Resource Center

“When the Holidays Hurt: Dr. Townsend on Grieving Well” explains grief as God-given work that turns open wounds into integrated memories rather than repeated re-experiences of pain. Drawing from John Townsend’s Beyond Boundaries, Welch outlines six components of grieving well: acknowledging attachment, accepting lack of control, naming what was valued, seeking comforting people, allowing sadness, and giving grief time. The article especially encourages those facing heavy holidays to be honest with God and receive His nearness in their sorrow.

“The Problem with Unforgiveness” warns that refusing to forgive carries severe spiritual consequences, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14–15. Unforgiveness blocks prayer, fosters spiritual dryness, opens doors to the enemy, and reflects a graceless heart. Drawing from Acts 8:22–23 and June Hunt’s Forgiveness, the article details harmful traits—bitterness, pride, judgment, vengefulness—that poison relationships with God and others. By contrast, forgiveness reflects God’s nature, breaks captivity to sin, and restores freedom, intimacy, and spiritual vitality in the believer’s life.

“Healing the Ache of Fatherlessness” examines the profound impact of absent or distorted fatherhood on identity, relationships, and one’s view of God as Father. Whether through neglect, abuse, or emotional distance, father wounds distort worth and hinder intimacy with God. Citing Scripture and personal testimony, the article points to forgiveness as the doorway to truth and restoration. Through the Holy Spirit’s work, believers can exchange shame for sonship, discovering a Heavenly Father who delights in them and offers lasting healing and wholeness.

“Healing Wounds” explores the journey of trusting Jesus to bring restoration to deep emotional and spiritual pain. Drawing from Isaiah, Hebrews, and personal testimony, it highlights the need to invite Christ into wounded places, reject destructive coping mechanisms, and replace lies with God’s truth through Scripture and prayer. The Holy Spirit provides guidance and strength, enabling believers to repent, renew their minds, and embrace God’s love. Healing is often hard and messy, but God is always present, approachable, and eager to help.

Curated testimonies on our YouTube channel. We hope you are blessed by these.

Episode 40 of the First Stone Ministries podcast features Joseph Thiessen and guest Garry Ingraham of Love & Truth Network addressing one of the most painful questions a person struggling with pornography addiction can ask — whether God hates them for their sin. Both men bring personal experience with sexual brokenness to the conversation, offering biblically grounded reassurance that God's love is not conditional on freedom from addiction, and that genuine healing and freedom are possible through Christ.

In this Stand Up for the Truth radio interview, First Stone Ministries' Jim Farrington shares his testimony of freedom from homosexuality and discusses the escalating cultural war targeting children through social media algorithms, government-mandated LGBTQ+ school curriculum, and progressive theology infiltrating churches. Drawing on George Barna's research and his own ministry experience, Jim urges parents to instill biblical truth in children from an early age, model genuine faith at home, and remain vigilant against the subtle, insidious nature of today's spiritual attacks.

In this video testimony posted by First Stone Ministries, Stephen Black recounts how childhood victimization and adolescent experiences led him into a homosexual lifestyle marked by compulsion and confusion. Drawing from his personal journey, Stephen describes how faith in Jesus Christ brought genuine transformation and freedom. His testimony serves as a message of hope for those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, pointing to the power of the Gospel to heal and restore a life of holiness.

“Reconciliation” follows the powerful true story of a gay son seeking to mend his fractured relationship with his devout Christian father. The film documents the emotional and spiritual journey both undertake as they confront painful memories, beliefs, and misunderstandings. Through candid dialogue and faith-driven introspection, the pair navigate conflict and explore the possibilities of healing and renewed relationship. The documentary ultimately highlights hope, mutual respect, and the transformative power of love and faith in overcoming even the deepest relational divides.

“Tranzformed – Finding Peace With Your God-Given Gender” shares in-depth testimonies of people who wrestled with gender dysphoria, transgender identity, and childhood trauma. The film differentiates intersex conditions from transgender experiences and explores how early abuse, family dynamics, and social rejection shaped identity struggles. Featuring biblical teaching and personal journeys, it argues that real healing comes through faith in Christ rather than medical transition. “Tranzformed” aims to offer hope, understanding, and a biblically based path to wholeness for those navigating gender confusion.

