
I am a Christian, but I can't say I have ever been put in a position
to have to make a real sacrifice for my faith as you have done.
God will so bless you! I can't begin to understand all that
this has cost you, but God does. I can think of things - likes
friendships, and of course all of the operations of your magazine
have been torn upside down. You are such an inspiration to me.
Your passion and zeal for Christ is something I desire to have.
I love my Lord and Savior, but somewhere down the line, have become
complacent in my faith. Thank you for your witness and keep
that vertical focus when things are tough, because He will see you
through.
-An admirer
from Kentucky
I recently heard of your story
via Priscilla Shirer at a Deeper Still convention this weekend
including Beth Moore and Kay Arthur. Patricia shared with us
your previous month's article proclaiming you have been "Redeemed".
I can't explain to you how it sounded when 22,000 of your sisters in
Christ erupted in applause for you. We were so overwhelmed and
so excited at your wonderful news. I understand you have
received some backlash from the Gay and Lesbian communities but I
want you to know I am praying for you. I know God can get you
through the easiest and toughest of times. Continue your
crusade for Christ, I know you are reaching hearts and you're
treasures will surely be great in heaven!
Love In Christ,
Stephanie Turner
McCalla, AL
I
am a mother of a 29 year old son in the lifestyle for 4 years
He was raised in a Christian home and was saved when he was 9.
I have come boldly to the throne and asked the Father to let him be
like Moses... but let him lead his children out of the bondage of
homosexuality. I am so proud for you and that you are being used in
this very way. Praise God!!!! Hearing about you and reading your
testimony has encouraged me so much. Some days I get so lonesome for
my son but God always gives me the encouragement when I need it and
today was one of those days. Deliverance is what I pray for daily
also for a soft heart that can and will accept the truth... your
testimony has shown me my prayers are on target. I pray for you my
sister in Christ that God will continue to give you the strength the
wisdom the perserverance to do his work... and I will strongly pray
for protection from the evil one who is not happy that you have
found the truth amidst the many lies he told you. I am sure when you
repented and gave it all to HIM heaven rejoiced!!! When my
journey began with my son the Lord gave me this scripture Jeremiah
31:15;16 I know with out a shadow of doubt my son will be returned
from the enemy's land... he did it for you and he will do it for
him. Would you please pray for my son..... one day soon he too will
be doing great things for the kingdom. What an army the Lord's going
to have when everyone begins to awaken to the truth. Charlene
thank-you so much again for your testimony. PRESS ON!!!!!
Many Blessings
She wants to be gay but know Christ
Have found my way to your website. Could you kindly give me any help
with regards to helping a young gay girl my husband and I have
met , to the Lord. She didn't think we'd talk to her again once we
knew she was gay. I told her her sexuality was not an issue
for us and certainly not for Jesus and that she shouldn't get hung
up about it etc. She is in a stable gay relationship. She
wants to be gay but know Christ. I know if God's hand is upon
her and she gets saved then He will deliver her from this spirit of
homosexuality, but would not tell her that at this stage. I
know her sins are for God to deal with not me! However she's a
really great girl and I am reluctant to point her in your direction
just yet as I don't think she is ready to hear God can change her
sexuality. I am praying for her and waiting on the spirit for the
next step, but as you have so much experience in this field, could
you give me any tips to help her along?? Thank you so much, we
will pray for your ministry.
in Jesus' mighty name, Clare
Publisher's Note: She
wants to be gay but know Christ
If we withhold the truth [the light] then you are hiding it
from those in darkness. She'll never see herself as a
sinner if the Word of God is not presented fully & lovingly.
I think you are afraid of rejection if you were to
present the truth about how she cannot be both gay and
Christian. Are you ready to be a true witness?
All we can do is plant the seed of truth. She may not
respond to you. Someone else comes along and waters
that seed, then, one day she gives her life to Christ based
on the truth spoken to her by you years before. You
may never know about it, but God knows all things.
Share the truth. It heals, saves and delivers, in
God's own time.
-Charlene
Charlene E. Cothran Ministries
www.VenusMagazine.org
It was with tears in my eyes
that I read about your salvation
and redemption from the pit of homosexuality. The
blood of the King of Kings
really cleansed you thoroughly. I am a Minister of the white
section of the Afrikaans Dutch Reformed Church In South Africa who
formerly proclaimed Apartheid as being biblical. We have ± 5 000
members. We were saved from Apartheid in the same way you were saved
from lesbianism.
Please now pray for us: Our Church has now accepted
homosexuality to be a biblical mode of partnership. Even ministers
may be gay. We pray for you and would be very grateful to you if you
could send me a short article to be placed in our National Church
Church magazine called “Die Kerkbode”.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. John Grey. Minister of the Afrikaans Dutch Reformed Church,
Oosterlig. Pretoria. South Africa
I live in Sydney Australia
Last week at church they played an interview that you did giving
your testimony I thought how awesome is our God. My friend whom I
met as we served in Youth with a mission as since become a full
blown homosexual. I think it had been a question in his mind and
after he left YWAM he met a church youth leader who encouraged him
to have sex with him. From there he has completely taken up the
lifestyle. It is very sad I don't have contact with him anymore. I
don't feel I could have him in my house since I have two little
children and he emits an attitude that makes me uncomfortable.
I will try to send the video link to him via people who I know keep
in contact with him. I believe he well knows he is on the wrong
side. He has led evangelistic teams into different countries around
the world. I guess I emailed you because I feel you
would well understand the situation this guy is in. When I talk
about him I feel like crying and sometimes do, I think it is the
spirit of God in me since I have never cried for people in this
situation before.
God Bless keep going
Dave
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
A friend emailed me the link to your article with your
testimony. Thank you, thank you, thank you! A little over a year
ago I found out that my younger brother is "gay". It was,
needless to say, devastating news, as we grew up in a strong
Christian home. I talked to him for a long time after I found
out and he said that he had struggled with this for 3 or 4
years, had asked God to deliver him from these feelings he
had and nothing happened. However, as he was praying for
deliverance he kept himself surrounded by his "friends"
involved in this lifestyle. He finally accepted this as his life
and is now in a "gay" church which, of course, not only accepts
his lifestyle, but celebrates it. I intend to forward this
article to him with the prayer that God will use it to speak to
him. I love my brother with all my heart and hate to see what he
is doing to himself. Thank you again for the courage and
obedience to God in sharing your testimony in your publication.
I am the mother of a very outspoken, beautiful, passionate
lesbian daughter
who is using her gifts and talents at Indiana University to
further the cause of gay and lesbian rights. I was very
heartened to read Charlene's story because I was afraid that
since Rebekah is so involved in the lesbian lifestyle and a
willing activist for their cause that even though she was raised
in a Christian home and gave her heart to God at a young age
that it would be very hard for her to give her life back to Him.
Right now she doesn't seem to want anything to do with God or
the church. Like Charlene I can see God using her boldness
and her passion to further His cause and I grow weary waiting
for Him to reclaim her heart. This has given me hope.
I know that Satan is fighting very hard to keep her because she
is going to be an unstoppable force for God!!!
Again I thank you for your positive and uplifting
story. If you have a group which offers up prayer on
people's behalf my daughter's name is Rebekah and she will be 23
in November. Her girlfriend's name is also Rebekka and
they have been together for the past 5 years (since she came
out). They are now both seniors at I. U. and have made no
secret of the fact they want to get "married" after graduation.
I pray that God will intervene before that time and spare me the
pain of having to deal with this issue.
Rhonda Boothby
I am so humbled by your testimony
and it speaks to all of us sinners, whatever the form of sin.
I am sharing your testimony with my two daughters, both in their
20's, who have struggled with society's unrelenting pressures to
"excuse" and "accept" homosexuality (even "elevate" it!) and
have even been up in arms with their own church's stance on the
issue. It has been difficult to explain and defend my
viewpoint to my daughters over the years without sounding
judgmental (at least, to them!) -- and your testimony does a
brilliant job of that very thing.
I'm in hopes that after reading
your testimony, my daughters can both find some inner peace with
their church's stance on homosexuality and realize that it isn't
condemnation of homosexuals (as people) -- but it IS
condemnation of the sin. I've tried to help my daughters
understand that ALL sin separates us from God -- it's as simple
as that. They both have had friends who are homosexual, and they
have both always been great champions of "the underdog," in
whatever form he/she takes! (It's difficult when we live
in a society that glamorizes homosexuals and their lifestyle,
bestows unqualified "victim" status on them, and considers
anyone who disapproves of the lifestyle for any reason, however
well founded, a judgmental, hateful religious bigot.)
I know your new mission to reach
homosexuals who wish to leave the lifestyle will be richly
blessed by God. I am so thankful that more and more people
are speaking out -- especially when the risks of doing so are so
great, since the backlash from the supporters of homosexuality
is often so vitriolic. I have always believed that there
are untold numbers of anguished souls caught in that morass,
desperately seeking a way out -- and they will be so much more
inclined to listen to and follow someone such as yourself who
has "been there, done that!"
YOU GO, GIRL!! And God Bless YOU!
Carol Williamson
I just want to tell you how your
website ministered to my heart tonight
and I want to thank you. My transformation from death to life in
Jesus was much like yours, even though my background wasn't in the
gay lifestyle. However, the difference for me was huge, as it was
for you...truly, I went from darkness to light in a matter of
moments, and have not once in 8 years of walking with Jesus Christ,
wanted to go back. Today, I am praying the same for my
husband. Would you please pray for him too?
Really, my main purpose in writing was to say thank you, and to let
you know that I will pray for the ministry that God has through you,
and your magazine, as often as He brings you to mind. What an
encouragement you were to me tonight! Thank you...one day, when
we're in heaven together, I hope to be able to share with you the
depths of why your testimony meant so much to me tonight. If not, if
God won't allow us to remember anything of our lives here, then
we'll just praise Him together, ok? :) Just know that your site was
a gift to my soul tonight, and I thank God for you!
In His Gracious Love
Your
message transcends those living a homosexual lifestyle
I would like to preface this email by stating that I am a married,
heterosexual male with a 3-year old daughter. The reason for
my email is to applaud your courage but also to state how your story
has impacted me. I am a cradle Roman Catholic.
