I just recently read the discourse posted by Richard. My heart breaks for anyone who is going through what he has. There are however, Christians who believe that we should reach out in love and support to any believer dealing with these struggles. Additionally Christians need to love the sinner as well. Jesus ate with and ministered to sinners. If we wish to be like Jesus (Christians-little christs) we need to do the same. Loving the person, but not the sin.

However, I believe there is hope for gays (most homosexuals I know prefer to be called gay). I've been reading a book called "You don't have to be Gay", by Jeff Konrad. In this book he speaks of homosexuality developing from a variety of factors, but stemming primarily from unmet homo-emotional needs. When these needs go unmet, the individual begins to convert the very real emotional needs and attraction towards others of the same sex as a sexual attraction. Konrad explains it all so much better than I can, because he was "gay" and he understands what that means, and what it feels like.

I encourage Richard and anyone who feels they are homosexual, or gay to read that book, and to research "gender identity". Which I believe lies at the root of the problem. I don't think God made anyone "gay". I think however, our society has helped to create this problem for a lot of young men and women. I also think giving in to the sexual attraction for the same sex, and committing homosexual acts is sin, but I think that "No temptation as overtaken you but such as in common to man, but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" I Cor. 10:13 NKV.
The key words of the Lord here are "...the way of escape..." There is a way out, it's not hopeless, and something that the "homosexual" must just suffer with all his life.

There has been a real deficit within the church of understanding and love for those who suffer in the way Richard has been suffering. I also commend you Richard for you dedication to live your life without sin, in the midst of unmet needs, and temptation.
I also will pray for you, just as I pray daily for my own son who has this same issue. However in his case he has given into temptation, and is living in sin. So he really stands in need of prayer.

If anyone chooses to pray for my son, his name is David Joshua. He asked Christ to be his savior when he was only 5, and was trying to live the Christian life until he finally left the church to be "gay" a few years ago. He is now 28, severely depressed, and standing in the need of love and prayer.

It was because of David that I searched for and found answers to the question, is there hope for homosexuals? I strongly believe there is, and that there is also support through a group called Exodus International, and another group called Desert Stream. If you or anyone you know is struggling with homosexuality, please love them, pray for them and find the help that's out there for them.

Valerie