“How Do You Like Me Now” is a documentary designed to support families encountering the emotional and relational challenges when a loved one comes out as gay. Narrated by Joe Dallas, it offers biblical guidance and compassionate insight for parents, siblings, spouses, and children. The film addresses feelings of betrayal, relationship strain, and the difficulty of maintaining love and faith. Featuring candid testimonies from individuals who have experienced this journey, it encourages families to respond with grace while upholding biblical truth.

In this video testimony from First Stone Ministries, Andrew Franklin recounts growing up as a praised church kid while secretly hiding deep shame over his effeminate identity. After coming out as gay and hitting rock bottom in New York City, Andrew surrendered to Jesus Christ and discovered for the first time that change was possible. Discipled into his true identity as a son of God, Andrew now devotes his life to speaking identity and destiny into other men — his greatest weakness becoming his greatest calling.

“Such Were Some of You” is a feature-length documentary showcasing the personal stories of over 29 people who left the gay lifestyle after experiencing profound change through faith in Jesus Christ. The film combines these testimonies with insights from theologians and PhDs, exploring the development of same-sex attraction, the process of leaving homosexuality, and the emotional and spiritual healing that followed. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 6:11, the documentary emphasizes that genuine transformation and healing are possible through Christ’s grace and power.

Annette Morales grew up invisible — surviving parental abandonment, stepfather molestation, and a chaotic young adulthood before finding stability in marriage. After her husband Rudy's death from cancer, grief drove her into dangerous online sexual relationships that eventually exposed a child exploitation network. Her courageous decision to report the abuse marked a turning point. Through First Stone Ministries' Living Waters program, counseling, and a battle with stage four breast cancer, Annette discovered that God truly sees her — and that her identity is found in Him alone.

This targeted reading list from First Stone Ministries is designed for men seeking freedom from sexual addiction, pornography, and impurity. Authors include David Kyle Foster, Joe Dallas, Harry Schaumburg, and Robert Daniels, among others. Titles cover the psychological roots of sexual addiction, practical daily strategies for attaining integrity, the battle for purity, and the path forward after failure. Together these resources provide a comprehensive, biblically grounded toolkit for men committed to walking in lasting sexual wholeness.

This relational health reading list from First Stone Ministries addresses the building blocks of healthy human connection — from setting firm boundaries and avoiding emotional dependency to honoring parents, navigating dating wisely, and understanding biblical gender distinctions. Authors include Henry Cloud and John Townsend, Dennis Rainey, Lori Rentzel, and John Piper, among others. Together these titles provide practical, biblically grounded guidance for anyone seeking to develop healthier relationships, stronger family bonds, and a clearer sense of God-given identity.

In this Living Waters year-end session from First Stone Ministries, Laura Leigh Stanlake and Stephen Black guide participants through a four-part framework for sustaining healing and hope — Honest Humility, Obedience, Patient Perseverance, and Expectancy. Drawing on personal testimony, Scripture, and Andrew Comiskey's teaching, they challenge participants to embrace dependent community, remove self-imposed deadlines on God's work, and press forward in confident expectation. The evening concludes with communion, a commissioning prayer, and a call to lifelong integrity and sanctification in Christ.

In “Melissa’s Story,” Melissa Ingraham describes being raised in a religious yet emotionally distant family, leading to anger, identity struggles, and eventual same-sex attraction. After an intense but brief lesbian relationship, she experienced deep spiritual conflict. A Christian conference became a turning point, prompting her to surrender her sexuality to Christ. Through support groups and counseling, she discovered forgiveness, embraced her femininity, and found healing. Ultimately, Melissa’s journey brought her marriage, children, restored family bonds, and a fulfilling career in Christian counseling.