Throughout my life I have battled a lack of faith. My
skepticism bordered on atheism and even recently I have questioned
the existence of God. However, I think your message transcends
those living a homosexual lifestyle who wish to turn their lives
over to Christ and be liberated from these desires. In fact, I
think you a living proof that there is a God who does act in our
lives and responds to our true needs. Human beings require our
senses. By your written and spoken word you are a testament to
God acting in our lives.
No need to respond. I just felt compelled to write.
Best regards,
Rob Madonna
Church
does not talk about it
I thank God for you and for the FREEDOM that he has given you. I
will lift you up in prayer and ask God to cover you with his
BLOOD and with his LOVE in the name of Jesus. I know
this is a spirit that everyone is talking about and No the
church does not talk about it. How can We talk about what we
have not taken the time to LEARN About. This spirit will attack
you at an early age and that is why so many folks say I WAS BORN
LIKE THIS! There was a spiritual door that opened somewhere and
the only one that can SAVE US is the Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ. No one else can do this. No One.
Yours in Christ
in Louisiana
I am at lost of words at this time...
I saw the testimony program in 700 Club on 6/28/07; and was
blown away....God answers prayers....I thank God for you,
and your testimony. I have been wrestling with this issue of
lesbianism for a long time now, mainly in defense of my
children and grandchildren. This generation is getting
the wrong picture of life these days....our young women
looking like HARD men, and women looking like young boys,
heathen boys. This is not what I want for my children. They
need to know the truth out there in the world. The local
churches are corrupt, no truth in it. Yes, of course, the
Church of Christ Jesus is not corrupt. But the babies
wouldn't know it from ways of the local churches. False
prophets. I need help in prayer and through your publication
to get the truth out to our young women, to seek Jesus
Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. To put the dignity back
into our female society; especially our black communities,
we have been following after bad for a long time now; we are
regrouping into the spirit of our native tribes from Africa,
the spirit of heathanism; we wanted better, but most of our
society did not want the White mans God. It is the God of
Israel that will make it better for us as a black community
society. Only in the Kingdom of God will we find peace and
good. "In the world you will have tribulation, but with
Jesus there is peace"...
I fellowship with a holiness
congregation, that didn't change with this world society
when the feminist/lesbian movement changed the mind set of
women, and the dress of women. The women in the Church ought
not to have the mind of the worlds ways, If we confess
Christ in our lives we ought to dress the part, present
ourselves holy in all modesty professing the Father, the
Son, the Holy Ghost, these three are one in Christ Jesus. In
all Gods righteousness.
I would like to continue in
communications with you on a one on one basis. I
have some thoughts of writing a book about "Women, It's time
to cover it up, It was not so in the Beginning". I mainly
want to get the message to my children, I'm only responsible
for there souls and help steer them in the right way and
truth. But I am finding that the lesbian/feminist movement
is so strong out there in the world, our young women have
been snared in a trap that is hard to break loose, and yes,
only the blood of Jesus can set us free to those of us who
ask. The truth is hard to find these days, like looking for
a needle in a haystack.
I really appreciate your
testimony, God is good, and hears prayers, delivers and set
the captives free.
Sis. DJones
|
I
cannot put into words
how profoundly I have been moved by your wonderful
testimony. It is an EXCELLENT example of what
happens within the heart, mind and soul of every
TRULY born again Christian! I admire your courage in
that literally everything you "were" was "on the
line", including your financial security... But you
gave it all into the hands of our most powerful,
loving Lord, Jesus Christ! How absolutely profound!
Isn't it an honor to serve Him?
Doesn't He just take your breath away when you stop
to think about how much He loves you? It certainly
does me... And I'm sure there will be a great many,
through the outreach of your ministry at Venus, come
to realize the very same thing. I pray there be
NOTHING left undone concerning your purpose in life,
to reach out to the gay and lesbian community in a
way that only you can. It's amazing how God can
purpose everything in our lives, including even
homosexuality!
God does love you... He loves
me... And He loves every person that will ever read
the pages of Venus. May God anoint your ministry to
establish this in the hearts of men and women
everywhere!
God bless you, Miss Cothran. God
bless you.
Your Brother In The Family Of
God,
Matt Thompson
RRt. 2, Box 328,
Rock, WV 24747
Ph.# 304-589-7673
|
I’ve just
read your testimony
...in one of our local Christian magazines, of how you came out
of the gay life style. I was truly blessed and touched to tears
because of what God has done in your life. HE IS MERCIFUL, KIND
– FULL OF LOVE AND COMPASSION!! May you continue to love Jesus
deeper and may you be used by Him to bring many into His Love. I
will pray for you and your magazine as often as The Holy Spirit
prompts me.
God Bless
Gerard Fynn, Ladysmith, South Africa
|
You and I have corresponded previously through
email
I told you I will pray for you since Jesus has led you out of
the gay life style and that my daughter is living the lesbian
life style. Your reply was very helpful to me as a mother
because you shared that your mother had prayed for you. I so
much appreciated your precious honest words of encouragement.
I have a couple of questions that I
hope you will have time to respond to. I wonder every day if I
should share with N--- the disagreement I have with the
teachings of the scripture she gets from her church the
Metropolitan Church in her city. I have read the book they use
to study from and the bottom line that the book teaches is that
the Bible does not condemn same sex relationships between two
loving and committed people. The "clobber" passages are directed
toward people who engage in lustful, selfish, sex.
I showed her the book and told her I
would search the scriptures further, but at this point I am not
in agreement with the book "Set the Children Free" or "The
Children Are Free" (I'm at work and the book is at home).
I just don't know how much help it will be to continue to share
my disapproval. She talks with me everyday and shares her and
her partner's comings and goings and what they have chosen for
decorations for their new apartment etc. It's all I can do not
to tell her it's hard for me to listen to her plans to go even
further down the opposite road from where I think she should be
going. Are you familiar with these teachings and do you have
access to Christian rebuttals specific to their teachings? Do
you think it is wise to be more exclusive of N....."s friend or
treat her as our daughter's most caring friend and continue to
include her? What has your experience been if you care to share?
I hope and pray that you are
continuing to "be strong in the Lord and the power of His might"
as you struggle against our enemy who still continues to say "
hath God really said?" I think of you often and pray for you.
Thank you for your time,
-C.A.
Publisher's Note: Thank you so much for praying for me
The prayers of the saints keep me uplifted. I do remember
sharing with you. I'm not familiar with the book your
daughter has introduced to you but I am familiar with the church
doctrine. I am working with a new
Gay Christian Movement Watch
group. The goal is to I.D. and respond with scripture to
these many false doctrines being taught to homosexual followers.
It has JUST launched days ago. I am certain this site will
help answer some of your questions about how to respond to this
book.
My advice on being exclusive toward your daughter's partner:
My mother refused to even meet my partner. This was VERY
painful to me. I loved her. When Mom died, her
friends met her for the first time and many said, your Mom made
a mistake not to meet such a wonderful person. I know you
want to see your daughter in a holy relationship. But do
not frustrate yourself about her spiritual journey. You have no
control over how and when the spirit will move on her to leave
this life. All we are charged to do is present the TRUTH
and LOVE them. So, I say, yes, include your daughter's
partner, continue to be genuinely welcoming to her.
Hopefully her partner will see the light of Christ in you.
Who knows, her partner may come to Christ first, prompted
by your grace. People are people. Its O.K. to get to
know her. You may learn even more about your daughter by
doing so.
-Charlene Charlene E. Cothran Ministries
Shalom
I just wanted to write and thank you for your work, for your
courage to bring out the hard truth of your life, and the
changes you had to go through in order to seize your ultimate
destiny. I too had to make the hard choice of walking away
from the lesbian lifestyle and everything that I had built-up in
that life in order to return to the Lord, Yeshua, Jesus the
Christ. I know that you understand the pain that others
will experience when they will turn back toward the Lord, and
turn away from that comfort zone they once embraced. Keep
up the great work! Shalom, my sister.
Aviella Shomayr
Shomayr Foundation
A
slap in the face to Black people
Just wanted to let you know I happened upon an article about
your abandoning the homosexual way of life and changing the
direction of your magazine, Venus. I was looking up an
article on Tammy Faye Baker Messner when I came across your
information. That is so awesome! As an
ex-homosexual myself, I can testify that the only way out
of ANY sin, whether it is homosexuality, adultery, envy,
pre-marital sex, etc. is through leaning on Jesus Christ.
I lived over 20 years of my life as a pro-homosexual
lifestyle sinner and was very un-gay, very un-happy.
One more thing: I am white. I always thought it
to be a slap in the face to black people comparing
homosexuality to skin color. NO way can you compare
the two. God made the different skin colors, he did
NOT make so-called "sexual orientations".
God bless you in
your new endeavors.
David Lee
Atlanta GA
Infiltrate and divide the church
Thank You! I heard you today on the radio being interviewed by
Kim Jefferies! I listen to KDNI in Duluth, MN. I am so
thankful for your willingness to speak openly about the topic of
homosexuality and your faith. I pray blessings and protection
for you as you march along the front lines of this very
important and divisive issue! I have been given new hope because
through you God has shown me that He can change the hearts of
even the most "out" there proponents of the gay agenda.
Recently my husband and I have
been deeply troubled by the effects of the homosexual agenda on
our local church. Our family is now attending a bible believing
church and growing in love and faith and trust in the Lord. But
we were previously at a church in town that has had serious
struggles and division revolving around this issue. When we
left, I felt like I gave up on some of those people who have
refused to see and accept the truth. For the sake of our two
children we had to leave that church.
But this issue of gays and the church is still heavy on our
hearts because it is an example of how the enemy works to
infiltrate and divide the church. Satan works this way with ALL
sin, not just homosexuality. If we don't put the truth out there
WITH LOVE, we are opening things up to all sorts of deceptions
down the pike.
I know some very good, gifted, talented and intelligent people
who are deeply confused by the issue of homosexuality. Your
voice is a voice of truth and hope in a desert of lies and
confusion. Please be encouraged to continue to abide in Jesus
Christ and to lean into Him when the road ahead gets bumpy
(which it will). We are praying for you!!!!
