Oct 29
1998
A Mother's Testimony
In this heartfelt testimony shared by First Stone Ministries, a mother reflects on two of the most painful experiences of her life — the death of her daughter in a car accident and her son's disclosure that he is gay. Comparing the two griefs, she concludes there are indeed things harder than death. Through years of prayer, self-examination, and surrender, she found peace by releasing her son to God, resting in His care, and trusting Him to bring her prodigal home.
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.
“The Theater of Your Mind… What’s Showing?” explains the powerful link between thoughts and actions, using Romans12:2 to highlight the lifelong process of renewing the mind. Gunderson describes how unchecked thoughts form destructive patterns, impacting behavior and spiritual health. By embracing God’s Word, focusing on Christ, and resisting negative thinking, believers can break free from sinful ruts. The article offers practical steps—scripture meditation, replacing unhealthy thoughts, and determination—to conquer temptation, find healing, and grow in spiritual maturity.
Clay Brown's testimony traces a lifelong battle with pornography and sexual addiction rooted in childhood exposure and deepened during his years in the Marine Corps. After losing his marriage and drifting far from God, Clay sought help from First Stone Ministries. Through discipleship, scripture, prayer, and accountability, he found genuine freedom. Clay's story is not one of instant deliverance but of hard-won, daily victory — and a deepening desire to follow the One who set him free.
“Who Needs Quiet Time? You Do!” emphasizes that daily alone time with God is vital for authentic Christian living. The article explains true quiet time is not a ritual, but a deliberate choice to deepen relationship and intimacy with God. Addressing common obstacles like guilt and busyness, it encourages believers to readjust their priorities, hopes, and beliefs, highlighting practical steps—prayer, Bible study, journaling, and repentance. Consistent quiet time transforms believers from “duty-bound” to joy-filled children of God.
Steven Hunt grew up raised by his grandparents in California, where early sexual abuse by an older cousin, hurtful labels, and unmet needs for fatherly affirmation set him on a path of homosexuality and promiscuity. After a dramatic conversion at 19 and a courageous escape from a controlling partner, Steven's journey toward freedom included Desert Stream Ministries, relocation to Oklahoma, and eventually marriage. Employed by First Stone Ministries until his death from AIDS-related complications, Steven's life testified to healing as a lifelong, worthwhile process.
Michael Babb grew up without a father, developing deep insecurity and same-sex attraction that followed him through two marriages and a secret emotional and sexual relationship with a man. Consumed by depression, guilt, and thoughts of suicide, a providential phone call broke through his silence. After moving to Oklahoma City and connecting with First Stone Ministries, Michael found genuine healing through an intimate relationship with Jesus — no longer identifying as gay and walking in freedom with a restored marriage.
“Knowing God’s Will” by Winkie Pratney explains how every believer can discover God’s purpose by meeting biblical conditions: sincere desire, humility, clear conscience, and regular prayer. The article outlines three guidance categories—personal (Scripture, Holy Spirit), communal (wise counsel, preaching), and supernatural (visions, divine encounters). Pratney emphasizes surrendering personal desires, resisting temptation, and faithfully listening for God’s direction. The message assures that God delights to reveal His will, empowering believers to live purposefully and bear the image of Christ.
“Responding to Temptation” details practical Christian steps for overcoming sin. The article explains the importance of receiving God’s grace, reckoning yourself dead to sin, and remaining vigilant in spiritual warfare. Readers are urged to recognize when temptations come from within versus demonic attack, respond with aggressive prayer or repentance, and love God more than fleeting pleasures. True victory comes from embracing both humility and spiritual authority—yielded before God like a lamb, but courageous against evil like a lion, trusting Christ for lasting transformation.