Andrew Franklin shares his journey of leaving a life of partying, alcoholism, and same-sex relationships after a desperate turning point in New York City. In crisis, he turned to the Bible and experienced what he describes as a profound encounter with Jesus, who offered him forgiveness and hope. With help from Christian mentors and support groups, Andrew gradually found healing from past wounds and embraced a new identity. He is now married, a father, and serves as an associate pastor.

In “HOPE 2013 Testimonies of Jim & Debbie Venice,” Jim recounts his formative years shaped by family instability, fatherlessness, and bullying, leading to same-sex attraction despite deep Christian faith. Marriage to Debbie didn’t resolve his struggles, resulting in divorce and years away from the church. After a personal encounter with God, Jim experienced forgiveness and lasting transformation. He and Debbie remarried, found deeper healing as a family, and today minister hope to others facing relational and identity challenges.

In “HOPE 2013,” Jason Thompson recounts his journey with same-sex attraction from adolescence, grappling with fear, confusion, and rejection within his faith community. After a failed attempt to “pray away” his struggles and a suicide attempt, he found hope at Portland Fellowship, where he learned God’s plan was not instant change but deep restoration and community. With time, healing, and faith, Jason built a new life—marrying, raising children, and now ministering to others seeking similar hope and transformation.

In "God's Call to the Lesbian," Anne shares how childhood trauma and identity struggles led to same-sex attraction. Despite involvement in the LGBTQ+ community, she felt unfulfilled. After a spiritual experience in college, she embraced Christianity, pursued healing through counseling, and left the lesbian lifestyle. Though her marriage later ended, Anne affirms that lasting change is possible through faith in Jesus Christ. Her story offers hope for others seeking transformation through God.

In this video, Kent Paris candidly recounts enduring sexual abuse from his mother and emotional rejection by his father, leading to confusion about his identity and years of homosexual relationships1. After an intense period of brokenness, drug use, and spiritual searching, Kent found healing through Christianity and therapy. Christ’s love, wise pastoral guidance, and setting healthy boundaries empowered him to overcome the past, marry, and raise children. Kent now counsels others, sharing hope for freedom and restoration through faith and support.

Laura Leigh Stanlake, Ministry Director of First Stone Ministries in Oklahoma City, recounts her life story in "Sing Over Me." She describes growing up in a loving family but facing depression, sexual addiction, and the development of same-sex attraction following her mother’s illness and father’s death. A teacher’s encouragement and involvement in a supportive church community led her to faith in Christ, which she credits with gradually transforming her desires and bringing her hope, healing, and lasting change.

In this video testimony shared by First Stone Ministries, a woman recounts how childhood fear, depression, and grief over her father's death led her into same-sex attraction and a deeply consuming lesbian relationship. A pivotal moment came when Dennis Jernigan shared his testimony at church, which became her invitation to surrender to Christ. Now nearly a decade into marriage, she testifies that God is still changing her — and challenges the Church never to offer love without also offering the transforming power of the Gospel.

In “The Father Heals the Lesbian,” Maité Rodriguez recounts growing up in Puerto Rico without a father’s presence, facing unmet emotional needs and early sexual abuse. After a turbulent adolescence and broken marriage, Maité descended into addiction and a double life, struggling with her identity. A turning point came when she attended a Christian conference, experienced deep spiritual transformation, and began a journey to healing. Through faith, mentorship, and understanding God as a loving father, Maité found freedom, hope, and restored identity.

Andrew Franklin grew up feeling disconnected from his father and masculinity, eventually coming out as gay and moving to Manhattan where substance abuse and risky sexual behavior consumed his life. After hitting rock bottom and experiencing a profound encounter with Jesus Christ, Andrew returned to Oklahoma City and connected with First Stone Ministries. Through discipleship, accountability, and courageous obedience, he experienced genuine transformation — eventually joining First Stone's staff full-time, walking in freedom, and identifying as a heterosexual man restored by God's grace.

Beth Babb's testimony traces the painful journey of a wife who discovered her husband Mike was struggling with homosexuality and suicidal thoughts. Through a season of separation, spiritual warfare, and raw emotional exhaustion, Beth clung to Jesus while Mike found healing through First Stone Ministries in Oklahoma City. When he returned a changed man with a ministry vision, Beth honestly confronted her own resentment and bitterness — and found God faithful to heal her heart and restore their marriage.