Vicki & Darren Danielson
Spreading like wild fire
While I was traveling in the train, the person next
to me, an American, was reading a Christian magazine. Quickly I
borrowed it from him and started reading. I came across what
the Lord has done to your life. Praise God! I'm the pastor of
a church in Sri Lanka and we have13 gays and 23 lesbians, whom the
Lord has set free. But this sinful situation is spreading like wild
fire. We pray that one day the Lord will bring you here and
use you to minister to our people.
Please send magazines, periodicals, newspapers, that
could be used in our libraries.
GOD BLESS YOUR MINISTRY.
PASTOR ROHAN FERNANDO,
NUGEGODA
SRI LANKA.
|
You have challenged me
Today was the first time that I ever
heard about Charlene Cothran or Venus magazine.
Being straight, neither names were ever part of my
own small world. I saw an article though about
your spiritual journey and decided to visit your
web-site to find out more for myself. I must say I
am impressed. I'm impressed by your open-ness and
candor; impressed by your thoughtfulness and grace;
impressed by your commitment to loving God and people;
and impressed by your willingness to courageously stand
before friends and critics to boldly proclaim the truth
you have discovered in God's Word. Right decisions
are seldom easy decisions to make and I can only imagine
how difficult your recent ones have been. Thank
you for allowing us the privilege of walking alongside
you as you made them. I am sure it would have been
easier to retreat into the shadows rather than to
undergo such public scrutiny, but your
public stand will no doubt be used by the Lord to help
others. It has already helped me. As a 55
year old straight Pentecostal pastor you have challenged
me to once again trust that the Word of God and the
grace of God will do what arguments can never do...and
that is "change peoples hearts". I wish you
well, I hope your magazine will prosper in its new
vision and direction, and I pray that as you lift up the
Lord He will draw many to salvation, deliverance and
blessings.
Blessings,
D.E. Rabineau
|
I was in the middle of a happy
relationship
I've recently been
called out of the lesbian lifestyle as well.
I was in the middle of a happy relationship that
was going on 5 years, so my obedience completely
uprooted us and rocked both our worlds. But the
Lord is calling people out of the gay lifestyle
all over the world and there are as many
responding to Him and coming out of the
lifestyle as there are those who coming out of
the closet.
We are
in this boat together and it WILL stay afloat
and sail on into eternity! Praise God for
His mercy and patience...and for His LOVE.
Your obedience has made you more precious than
the finest gold! You are an example and a
leader. Keep your eyes on our Heavenly
Father. You are a precious gem in His
Hand.
Kim Barb
Another bible thumping
Christian
I wanted to encourage you and to let you
know that reading your testimony was
such a blessing. I myself am not gay but I
am an older full time student at a
university. I am in the Anthropology
Department and have just been bombarded with
lesbian students. None of them are hitting
on me but I have made attempts to befriend
them and have found it difficult because of
the sensitivity of the issue of being
Christian and not accepting of homosexuality
as an alternative lifestyle. If you did not
know, in the field of Anthropology being a
Christian is not widely accepted.
I recently offended someone
who is a lesbian and it has made me shy away
from sharing the love of Christ with them
and other people who are gay. This is not
how I want to be, another bible thumping
Christian who blurts out 'your going to
hell' when as what you said in your article
is true, their sin is no worse than my sins.
Your article gave me hope and
encouragement in knowing that Christ can and
is working in peoples lives even if I don't
see it directly. I know my goal is not
to change them but to love them. I will
leave the heart changing up to God.
Thank you and God Bless!
Andrea Grady
Gurl ! ! !
I hope I've not offended you with
that Subject Title, but that is the only way I could communicate
my absolute delight at your story/testimony!
It
was credible, personal, touching and most of all -- laced with
the WORD! While I don't personally share your experience,
I have a niece and a few friends who are in that bondage
lifestyle. I've ministered to them many times but I think
your article articulates everything I've ever tried to say in
one, neat little package! I've printed the article out and
will be mailing it to each of them, directing them to your
magazine as well.
May
God continue to BLESS YOU BIG-TIME. Be encouraged and I
will be praying that you are spiritually and naturally protected
from the assorted nay-sayers, bashers, haters and heretics (for
they are surely after you now). Keep telling your story --
just as the pastor prophesied over you -- you will bring many
OUT!
A
Sister In Christ
Be
steadfast, immovable
My
dear sister in Christ, I am a pastor of adult ministries at
Antioch
Bible Church in Redmond, WA,
serving with Dr. Ken Hutcherson. I just read your letter from the editor
entitled, “Redeemed! 10 Ways to Get Out of the Gay Life, If You Want Out,”
and I must say that I was blessed. I love to hear stories of how God is
still about the business of changing lives and redeeming them from an eternity
without Him. I was moved with tears of praise to our King as I read of how
you gave your life to Jesus, and how he is changing you even to this day.
You are a new and blessed creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and only the power of
the resurrection of Jesus can heal our brokenness from sin.
I am so
grateful for Rev. Livingston speaking truth with love into
your life. In our humanistic and post-modern culture,
others try to re-define “love” when they say things like,
“If you loved me then you would just accept me for who I
am.” Or “since God is love, he would never judge me
like you do.” The reality is that God is love, is the
author of love, and he alone has defined what love truly is.
I recently
watched Mel Gibson’s The
Passion of the Christ again. I was once again
reminded of the price that God paid so that sin would no
longer have control over me (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Many would say that the crucifixion was anything but loving,
but God… Scripture says that it was God’s will to
“crush” his Son (Isaiah 53:10). He alone defined what
love is when he sent his Son to suffer and die so that sin
(as God defines it) would have no power over me, and that I
might have a relationship with Him. And through Jesus’
resurrection, sin and death are defeated and I can live a
life pleasing to God (1 Corinthians 15).
You have
taken a step of obedience Charlene, and I will continue to
pray that God will protect and encourage you as you walk
with him in faith. May God honor your heart and your
spirit as you step out on faith to confront sin, speak the
truth in love, and point those who are lost to the loving
arms of Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, my beloved (sister), be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in
the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians
15:58)
Jason Martin
Pastor of Adult Ministries
Antioch
Bible Church
Keep it simple
Your conversion to Christianity is wonderful!
No doubt about that. I think, though, as Christians we
too often begin to quote scripture "at" people and forget
that if they were not raised to know Christ, they have
absolutely no idea what we are talking about. And
therein lies part of the problem. They feel we are
trying to keep a secret from them by the way we speak and
the words we use, words they don't know. They may have
never set foot in a church or heard one word of the Bible
read. How then do we expect them to understand
"conversion to Christ" or asking for "repentance" when they
don't know what it is they are supposed to repent of or to
whom they are supposed to repent?
Keep it simple. The church community in
general has turned off way too many people because of how we
speak. When I talk to my family or my friends, I
certainly don't speak like they do in the Bible (or how it
is translated). So, when I speak to someone who is not
familiar with Jesus, I don't quote scriptures at them or use
"religious" terms that will only serve to frustrate and
confuse them.
As a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, I
am right there with you! Great message! But if I
were someone who was new to all this, or hearing about Jesus
for the first time, I wouldn't have a clue what you were
talking about. And I certainly am not trying to take
away from the power of the Holy Spirit to instruct people.
Don't get me wrong there. I'm just talking about
keeping it real and keeping it simple.
Thanks to all those who have shared their
stories about coming out of the gay lifestyle into the
lifestyle of Jesus Christ! God bless you all.
Hope W., Mesa, AZ
Wonderful!
My name is André, I'm French
and studying English so please, excuse my bad English.
I just read your testimony and I'm totally amazed. I am
Christian for 2 years now and I am gay. I know one day God will
deliver me from it, don't know exactly when or how or if I'll be
totally free from it.. but anyway, the most important thing is
that now I'm saved and I want ALL my friends to be saved
too.
I guess you already received thousands of insults, disagreement
or other bad things but I want to congratulate you. Not because
you found Jesus but because you ACCEPTED it, as I did. I know
how hard it is, how unbelievable it is to imagine a life with
Him which seems so complicate, so difficult, until THE moment
when we finally say : OK, Take me Lord!
I just want to encourage you and to confirm the prophecy you
already have and that I believe : Who, better than a former
gay/lesbian, can win gays/lesbians to Christ ? The whole
influence you have built for all these years reached perhaps its
summit and now, all your readers have read your transformation,
they know that IT IS POSSIBLE, and I know that many of them
wouldn't have listened to anyone preaching or just talking about
Jesus.
Be blessed more and more each day, you already are a blessing.
May our marvelous Father be with you and carry you in His arms.
Hang on my dear sister. You've won the battle but, as he did for
me, there's someone who is suffering from your new lifestyle,
the devil. Just to tell you, when I gave my life to Jesus,
my mother had a dream. In it, I was sleeping in my bed but in
the same time fighting against the devil (she didn't see him but
could feel him). And eyes closed I did all my best to save my
soul, dealing blows to him until she finally wake up. What
amazed her most was the strength with which I was fighting.
She told me that even if I was sleeping and eyes-closed I was
aware of one thing, I had to
resist! He [the devil] has been touched and will do all
his best to regain you.
God bless you. May you find in this mail the love, the support
and the understanding you need but also the strength and the
power to fight the devil.
André (A French brother who will be so happy to meet you one
day in heavens, see you there!)
Istres, France
Publisher's Note:
André,
Your English is fine! Forgive me that I
cannot speak French. You have blessed me today with your
encouraging words. I believe the same thing you said, Who
better to be chosen to minister to gays and lesbians than
someone as hard-headed as I was; now saved and loving my life in
Christ? You, also, are a brave witness for Him. That’s how
you know what I am going through. Always know that I have
you in my prayers to receive complete deliverance.
Remember Galatians 5:1- You & I must 'Stand fast in the liberty
wherewith Christ has made us FREE, and NEVER be entangled again
in the yoke of bondage.' Nothing on two legs is as good
to us as the presence of our God dwelling in us!
I receive your message of warning in the spirit of love with
which is sent.
God Bless You,
Charlene
Charlene E. Cothran Ministries
VenusMagazine.org
Poke Holes
I heard you in central Ohio yesterday on Bob Burney's radio
program. I praised God for you and thanked Him for your
testimony and ministry right then and there! I was
disappointed that you weren't on longer and there was no call in
time for questions, so I'm writing.
In brief, I am a married, heterosexual mother of four
living next to a lesbian couple in a small college town.
