Jul 21
1994
Adventure In Divine Submission - AIDS
Mike Hawkins grew up feeling alienated from other boys, eventually mistaking his need for male friendship for homosexual desire. After years in the gay lifestyle, he found freedom through Jesus Christ — only to receive an HIV-positive diagnosis shortly after. Rather than despair, Mike embraced his illness as an "Adventure in Divine Submission," founding First Stone Ministries' Christian AIDS Network and sharing his testimony widely until his death in 1995 at age 30. His life remains a profound testimony to Christ's power to redeem and transform.
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.
“The Man in the Mirror” recounts Sy Rogers’ compelling transformation from a life marked by transsexual identity, early trauma, and same-sex attraction to fulfillment in Christ, marriage, and fatherhood. Through personal crisis, failed solutions, and spiritual searching, Sy finds hope and clarity in the love of God. Over years, he abandons false identities, embraces Christian manhood, and testifies to lasting restoration, healthy relationships, and freedom from the past. His story offers hope for others seeking healing and genuine identity in Christ.
“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.