This article from First Stone Ministries puts human faces to the ministry's work, sharing brief testimonies from men and women whose lives were shaped by childhood sexual abuse, neglect, and identity confusion. From Steven and Stephen to Kim, Linda, and others, each story reflects a common thread — wounds that followed children into adulthood. Through discipleship, Living Waters, and the Father heart of God, First Stone walks alongside these individuals as Jesus heals what was broken and restores what was lost.

Chris M. grew up with a distant father, leading to deep "father-hunger" that was sexualized through adolescence, molestation, and years of living a secret double life as a church musician. After cycles of emotional idolatry with male friends and growing desperation, his pastor connected him with First Stone Ministries, where transparency and love brought lasting freedom. Today Chris is married with children, testifying that what he always needed was not sexual connection with men, but a heavenly Father to make him whole.

The Christian married man bound by homosexuality bears a double burden. He lives under the power of a sin which brings self-condemnation and a feeling of alienation from God. He also lives with the knowledge that he is bringing a terrible hurt to another human being—his wife. But for this man, victory over homosexuality can bring a double blessing. He can be restored to full fellowship with God, and he can experience the joy of reconciliation with his wife.

Jan Jordan's testimony traces a life marked by failed marriages, abortion, financial loss, and a 15-year lesbian relationship that left her suicidal and without hope. After years of observing the genuine faith of a Christian coworker named Joan, Jan surrendered her life to Jesus Christ and experienced profound deliverance from decades of bondage. Her story concludes with restored relationships with her parents before their deaths and a hard-won peace she had spent her entire life searching for.

In this January 2001 letter, Traci Brown writes to Stephen Black of First Stone Ministries to express gratitude for his role in her husband Clay's transformation from pornography addiction. Though initially cautious when Clay disclosed his past, Traci found no trace of the old struggle after three years of marriage. She credits First Stone's discipleship and the healing power of Jesus Christ for giving her a godly husband, a thriving marriage, and a growing family.

In this joint testimony, Dennis Jernigan shares how childhood feelings of rejection and a distorted view of his earthly father led him into homosexuality. After a profound encounter with Jesus Christ in 1981, Dennis experienced lasting transformation and eventually went public with his story, sparking healing in others. His wife Melinda shares her own journey of insecurity and restored identity in Christ. Together, they offer practical, scripture-based guidance for overcoming sin through surrender, accountability, worship, and the Father's unconditional love.

Randall Wayne recounts his experience with cross-dressing, describing the intense temptations and spiritual conflicts he faced. Through his faith and reliance on Jesus Christ, he found healing and freedom from these struggles. Wayne's story is directed toward Christian men and their families who may be dealing with similar issues, offering encouragement and a message of hope rooted in spiritual transformation.

Jerry grew up feeling like a mistake in a male body, encouraged toward femininity by his mother and rejected by his father — leaving him addicted to cross-dressing and eventually pursuing female hormones and sex-reassignment surgery. After decades of secret struggle, a turning point with a Christian psychiatrist led to honest confession, biblical counseling, and the slow dismantling of deeply embedded lies. Today Jerry lives freely as the man God created him to be, walking daily in faith and accountability.

“Covenant Friend” by Stephen Black examines the profound meaning of true, Christ-centered friendship. Black describes covenant friendship as marked by forgiveness, unwavering loyalty, compassion, wise counsel, and the willingness to share in joys and pain. He encourages believers to first love Christ, then reflect His sacrificial love by being trustworthy, supportive, and caring friends. The article challenges readers to fulfill Jesus’ prayer for unity and love, highlighting the vital role of deep, faithful friendships in Christian life.

“Sexual Sin and Bondage: What Does It Look Like To Be Healed?” outlines the biblical process of transformation from sexual brokenness. The article argues that true healing is not instant perfection but a Spirit-led journey marked by growing intimacy with God, behavioral change, and new identity in Christ. It lists signs of authentic recovery—consistent rejection of temptation, dependence on God, emotional maturity, and selfless service—emphasizing that healing is a unique, progressive process shaped by commitment, knowledge, and reliance on God’s grace.