Our houses are close together and frequent opportunities arise
to chat over the fence with these two ladies. Our neighborly
relationship is mostly good with a minor, normal bump here and
there. I am a Bible teacher and both ladies next door
profess Christianity. One of them has recently been in the
local newspaper promoting an alternative worship service for
homosexuals who "don't feel welcome" in "regular" churches.
My question is this: should the Lord provide the
opportunity for us to discuss our faith in general and
homosexuality specifically (as I know He will!!), is there a key
point I could bring up that would poke holes in their
rationalizations more than other points might? Where is
the rationalization most vulnerable? Thank you so much for
your time and may God continue to use you to glorify Himself!
Lori Flaglor
Publisher's
Note
Many gays and lesbians have adopted the belief that they were
'born gay' thus, have built their faith on sinking sand.
Others secretly don't believe the lie, however they just don't
want to work on coming away from sin. Still others are in
denial, they KNOW the truth, but simply push any thought of it
out of their minds. [That was me.]
Be certain that there are NO studies proving that a gay
gene exists. This is the basis for your neighbors claiming to
be Christian while enjoying a lesbian life together. They
are most certainly LOVED by God just as they are, but He is
patiently waiting for truth to penetrate their soul's ear.
We, the church, must do a better job of leveling the playing
field in order to gain credibility with gays. We must let
them know that we understand that NO sin is more terrible than
another in God's eyes. That we have ALL sinned. Telling lies,
cheating on a spouse and same sex attraction is all sin on the
same level. When they get that we REALLY believe this [because
it is TRUE], we will begin to see more gays drop their defenses
long enough to listen to the Word. God, then, gives the
increase, or changes lives, through the blood of Christ.
Mention this website to them and ask them
what they think. Perhaps a discussion, after they peruse
it, might lead into the conversation and Word you'd like to
share.
I don't feel that this answers your question
directly, as there are no magic bullet points to tear down
beliefs they have. Just the right Word on the right day,
shared with love.
-Charlene
Heartbroken
As the heartbroken Christian mother of an openly homosexual son
with two precious adopted children, I rejoice and praise God
that you are now my sister in Christ. I am
encouraged by each account of a child of God at long last
recognizing his or her identity in Christ Jesus. It
gives hope to grieving parents that there is indeed a voice of
reason and hope for the struggling homosexual, and that there
will be help from someone who understands when deceived people
are ready to face God's Truth. May God bring you the new
joy of living in His will, and may he bless your ministry so
that you may lead many lost people out of their an opportunity.
Lynn S. Sachitano
Periods
of my life
I read your story thru a link in Christianity today and
checked your website. Wow! The Lord can do wonderful
things. Though I never lived an openly lesbian
lifestyle, I did have periods of my life where I
experienced the wrong kind of attraction. I knew enough
about the Bible to now it was wrong. I know now that the
Lord protected me from acting out on those fantasies and
I praise Him for that.
I have been a born-again Christian for 3 years and
happily married for 2. It's a great encouragement
to know of people like you. I have some friends who
don't know the Lord that think being gay is ok.
Sometimes we need not just arguments against
homosexuality but also true experiences of people who
have come out of that lifestyle by choosing Christ to be
the true lover of their soul. Your story is truly a
blessing.
If people understood the joy that comes to us when we
embrace Christ as Lord and Savior, they would realize
that what we renounce, those illicit pleasures
associated with sin, is infinitesimally small compared
to Him... The beauty of the Lord is infinite. And I'm
glad you found it.
I pray the Lord will use your testimony to convict many
self-righteous "believers" who use their faith wrongly,
to condemn others. May it remind them that we once were
all in the same pit of filthiness, according to
Ephesians 2. We were all children of wrath by nature...
And yet it pleased the Lord to save us. May all
Christians who read your testimony extend a hand of
mercy over those people in their community who are
living a promiscuous lifestyle (whether in heterosexual
relationships or as gays or lesbians), witnessing out of
compassion for their souls.
One of my best internet friends is a formerly gay man. I
love him dearly in the Lord and knowing him has helped
me experience greater compassion for all Christians who
are struggling against "left overs" from their past
sinful life (including myself). All Christians,
including the best ones, are a work in progress. May the
Lord continue to do His wonderful work in you, and use
your life to touch many souls!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Carina from Buenos Aires
Today my life is different
My name is Shanahn Smith pronounced Shannon. I'm
currently 28 years of age and male. I recently came across
an article on a Christian web page with your story in it.
I've visited your page and with great excitement and joy I now
write this letter. I spent most of my youth confused,
alone, and constantly searching for another male to love me.
On Feb. 2nd 2003, after fourteen years of heartache, drug abuse
and even witchcraft, I finally came to know the man of my
dreams. Of course, I speak of the Lord.
Today my life is as different as night
from day. I was ordained a minister almost a year ago and
have been working very hard at getting my first book revised.
I was married on Sept. 2 of 2006 and my wife discovered she was
pregnant on March 15, 2007. We are due Nov. 10th.
I said all that I guess to say
this...God Bless you for all that you are doing! Many
times I have broken down in tears at the thought of the masses
that are still confused, hurting and alone. Thank you for
being so bold in your beliefs. I can't help but believe
that hundreds if not thousands will be effected by you and your
testimony.
Please, never stop speaking and
never stop pushing. God has brought you out for such a
time as this!!! You have my blessings and my prayers, but
also my respect.
God Bless
Shanahn Smith
She's
a temptation for me
I've got a friend of mine who's
lesbian, and who grew up in Christian family. She knows the
Lord, she prays and reads her bible every day but she refuse
absolutely to give up homosexuality 'cause she says "I'm like
this since I was a child and it's the fault of God, He can't
reproach me it".
I very often talk with her and, of course, I tell her your
story, just in this afternoon (April, 2nd). I hope God is
working on her heart and I pray for that.
The problem for me, it's that she's a temptation for me, not
herself, but all that she represents. So, I put myself this
question for a long time : do I have to cut any relation with
her or could I continue to see her and try to be a good
testimony? Shame on me, but I'm more influenceable than
her...It's difficult to manage my life with this sin and, in the
same time, to be a living testimony for her. I don't want to let
her drop, but if the Lord ask me it, I'll do it (it will be so
hard, I'm close to her).
I don't want that you give "the" miracle-answer but I think
you're well placed to understand and to be of good council.
Thank you for your patience.
Lord bless you,
Elina,
France
Publisher's Note:
I have given the question some thought and prayer. I
must ask you to consider that a victorious LIFE in Christ is
the best of testimony to your friends. Please know that you
do not have to place yourself in the way of temptation in
order to spread God's message. You mention that you
are 'more influenced by things than her.' It is very
important to protect your 'YES' --your commitment to
Christ. We must protect our 'YES' as a mother protects her
baby. She is NOT going to allow her baby to stand too
closely to the edge of falling or near something that might
burn him or let him stand in the road where he might not see
a car coming. Do you understand? Your NEW mind
is the mother of your [baby] spirit. For now, I advise
you to develop a stronger prayer life. How often do
you pray alone, not in church? How often do you
fast--turn down food, only seeking God for food for the
soul? How often are you studying the Word and
receiving revelation [clear understanding] from God?
Work on building these areas of your Christian journey.
You are experiencing a 'soul tie'. This is an
emotional tie used by the enemy to bring back feelings and
connections to things from which we have been set free.
Like you, I want to save the
whole world! I am so excited about being saved that I
feel nothing can get to me. But, here is a story...
Several months before I accepted Christ, my gay friends of
25 years and I planned a big reunion party for all the
lesbians we worked and partied with from all around the
United States. I had invested hundreds of dollars in
the the idea to get the plans moving. After I came to
Christ, I thought I would still go and that this would be an
excellent opportunity to be a witness to all the lesbians
that would come! I would surprise them all with a
speech about how 'God has saved me, changed me and He will
save you too.' But the closer the time came, I knew in
my spirit that all those beautiful women, in that
gorgeous environment, good music, low lights, attentiveness,
alcoholic beverages being sent to my table [I do not drink
anymore] -all this might just be too much temptation for me
to manage.
So I tried to cancel, but they had already advertised my
coming. "This is going to be a BIG affair! It'll be
like old times. You had BETTER be on your way!" my friends
said. In the
end, I did NOT go. Many of my them are still angry
with me for not showing up.
They don't understand why I could not just come and be there
with my old friends. They rationalized that I didn't have
to LEAVE with anyone, just sit and talk and laugh and share
memories. But, I HAD to protect my 'YES'.
You must do the same. They all are aware of this
ministry that God has given me and I believe they secretly
respect my decision to stay away although this hurt them.
Elina, we MUST stand in righteousness. When we stand, and
STAY free and do not go near the thing that had us tangled
up-Galatians 5;1 [unless you have had clear instruction from
the Lord to do so,] then by this our friends know that
Christ can change AND keep us from falling. Staying away
from temptation is important kingdom work.
That reunion party was a once in a life time event.
But I am so glad I chose Christ over a weekend of
temptation. We must deny ourselves. Not my will,
Lord, but Thine be done. That very same weekend, I was
baptized at my church!
Love,
Charlene
So Powerful!
Your testimony in your Jan. 2007 online version of your magazine was
such a blessing to me. Our 30 yr. old daughter has been living
as a lesbian for the past 9 or 10 years. What an
encouragement your article was! I try not to let Satan
discourage me but sometimes he puts into my head that Shana will
never come out of this because she's very content with her long time
partner and she's so strong-willed. But I loved what you said
about God allowing you to survive the experience of lesbianism so
you could lead others out of it. That was so powerful and I
pray that my daughter is one that you will eventually lead out and
that she will eventually lead others through her own testimony.
She is a writer and has probably read your magazine before.
Thank you so much for blessing me today!
Love,
Carolyn Nicholson
Lafayette, LA
Make a Movie!
I love how you throw down with the enemy! I’m Antonio, 27, and I
love your work! Thank you so much for such a great contribution to
the Kingdom! What a great idea! A magazine to reach out to people! I
encourage you to make a movie on your life as well. You are a
BLESSING! Take care and keep up the good work!
Gave Me Hope
Thank you for this beautiful
testimony of The Redeemer's power, love and liberation!! My
precious daughter is lesbian identified. She was sexually abused by
a neighborhood man when she was 8. After being promiscuous
with guys in high school she decided women were safer. I can
understand. She knows the Lord, but is choosing to live in a lesbian
relationship. Your article gave me such hope! You will be in
my prayers. God is going to do over and beyond anything you could
ever have imagined.
