This October, people of all backgrounds came together at Village SDA Church for a special week of education and testimonies that increased their understanding of difficult situations that many people face. Jesus and Wholistic Sexuality was a collaborative conference between Coming Together Ministries (CTM) and the Village Seventh-day Adventist church.
Coming Together Ministries partnered with Village for a similar conference last year, when they were under the name Coming Out Ministries. CTM has rebranded this year as their scope has expanded from solely LGBTQ+ issues to all kinds of sexual issues, from help in the areas of addiction, to education and support for family members.
CTM regularly holds conferences and events at churches, however Jesus and Wholistic Sexuality was on a much larger scale than usual — a full week, each day packed with discussions, testimonies from people who’ve experienced God’s transforming power, and presentations by doctors and experts sharing science through the eyes of faith.
Both ministries collaborated for this conference at the same time they were expanding their staff and scope. By the grace of God, the hard work of many helpers, and leadership of Ron Kelly, and CTM’s director, Michael Carducci, the program was a success.
Here are some snippets of the incredible stories that were presented at JAWS, which are also available to view on our YouTube channel.
Dr. Julie Hamilton discussed the scientific research which has been unable to find proof that people are ‘born gay’, and shared possible reasons why people feel that they were. A very young child who’s not receiving love from a parent understandably develops a craving for male or female love. And that craving, although it isn’t sexual at first, can lead to a same-sex desire in puberty. For as long as they can remember they’ve wanted love; but now, in adulthood, they can’t pin down where that desire originally came from.
Rebecca Triplett testified about her childhood. She was abused and molested at the age of six, and by the time she was thirteen, she was in a relationship and became pregnant. Her family forced her to have an abortion, and she had to endure the hatred and derision of others for years. God led her out of the pit of despair and gave her strength to share her story, on behalf of other women who face the same.
Dr. Shane Harper spoke with incredible emotion and power about his experience in the foster care system, going from home to home yearning for love and family. Repeatedly facing abuse and hatred from the “fathers” in his life, he distanced himself from them and masculinity as a whole. It took the love of God the Father to reach into his life and show him what a real father looks like.
Stephanie Pinnock talked about her very close relationship with her niece Yaneesha. That all changed when Yaneesha was outed as gay. Stephanie felt like she could use the Bible to come ‘to the rescue,’ only to be cut off from Yaneesha who didn’t want to hear any of it. In Stephanie’s own words, God needed to take her through a process because she was judgmental. By God’s redeeming love both were able to move beyond prejudices and the entrapments of the Enemy and be reunited.
Jesus and Wholistic Sexuality has been a huge success. Planning is already under way for 2025’s conference. Be looking for it under a new name, yet to be announced. We hope to see you there!