“Offering Hope to Homosexuals” explores the Christian perspective on homosexuality, stating that while the Bible condemns homosexual acts, it also offers hope for lasting change through faith in Jesus Christ. The article addresses common questions, myths, and misconceptions about homosexuality, discusses causes, and highlights the importance of compassion—not condemnation—for those struggling. It affirms that individuals can experience cleansing, sanctification, and a new identity in Christ, calling churches to provide grace, support, and biblically rooted hope.

This testimony shared through First Stone Ministries recounts a man's healing from six years of sexual abuse by a high school coach that began when he was just twelve. Carrying shame, self-hatred, and fear for over three decades, he found healing through First Stone's counseling process — including writing a raw, confrontational letter to his abuser. Through honesty before God and his wife, and the healing power of Jesus Christ, he discovered that genuine restoration was possible after all.

“Can Homosexuals Change?” reviews psychiatric and psychological opinions, presenting evidence that homosexuality is not genetically predetermined and can be changed. The article shares expert views—such as John Money, Charles Socarides, and Masters & Johnson—on the learned nature of homosexuality and the effectiveness of therapy. It references studies showing that motivated individuals may experience behavioral, identity, or orientation shifts, without psychological harm. The message: change is possible through personal choice, professional help, and spiritual commitment for those who desire it.

Bob Davies spent decades hiding same-sex attraction behind Christian service — Bible school, missions work, and ministry involvement — before finally surrendering his struggle to God and joining Love In Action near San Francisco. Through accountability, honest confession, same-sex affirmation, and the unconditional love of his church community, Bob experienced deep healing. His story culminates in a God-directed marriage to Pam, whose prayers for her future husband began the very month Bob yielded his sexual struggles to the Lord.

“Hurt and Bitterness” explores how unaddressed hurts, often rooted in childhood, can develop into bitterness and rebellion, poisoning relationships and personal well-being. Winkie Pratney explains that bitterness grows when pain is not met with forgiveness, leading to isolation, open defiance, and destructive behaviors. Drawing from biblical principles and practical examples, the article reveals steps to break the cycle: honestly admit hurt, forgive both others and oneself, and seek emotional healing in God. Restoration comes through daily choices to let go and embrace grace.

Laura Leigh Stanlake, Director of Women's Ministries at First Stone Ministries, shares her journey from childhood sexual brokenness and years of hidden shame to a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ. After falling into a consuming lesbian relationship, she felt powerless to leave, a testimony shared at church became the turning point of her life. Through confession, counseling, and biblical community, Laura experienced lasting freedom — learning to trust Jesus as her true source of identity, healing, and contentment.

Stephen Black's testimony recounts a childhood marked by sexual abuse, exposure to pornography, and confusion that led him into a homosexual lifestyle. After years of depression, guilt, and broken relationships, he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in 1983 and experienced profound transformation. Black argues that homosexuality is rooted in childhood experience rather than genetics, and concludes that lasting freedom comes only through genuine repentance, faith in Christ, and grounding in the Word of God.

“Todd’s Greatest Regret” recounts the moving story of Todd Neese, whose dying wish was to warn others after facing AIDS and profound sorrow for not honoring his parents or listening to God. Ministered by Stephen Black, Todd’s final weeks included testimony about forgiveness, faith, and hope in eternal life. His story, shared through videos and his mother’s reflection, encourages readers to seek reconciliation, cherish family, and embrace God’s grace before it’s too late, leaving a legacy of warning and hope.

“The Father Heart of God” explains how our view of God as Father is shaped by earthly relationships, yet Scripture reveals a loving, generous, and attentive parent who desires intimate connection with each child. Dawson addresses six key misconceptions, illustrating God’s kindness, acceptance, and unconditional love despite human failures. The article urges readers to forgive past hurts, receive God’s unique love, and rest in His presence, emphasizing that true spiritual healing and growth begin by understanding God as the perfect, affectionate Father.