Blessings, Babs Newton
Can You Please Help
Me
I am writing you from The
Netherlands. I saw the article about you and as I am also a
Christian and my family ether, it got my attention. I got
really happy reading about the changes in your life. I am
raised as a Christian and my relatives are also believers. That is
why it hurts to be in the situation that I am. I also realize
that being gay is against God´s will and I wish I didn´t have all
these feelings. I pray a lot to God to help me with this and to
change my life, but still no answer. Can you please help me with
this as I really don´t want to be a gay but I can´t help I am in
this situation. Could you support me with this matter?
Yours sincerely,
A. Holland, The Netherlands
Publisher's
Note
Yes, A, I will support you in this situation. First of all, it
sounds as though you are asking God to change only the 'gay' part of
your life. God's wants your WHOLE life, ALL of you. Ask
God to change ALL of you, your heart, mind and soul. Ask Him
to come in and live IN you and to fill you COMPLETELY. When
you ask him to do this, sincerely, and purpose to walk in the
newness of His amazing salvation, you will find that He will
change ALL AREAS of your life. He does this to more
perfectly 'fit' us to perform His will and to glorify Him, which is
why we humans were created.
Example, when
I said 'YES Lord, I'll do whatever you want me to do, go where ever
you want me to go, groom me for your service,' not only did
God deliver me from lesbianism, He took out of me a very mean
spirit. Over the years I developed this quick mean tongue.
I was so proud of it. I could take you down in a few short
comments. But God delivered me, tamed my tongue by showing me
how hurtful this was to others. This was just as dynamic a
change in me as the gay thing. Another example, I had
trust issues like no other. This prevented me from developing
lasting friendships, it slowed me down in business relationships,
etc. but God took that away from me too! I don't have to watch
my back anymore. ALL battles belong to God, as long as I
COMPLETELY belong to Him. I can REST on that. It feels great!
A, I want to pray with you.
Lord, we come to you knowing that you see who we are more clearly
than we see ourselves. We ask, in the mighty name of Jesus,
that this defeated spirit be lifted from my brother. Lord, we
pray for my brother to give His WHOLE heart to you now. We
pray for him to say YES, totally and completely; that you will fill
and consume every area of his life, not just the gay part.
Lord we know that you cannot lie, and you WILL hear his
prayer. Lord we know from your Word that you WILL answer when we
cry with our WHOLE heart. Lord, we bind the strong hold of
this fleshly desire trapping my brother. Break this yoke from him
as you have done for me. The enemy has convinced him that it cannot
be broken, but we command, in the name of Jesus, that the bonds of
this lie be broken from around his heart and from his body--your
temple. Lord, set him FREE. We believe it is DONE!
We will now WALK AS THOUGH it is done. Thank you Lord, for your
faithfulness. What you've done for me, you have also done now
for my brother. Thank you God. Amen.
A, there is work to be done by you in
order for this covenant with God to stand. Read His word,
apply it to your life daily, find a good fellowship, don't allow
yourself to be tempted by Satan with regard to men calling you,
wanting you. Practice REBUKING Satan by replacing negative or
tempting thoughts with affirming scriptures and holy thoughts.
You have to KNOW the word in order to use it as a weapon against
Satan. Find a bible study group to help you grow. Satan
sounds powerful but he's actually 'not all that.' God's word
says we who are redeemed have power OVER Satan. Satan HAS to
flee when you call on the name of Jesus. DO THIS when you feel
weak or on the edge. God WILL deliver!
Go all out to PROTECT your
deliverance, your 'YES'. Protect your 'YES' like a mother
protects her child. She won't let ANYTHING harmful get near her
baby. Don't worry if you don't FEEL different.
We must ACT differently, or 'practice' our faith for it to, again,
become our first nature. You will feel differently after a
while but know for sure that this is a FAITH walk, not based on
feelings. Don't kick yourself when you make a mistake--confess
it, ask for forgiveness, and go on. Give your testimony to others,
that you are FREE. This is probably the most important part.
You are LIBERATED by your own testimony AND it will also liberate
others!
I love you, brother. Keep in touch.
-Charlene
I can say, too, I am
changed.
I am very happy for you because
you have found a relationship with God and he does what He always
does; He changes people. I have been where you are, my calling
is to teach and He changed me in so many ways. I did not know
that God was going to fully change me when I stopped writing for
you. I just knew God wanted me to change and I could not teach
and write for your magazine in its form and focus. I can
say, too, I am changed. I am no longer in the life, it
happened in a blink of an eye and it was not what I thought he would
change but he did. I had my alone time but that is what
God does, he will take you away so you have to depend totally on
him. When I came out of wilderness I had a missionary from my
church befriend me. It was great. Having said that, if
you want me, and will allow me to write for you again I would love
to.
I love you with the Love of Christ,
Lavonia-New York,
Olympic Silver Medalist
Former Contributing Writer for [the old] VENUS Magazine
I was Doing a Wrong Thing
Hi, just a short remark from a
Dutch man who just read the ten steps etc. on your website. I myself
have always felt deep within that a gay lifestyle never gives true
happiness. And its good to read that I am not the only one.
Always I felt that this was not the right way to live and with each
sexual contact I felt I was doing a wrong thing. Deep inside you
just know this in your heart. I did not have a religious upbringing
so that is not where this comes from.
The difficult thing is that especially in Holland it is
so much stressed just to be gay if you feel attracted to guys.
However in my case that is only sexually. I never felt to be with a
man otherwise (relationship). The downside of this is that is brings
you an unfulfilling life just going after physical pleasure. Its
good that in your story you state that remark about people you don't
even know the names/faces from. That is exactly how it is.
So I would like to thank you for sharing this with
others so they see that there always is a way to turn your life
around for the better.
I'm
Encouraged by Your Story
Miss Cothran, I must say I
don't know you at all. But yesterday I've been reading an
article about your change. I just want to let you know that
I'm encouraged by your story. God has been calling me for
almost my whole life, and as a 27 year old gay guy living in The
Netherlands, Europe, it's a battle to surrender to His call.
But when I read your story and when you write God is bringing many
gay people back to His feet, I feel I'm part of that!! I thank
God for His Grace and Mercy He has shown to you and again, through
your story, to me. May you know the power of His grace in all
you do and know.
G.J. Utrecht, The Netherlands
Now that's
powerful stuff
I first heard of your magazine and conversion today on American
Family Radio while driving home from a Christian camp I have built
and operate in central Texas. I shouted "Praise God!" when I heard
about what happened, and then looked up your magazine as soon as I
got home and read many of the articles. All I can say is "wow,
praise the Lord" about what has happened. I see you even changed the
mission statement of the magazine. Now that's powerful stuff.
I am in a constant battle with our local newspaper editor who
frequently runs articles on the Saturday "Religion" page about
homosexual pastors and their affirming congregations. I
challenged the editor to print the other side, about pastors and
people who have come out of that lifestyle through Jesus Christ, and
of course, they won't. One person's response to my letter to
the editor wherein I stated that there are countless people who have
come out of the homosexual lifestyle and aren't ashamed to proclaim
it, denies that there are any such people. It's
interesting....there is a very, very small pocket of homosexuals
within this large conservative community, but our local paper would
make it sound like there are thousands of them here.
Anyway, my purpose for writing was simply to share my
praises for the victories through Jesus, and may God greatly bless
you for what you are now doing, and of course you know now that you
can expect trouble for taking this stand, but that's ok, because
Jesus took His stand for you, and look at what happened!!!!
John Hyde
Bryan, TX
I've got many problems with homosexuality
I'm sorry for my very bad English, I'm
French...lol I just want to say "thank you
God" about you and your testimony. I pray that it will be
blessings for many and many gay and lesbian people, and of
course, for Christian people who have problem with their
sexual identity. Your position in the homosexual
community is very important, in Europe too, and I believe
that God wants to use it to His glory. For me,
I'm a Christian girl, who belong to the Lord since 16 years
ago, but my life is a little bit difficult : since 3 years
ago, I've got many problems with homosexuality (bisexuality
is a better word) but, thank you Lord for your strength, I
never practice. I pray to be delivered, and with ups and
downs, I walk on the way that God wants for me.
So, your testimony encourages me, really, and I hope that
many people like me will read it and feel the same thing.
Against opposition and struggles in the future, continue to
proclaim the God's will for our lives and I pray that you'll
help thousands people. Jesus bless you.
Regards,
Elina Moulinié
Thank you for Telling the Truth
The truth
should be told, as it will prevail. Homosexuality, even
for myself, I know is wrong. It has been for thousands of years and
it is still wrong today. I don't gay bash or anything. I love
gay people, as they are human beings as well. I know for a personal
fact that homosexuality, by first experience is not what God will
for anyone to be involved in.
So For Real
It's so
interesting that you wrote this. I'm actually going through some of
the same things, tryna figure out if my identity with homosexuality
is of God's will. I was fine with it and had accepted who I
was up until a couple of weeks ago when I went to a youth forum at
my church. It's difficult sometimes tryna figure out who one
is as an individual in my own entity, when there's influences and
people consistently projecting and protesting their opinions against
homosexuality and it's denial thru the will of God. But it's
even harder to me, when I feel like I'm denying myself and being
unfaithful to what I can't help but to believe God made me to be.
Christians Forget Where We Came From
When I read your
new mission statement my spirit leaped. I literally shouted
Hallelujah Thank You Jesus! You are in powerful position and
God will provide all your needs to enable you to reach millions.
Your testimony and your magazine will be a voice in the community at
large and in the Body of Christ. To often Christians forget
where we came from and refuse to help someone else who is currently
in bondage due to fear the enemy places in our heads. I salute you
and your efforts. Learning about you affirms what God has
birth inside more then 14 years ago. I will add you to my
thoughts and prays from this day forth. Please know you are
equipped for the task at hand. You are anointed for this at
such a time as this!
John Burnett,
Nehemiah Ministry, Marietta, GA
I Could Not Help but Cry
Through the article below about your conversion on the Lifesite web
site, I could not help but cry and give glory to God for his
unfathomable mercy and grace that he has bestowed on you. I am
so happy to read about your story and will share it with as many
people as I possibly can. God Bless You and I will keep you in
my prayers.
Sincerely,
Mr. Porfirio Loza
I Saw the Grief
Your honesty, coming out as a black woman about your former lesbian
identity, is an amazing step forward. Lifesite News carried your
story and I just had to write you.
Why am I so personally touched by your story? My father
was an active homosexual before he died in ’91 of AIDS – I grew up
in a homosexual household where a number of males entered and
exited. Yes, I saw the sophisticated, artsy, and glamorous
side of the subcultures. Having seen the subcultures up close
for many years, I also saw the grief that comes with the lifestyle
issues, I now how taken a public stand to support, provide
resources, and to share our stories as adult children on my website
at
http://www.dawnstefanowicz.com where I will also be carrying
your story under cultural influences.
May God grant you everything in Christ Jesus to
accomplish all you are called to bring change in the heart of the
gay communities throughout America. Let them know they are truly
loved.
Blessings,
Dawn Stefanowicz
Ambassador
I am surely proud of you. God created you for distinction.
Right from your Mama's womb, He anointed and appointed you for
exploits. Please, read Jeremiah 1:1-end. Note what each verse
is saying to you. Yes, your past friends may oppose you and even put
your life on line. But note Jeremiah 1:last verse of the chapter.
Isaiah 41:10-13. Again, 2 Chronicles 32:8b
"But with Charlene E. Cothran is her God to help her
and to fight her battles".
Just keep on looking up God. He is giving you a TV ministry soon. It
is gonna be a global one.
I love you with all my heart. Please, we will invite you to
speak here.
Thanks,
Pastor John Brown Okwii, President
LAWNA Theological Seminary
Jos Nigeria
Welcome,
Welcome, Welcome
...to the arms of Christ. That's where I live, and where I wish all
my suffering and lost brothers and sisters to be.
God bless
you for your courage. Thanks you for exposing the lies used to keep
people in chains. You have finally found the utter freedom of living
in the sunshine of God's grace. I am a Catholic sister, and
plan to pray for you with all my heart.
Thrive in
the Lord, my dearest sister.
Bless you.
Marie Jutras
AWESOME!
He is SO AWESOME to have not only reached out to you, but you took
HIS hand which He offered. I have had in the past, many gay or
bi friends and associates and have always dealt with them
professionally and with kindness, but I’ve always had a deep seeded
fear? and condemnation of those practicing a homosexual lifestyle;
but your story has indeed opened my heart and mind to those still
stuck in the ‘truth closet’ and won’t come out and face that truth.
I am a ‘spirit filled believer, a new creation in the
Lord’, but not a ‘christian’ and one of ‘The Way’. I’m probably more
of a fundamentalist than any extremely right evangelical church
could even fathom, but that is because of the truth I and many
others know the Lord to be. The Lord is working very quickly
and is convicting many to make their choices as to believe in His
truth, or believe the lie and I believe that He will use you
according to His will, to call out and reach out to those who have
ears to hear and eyes to see as only He can do with someone like
yourself; who is so very familiar with gay issues.
God Bless you Charlene and may His will be done in your life.
It’s a tough path to the Kingdom, but it’s one that’s worth all the
pain and sacrifice you will experience along the way. Have no
fear however. Who should we fear more? He, who can destroy the
body, or He our Lord, who can destroy the body AND soul?
In His Service
Stephen R. Leach
Lexington, South Carolina
That's Quite a
Story
I just finished reading atheist Richard Dawkins' bestseller The God
Delusion (it was a deal with an atheist friend if he'd read Lee
Strobel's The Case for a Creator). In his book-long rant
against religion he admitted a few redeeming qualities of religion,
but one he missed was changed lives. Please send Mr. Dawkins a
note about the power of faith to redeem human lives here and now.
You have no idea how powerful your story will be.
Please join our group (PFOX). I am also a clinical member of
NARTH, and believe me your story will be used as an example by our
therapists. You should know, however, that PFLAG and other
GLBT groups are currently pressuring the APA again to ban
orientation change therapy. That might be a good article for
your magazine. Bless you and stay the course.
Dr. Chris Kempling Psy.D. R.C.C.
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Quesnel, BC Canada
What a Powerful
Testimony!
I thank you as a fellow Christian--I am Catholic. I receive a
lifesite news update daily --they report on the life issues in
Canada and the US and WOW...what a testimony to LIFE...how precious
it is and how it changes and why the Lord wants us to love each
other all the time no matter what! Thank you for your courage.
It is so hard to be courageous...I think we can only to do it with
Christ's help and you have received such help in abundance by your
actions and words! I prayed in thanksgiving for you last
night. You made my heart feel full of joy!
My first husband was homosexual. The pain he was in and the
pain I went through was extreme. I still hurt over it and it
has been over 20 years.
I pray for him all the time and hope he will be led out
to live in peace someday with himself. He used to cry all the
time over it but as much as he didn't want to be homosexual he
wasn't able to change. He had suffered molestation by an uncle
as a child and he couldn't see himself as anything other than
damaged. He hated himself. I could never help. My
very presence made him violent even though he said he loved me.
I have given up trying to understand but I will always love him and
hope for his healing. I am very happily married now with 8
children! but I still think of him daily and pray. His kind of
pain you don't forget. Thank you so much for loving God...when
we love Him we love each other!
Vonda Zimmerman
Montrose, MN
Pray for my
Daughter
I
read with great interest your article detailing your conversion.
I have been praying for my daughter who has been in the lesbian
lifestyle for the past 14 years. She is now 42. Many
have tried to convince me that she was born that way (including my
husband and her father) and that if she is happy, that is all that
matters. God has blessed her and her roommate tremendously,
but, as you observed, what is that in light of the condition of
one's soul.
I would appreciate it if you would keep her and her friend,
in your prayers. Someday I hope to tell you of her changed life (she
was raised as a Catholic. I became born again later in life),
and of her many lesbian friends coming to the saving knowledge of
our wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ.
A Praying Mom,
Pennington, NJ
I'm loosing hope
I
am so encouraged by you! But, I need help. My younger brother
is turning 40 this month. He’s been living in the gay
lifestyle his entire adult life…in and out of relationships that
usually last about 5-6 years. I love him dearly!!! I’ve
spoken to him several times about how much God loves him and the
awesome plans for him in His Kingdom! He’s really a wonderful
man and I just can’t accept giving up on him. Of course, I pray for
him, but sometimes I feel like I’m loosing hope. I just have
to have him in heaven with me!!! My children also love him
dearly but, I’m not always comfortable with the “friends” he brings
to our home. Any advice you could offer would be great.
God bless you and your exciting new ministry!
Your sister in Christ!
Shannon
Never
Looked Back!
I read your article online here in Melbourne, Australia.
I am originally a New Zealander. I am astonished at your
bravery and it has certainly encouraged me. I too have come
out from being 'out'. My story was recently published by
a UK publisher and will be in the US by Jan 08. I entitled it,
The Woman Who Outran the Devil.
I have been following Jesus fully now for 24 years and
would not ever want to look back. I have been pastoring for about 15
years now and at the moment I am an assistant pastor in a Chinese
church - not that I am Chinese. :) And, I too
would want nothing more than to see my old friends know Jesus.
About three weeks ago, I took a funeral for one of my old friends.
I was so comforted to know that she had earlier surrendered her life
to Jesus. She was one of only two friends that had continued
to have contact with me over the years.
May God bless you - as I know He will. And, I
want you to know that I will be praying for you as I know first hand
the kind of opposition you will have not only from people, but also
spiritually.
Shirley Baskett
I am the mother of a beloved daughter who has bought into the lie of
gender confusion, calling herself "lesbian". We are
reconciling after a 5 year separation following my attempts to
reason her out of the lie.
I now realize that argument won't bring her
out, but God's Holy Spirit wooing will--so I continue to pray
and believe God. Testimonies like yours have the credibility
needed because you have "been there" so I pray for the Lord's favor
to take your articles far and wide to needy hearts.
I want you to know how blessed I am that you now know
that your search for "love" must begin with receiving Him Who is
Love, the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank Him that He has
not authored identity confusion or any confusion. Instead He
offers us all LIFE MORE ABUNDANT (John 10:10).
Thank God that you have begun that walk with your
Creator and loving Father. GREATER IS HE in you, than he that
is in the world! Where sin has abounded, grace MUCH MORE
ABOUNDS!
My daughter has not yet come "out" to Jesus YET..., but
Christ in you has used your testimony to bring renewed hope to my
heart for that desired outcome. Like you, she is a strong
woman with many gifts, and the Lord will use her to encourage others
as you are now doing. May He comfort you greatly, so that you
can bring that comfort to the others.
I have noticed that many people who believe the lie
that same sex attraction is genetic or who have "vested interest" in
the status quo of the "gay" lifestyle are very harsh with those
desiring to leave it. Many wanting to justify their lifestyle
are threatened by the truth that "you were not born 'that way'" and
"in Christ Jesus you are a NEW CREATION...behold old things have
passed away."
I will pray for you as I pray for my daughter...demonic
forces will try to backlash against you in their vexation that they
lost their grip, but as you continue to DRAW NEAR to Jesus, you are
continuing to enforce satan's defeat!!!
BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE!!! THE LORD BLESS
YOU AND KEEP YOU; THE LORD MAKE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON YOU AND BE
GRACIOUS TO YOU; THE LORD LIFT UP HIS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU AND GIVE
YOU PEACE. Shalom: nothing missing...nothing broken!!
Your testimony and exhortation to brings hope to other souls
caught in the snare of homosexual and lesbian life styles. It
is something I will forward to others, too.
"Go girl, go, go, go!"
JW, an encouraged Mom
A Proclaimed Atheist
I know you must get a lot of emails of anger towards you so I
wanted to encourage you to KEEP going on and FIGHT the good FIGHT
because it will be WORTH it! I believe your testimony will
bring MANY others to Christ! I am a female but never been a
lesbian but still that does not matter because we all have our own
sins that the Lord delivers us from when we are brought out of the
darkness and into His glorious light!
I have a sister in law who is a proclaimed atheist who
I think might benefit from hearing your testimony even though she
may get a little angry reading it at first. I have been
witnessing to her with my life and words for about seven years now
and she has softened tremendously from the time I first started.
Now it seems she "unconsciously" or not "admittedly" seems to
acknowledge that God exists from the things she says even though she
is not ready to admit that out loud.
Anyway, my main reason for writing is to
ENCOURAGE you sister, to stay strong in the Lord and though you will
be persecuted for your STAND for CHRIST that HE will most CERTAINLY
BLESS YOU and REWARD you!
You have already been a great encouragement to me!
I have passed on your wonderful testimony to many others!
Praise God.
In
our Father's Love,
Pamela
So
Excited
Just read in
Christian Breaking News
all that God's recently done for you! Praise! Praise!
Praise! I have been praying that the Lord would touch and heal
the homosexual community. What a fabulous position you are in
to speak the love and hope of Christ to the VENUS audience. I
am so excited for you! You have my support!
Sincerely,
Cynthia Yagi
Oceanside, CA
Addicted to
Pornography
I just read your testimony and was blessed deeply.
Though I don’t come from the homosexual life style, I spent most of
my adult life (I’m 63 years old) addicted to pornography. It
was one huge chain of slavery that I spent years trying to break.
At the age of 50 I discovered why I only remembered broken fractions
of my childhood. My dad was a pedophile and I had almost
blacked it out entirely. The pornography addiction simply
validated the pathetic self image I had as a paternal inheritance
and the buzz of gratifying myself sexually gave me a counter balance
to the hidden misery I had carried all those years. I’m
convinced that God created us to live in a certain level of please
and satisfaction. If we can’t achieve a reasonable level
legitimately, we will do it illegitimately (outside the will of
God).
I am free today, but have to avoid unhealthy sexual
exposure, which is not always easy. I learned that sexual
addictions are one of the most difficult to break. I found my
freedom based on two sayings that are pivotal epochs of my life;
One, If it is the truth that sets you free it is a lie that binds
you up.” Good truth – lousy English. Secondly, the
number one duty of every Believer is to get radically loved by God.
The apostle Paul said, “Truth worketh in love.”
Perhaps some day, if there is interest, I can
recount my divine encounters with God’s love and truth, but for now,
I want to say, I have a great empathy for those who are sexually off
God’s perfect base. Everyone has enormous value in my eyes and
God’s economy. Everyone DESERVES to be free. God has the
one-two punch to knock us into a radically beautiful fulfilling
lifestyle – TRUTH (God’s reality) and LOVE (God’s nature).
In closing Charlene, thanks for sharing your bold
change. Thanks for coming OUT with Jesus. It is the
ultimate IN.
Doug in San
Diego
Your
words have ministered to me
I've been reading about your conversion on venusmagazine.org and I
just had to leave you a little note of gratitude and encouragement.
Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your brave heart. Thank
you for letting Christ step into your life in such a radical way and
allow him to truly renew your mind. Not being content with a
minimal change of direction, but submitting to him whole heartedly
and accept a brand new mind!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has
passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17)
Your words have ministered to me and I want to encourage you with
those few and mighty words from our God that came to my mind when
praying for you this morning. I know and understand the attack
you are under. God bless you Charlene and may He strengthen you on
your path you have now chosen. God is good!
Unnar Erlingsson, Iceland
This Very Time
I read your story on Breaking Christian News and followed the links
to Venus Magazine and your testimony on the home page. It is
clear to me that you are anointed for this very time to be a beacon
of light to those that have and continue to read Venus, and those
persons you previously influenced in the gay community. I pray
that the Lord will place a hedge of angelic warriors around you,
your family and magazine; that which was previously intended for
evil, God intended for good. Your Joshua 24:15 moment is
thrilling to hear and even more so your response to God’s call.
May God continue to richly bless you.
Your friend in
Christ,
Shawn
What a
story!
I just read about Ms. Cothran's salvation! I am so happy for
her and rejoice in her new life in Christ! I welcome her
with open arms into the fellowship of believers! I will
be praying a hedge of protection around her. The battle will
be fierce BUT she now belongs to the LORD! He will protect her and
keep her safe! Bless you!
Sincerely,
Alison Webb,
A
card carrying follower of the Lord Jesus Christ!
He healed me miraculously of a brain cancer twice!
My
decision to leave the lesbian lifestyle
I’m
writing to you because I heard about Charlene Cothran on Faith Radio
this morning on my way to work. I looked up her
testimony on your website and am so thankful to perhaps finally
found a place where I can help others. I attended a “Love Won
Out” conference last September in Atlanta. I went because I
needed support in my decision to leave the lesbian lifestyle.
Once I returned to Montgomery, Alabama, I found that there were very
few support mechanisms in this area for people in my position.
I would like to help, however possible, to share my story with your
readers.
May God bless you in all that you do!
Sincerely,
B. Baker
Montgomery, AL
Modern
day Paul
I read about
your conversion experience in the Baptist Press News on-line.
Praise God! What an inspiration. You are a modern day
Paul and proof that God still works unbelievable miracles today.
I am a Music and Worship Pastor in my church but I have always
struggled with sexual addiction. I have never struggled with
homosexual feelings but I know what it is like trying to please God
while holding on to sin. It only hardens your heart. I
praise God that He delivered you from your sin. Thank you for
your courage and for your articulate, humble and passionate
testimony. May God continue to give you healing, wisdom, and
His never-ending strength and may He use your life to bring healing
and forgiveness to many others.
Love,
Jeff Howard
Kennewick, Washington
I still struggle
I was reading your article only because I get this Christian
breaking news sent to me to my email. I have never heard of
you or your magazine at all. I do not even know why I was
reading this because I usually just read a sentence of the news not
the entire article but as I was interested in what you were saying.
I have struggled with lesbianism it seems all of my
life yet have never fully entered the lifestyle. Your story
reminded me of when I was in college and was struggling and I was
just a Christian for a small time and it seemed like God was saying
that He wanted to use me in helping people who were into the gay
lifestyle but I said no back then because no one knew of my struggle
at all. I didn't want to do it then. I wonder if that's the
reason I still struggle.
Blossom
What a nice
surprise to read your testimony
I was blessed to have help leaving the lifestyle while I was still
young. It has been a lonely journey as so many Christian
people have been brain-washed by the world to believe that "gay is
ok."
The thing that makes me so deeply sad about the gay movement is how
it robs people of friendships. I myself ruined many through
wrong sex. God gives friendship to people to help them heal,
and we pervert these relationships. Young people today are
being lead in droves to act upon their homosexual feelings thereby
ruining potentially beautiful friendships. This makes me so
sad I could die.
Thank you for so courageously reaching out and sharing your
conversion. You must have known you would be misunderstood and
rejected by those who are not in a place in their lives to be honest
with themselves before God. So many have seemingly lost the
inner compass which God puts into every soul in order to find Him,
within. They seem to have believed the lie hook line and
sinker. This makes me so sad I could die, as well.
We can only pray for their lost souls. What I found
interesting is that those who condemn you seem to do so by their own
Luciferian standards - love of money, self-serving ambition,
cynicism, arrogance, etc. - thereby condemning themselves.
Praise God that the still small voice within your heart was not
conquered by the Evil One. Praise God!
In Christ,
Mary Grace Miller
Heavenly
Fathers' agenda
I wish to
express my admiration for your decision to live the life he has
given you as God would wish you to live it. It takes courage and
faith to do so and also requires a sound mind and intellect. I find
that those who are the most antagonistic to our Heavenly Fathers'
agenda are less likely to have studied the Holy Scriptures - God's
Word - and its teaching completely and without prejudice to its
message. Being 'Born of God' does not require allegiance to any
particular church or organization in the first instance but it does
require an exchange of hearts, your own for the heart of God.
All my love,
Alan
Norfolk, England
Planted in your
heart
What a
blessing to read how you came to your senses and are coming /have
come out of the snare of the devil that held you captive!
The Word of God produces life, health, peace and that
Word that was planted in your heart as a child sprouted up into
eternal life... He will never revoke, cancel or annul His promises
to you or anyone else! Jesus has been made the Guarantor of a
Better Covenant based on Better Promises and He promises to be with
you every step of the way...I pray that the Lord will grant you
continued boldness to speak the truth in Love and not be
intimidated, as I'm confident the enemy would dearly love to silence
you and defame you...God bless you as you follow on after Him!!!
Another Charlene,
your sister in Christ!!!
Charlene Sanders
Hot Springs, Arkansas
His Mighty Hand at Work
Our Pastor made mention of your website in his sermon this past
Sunday. He was encouraging our body with the brief details of
your salvation. What a beautifully worded testimony.
This is simply a quick email to let you know that you've touched my
heart with your eloquence and clear wording of the gospel.
Praise forever to our King of Kings! His love, grace and mercy
are new every morning. God is using you in a powerful way and
it will be exciting to see His mighty hand at work in your life to
touch many lives. I'll close with a scripture that has been
very dear to me in strengthening me to walk in the newness of life:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then,
and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Gal 5:1
Blessings to you my sister,
Greg Long
Hermitage, TN
With Loving Kindness Have I Drawn Thee
I am
presently ministering to a long time friend (hadn’t seen him in over
15 years), we partied together when he as male was in the closet, he
has now completely come out and has taken on the image of a woman
and was married to a female gone male, I love him regardless, yet I
feel a deep hurt for him, like there is someone crying out, and I
really don’t know how to do anything but love him and allow my light
to so shine. “With loving kindness have I drawn thee.”
I will continue to
read your articles and am wondering if, and how I should confront
this issue other than being truthful, calling sin sin, yet not
backing down when the offense arises and attempts to push me away.
I realize that this is a very delicate walk, but I don’t want to
injure one of God’s sheep either. He recently lost his mother,
and the husband/wife left him for another. WHERE DO I BEGIN ?
I invited him to
church and told him of the love of God for him, he accepted but did
not come. I will continue, but ever so gently, to call and
invite him. I welcome your advice, God continue to
Bless and Keep you, Be Blessed Now!
Lisa Rhynes- Partlow
Orlando, Fl 32810
Your Boldness
Am
praising God, for the great news received today.
We receive the Joel News
each week by email, and today
the top story is the article
about
your Rescue by Jesus! His
great redeeming power! Thank
you, thank you for your boldness
and the great way in which you share the Gospel in your article in
the Venus Magazine. I know that God will bless you and
your ministry to those he does want to reach. I have read your
cover story too. Hallelujah!! Jubilation !! All
Glory to
God.
I am from Australia, and in Phoenix Arizona where my
husband is working for his Australian boss for a couple of months,
but with the electronic media, can keep up with matters global so
easily. I
have
a dear
Christian friend in
Queensland,
Australia
who has a son who is gay,
and living in London, England currently. He has paid for his
parents to go across in the middle of the year to what they expect
is a gay marriage…….as a Mother she is heartbroken, but I encourage
her to keep on showing her son love
– Jesus’ love
– and keep praying….God’s
redeeming power, love and grace is way more powerful than
we can imagine.
So I have just forwarded the current Joel news with your article in
it to her, praying it will give her some peace and joy, and I know
she will praise God for what she reads
……
Amen..
Just wanted to share that with you, and to say
‘ keep being bold in your
life with Jesus as your Eternal Savior,
sharing the wonderful Good
News
story… a great old
old story, but so fresh and life giving… Blessings dear
sister, You will be carried in our prayers for the work you are
doing,
In His love,
Barbara Morton
Greetings
from Love in Action in
Memphis, Tennessee
I wanted to take a brief moment to bless and encourage
you in your recent stand for truth. Jesus asked those that
would follow him to release their ideas about what life should
be and surrender control of their journey to him. Your
public decision to do just this has had, and will continue to
have, an enormous impact on other people.
As one who works alongside you in an environment
increasingly hostile to any person choosing healthy, righteous
living over populist ideals, I want to thank you for the
encouragement and hope your decision has brought to my heart.
I’d like to bless you with the reminder that you’re not alone…
God is moving on the hearts of his people and always calling his
children back to himself. Voices like yours will help many
find their way toward answering that call.
Please know that the doors of communication are always
open to you at Love in Action, and it will be our privilege to
minister to anyone that finds their way to our doors through the
prompting of your testimony. In addition to our
residential discipleship program we are currently developing a
curriculum to equip churches for ministry to those struggling
with same-sex attraction, and it is our heart to see the church
rise up and embrace those who leave sinful lifestyles to follow
the voice of their Beloved. I pray your testimony will
cause many to run to the church for support and there find a
loving family to partner with them in pursuit of restoration.
May you ever find your joy, strength and peace in the heart of
our God and in his unchanging truth.
Blessings,
Josh Morgan, Communications Coordinator
Love in Action International, Inc.
4780 Yale Road
Memphis, TN 38128
P.O. Box 280386 Memphis, TN
38168-0386
Phone 901.751.2468 (8:30-5:00 CST)
Toll-Free 800.201.4129
Fax 901.751.1922
www.loveinaction.org
Twisting
Scriptures
Praise God for
your beautiful article and for how God is shining through
you right now. I am in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada and it is breaking my heart how our church is being
torn apart by this issue.
I hear pastors believing the lies and using them to
change our policies. I see them twisting scriptures to agree
with their philosophies and then continuing the process with
other topics that they disagree with.
Our church is now splintered and witnessing so poorly
to the world. And I cry the most for those who are being
given permission to continue in the lies of the homosexual
lifestyle.
I am praying for
you. I pray that our loving Father will guard your
voice as long as you speak His words and help it to be heard
by all who are seeking His forgiveness and love.
I
praise God for your courage and the love you show.
Welcome to the family! And I hope your compassion for people
and passion for truth will get through to other ministers of
the gospel whether they be gay or straight.
God bless
Michelle Schlein
Mission, British
Columbia
Fresh and Brave
I am a pastor who received your article while on a ministry
tour in Singapore. Your statement of God's grace in your
life rings with truth, is wonderfully fresh and brave and
will no doubt become a rock of hope to many and a stone of
stumbling to others - just like the Savior Himself. I will
pray for you that you will be upheld by God's free-ing
Spirit. Ps. 51.
Stuart Briscoe
The devil has pulled her back
Your article blesses me beyond words. I actually came
upon it through Joel News International, a Christian
e-zine letter. I so rejoice in your salvation, and in
your bold testimony! I too am a believer. I
have never struggled with homosexuality, but my dear
cousin has. She at one point became a strong
believer, but the devil has pulled her back into her old
lifestyle. She is suffering terribly. I will
prayerfully giver her your article. Jesus is going
to use you to heal and deliver so many. There will
be an onslaught against you for it, but just remember,
you will overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the word
of your testimony!
"May the Lord answer you in the day of
trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen
you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, and
accept your burnt sacrifice... May He grant you
according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your
purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the
name of our God we will set up our banners! May
the Lord fulfill all your petitions." Psalm
20:1-5
Bless you so much, Charlene. You are a
living testimony of Jesus and an inspiration to me as a
Christian.
Love you so much in Jesus,
Melissa
True Encouragement
I was truly blessed and inspired by Charlene
Cothran's article "Redeemed, 10 ways to get out of
the gay life, if you want out". As a believer
in Jesus Christ, [and one] who struggles with same
sex attractions it is a true encouragement to see
Charlene being faithful to God's call on her life as
an apostle to the gay and lesbian community. I
am praying for you Charlene. May God richly
bless you!
Jerryl MIller
Eastern Pennsylvania
State Rep for Celebrate Recovery
717-449-0841
What the enemy
planned for evil...
I am not a lesbian, but just read your testimony on
your website so I wanted you to know I praise the
Lord for your courage and willingness to listen to
His voice and obey Him - the only way to go!
I live in New Zealand,
am happily married and the proud mother of two adult
children, nanna of two lovely grandchildren and
stepmother of a lovely woman and consequently
"nanna" of her two adult children, the grandchildren
of my dear (second!) husband of 11 years, my first
husband having left me for another woman 14 years
ago. God is good - all the time!
He made something beautiful out of what the enemy
planned for harm and destruction - just as Joseph
said to his brothers when they faced him in Egypt
years after having sold him into slavery "What you
planned for evil, God has turned to good". So
I rejoice at the news of your salvation and "new
life" and pray that many of your readers will come
to know Jesus, just as you have. God bless
you, Charlene. It does a heart good to read
such testimonies - may there be many more.
love from New Zealand
Kate Turner
Few women seek help
I think you’ve gotten several emails from the staff
of Love In Action,
but I wanted to write you too. It’s always
encouraging to see someone take a strong stand for
the Lord, but to see a fellow woman is very
encouraging to me. I am 26 years old and left a
lesbian lifestyle a little over 2 years ago. One
thing I’ve noticed is that there are few women who
seek help and even fewer who go on to be a leader
against homosexuality. I’m not sure what God
has in store for my life, but I know I am supposed
to help other women plagued by sin. So, I am so
excited to see God bring you out of death into life.
It is a hard road, but so rewarding. Thank you for
the stand you are taking.
In Christ alone,
Brook Iverson
Love in Action
Memphis, TN
Better prepared
I am not gay but your articles have better
prepared me to love and minister to my gay
neighbor. I love my neighbor and want to see him
delivered.
Eric Sheaffer
Pensacola Bay Baptist Association
I KNOW He
will...
Hi...u don't know me. I'm a cop, a preacher
and our department chaplain. I share my
faith cross culturally whenever I get the
chance. But...prior to reading about you in
the Florida Baptist Witness (a very positive
article you might want to see) I didn't know
you existed. Now, I not only know that but
that the magazine and it's publisher have
been reborn. Congratulations and welcome to
the family!! I'm going to make this
info available to our local newspaper.
Perhaps they will find it interesting.
Anyway....I love Ms Cothran's testimony.
I'm going to pray (now, not "soon") that God
blesses your socks (hose?) off as a
testimony to His faithfulness and love for
His children. Actually, I KNOW He will...I
pray that you recognize it and are empowered
by it for His glory......j
New chance to live
I´m so sorry for my english, I´m Mexican, but I will try
to explain me... for me is the same feeling, I used to
have the "same" troubles that you had, but right now God
is the only one who supports me. I´m catholic and member
of the catholic movement and this was the way that God
used to make me know that I have a new chance to live
life freely, in the right way of free.
I know that by you, many young people will be touched
and [they will ask themselves] for their lives they used
to have until now!!! And that is the main
achievement!!!...
Remember, God is a great "guy", but if you want to
follow him, you will need to carry your cross... but
don´t worry, this is always the best way, the way of
truth, the way of happiness...
I will pray for you!!!...
Your Truly
Jose Perez
I lived a closeted gay
life
A friend forwarded me a link to your Venus Magazine
website where I read your testimony. It is powerful, and
I thank you for sharing it and being used by God as you
are. I lived a closeted gay life for around 5-1/2
years and nearly destroyed my life. God brought me out
of the homosexual lifestyle in 2003 and He has been so
faithful to me it is amazing. Every area of my
life has been transformed. He has given me a godly wife,
blessed my work, my finances, my relationships, and most
importantly my spiritual life. I have shared my
testimony with my church leadership and a few close
friends, but for the most part kept quiet about it in an
effort to spare my teenage children from any possible
painful fallout that might occur with them knowing of
their father's past. I imagine someday they will
know. Please say a prayer that I would be obedient
to God's calling on my life and be used to win souls for
Him.
Your brother in Christ,
From Connecticut
Almighty touch down
You testimony is an almighty touch down! Thank you for
sharing it. We have a few ex lesbians and homosexuals in
our congregation. They are doing well. All married, and
some with children. I am praying and fasting this week,
and felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to put you on my
list, and to pray for you. You are a blessing. Friends
from up north.
From Loys de Fleuriot
Freeway Church - Toronto
I came out of the lesbian lifestyle
Thank you so much for what you are doing. I came out
of the lesbian lifestyle 12 years ago and for the
last 3 years have been giving my testimony in
churches, and different Christian groups and just
this week in a county jail and soon in a rescue
mission. I love hearing how God is working in the
lives of others who have chosen to believe the truth
over the lie and are walking in victory.
My cry to the Lord is for the children. We need
strong leaders in this generation who will take a
stand for Christ and be examples of His love and
truth in our world. Please don’t stop. You are an
answer to my prayer and I thank God for you and will
continue to pray for you and all you do to be a
voice of truth in this generation!
Glory to God in the Highest! And multiplied
blessings to you!
Penny Wright
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