Seeing the Invisible
Generation Youth for Christ (GYC) is an incredible conference for young people to dive deep into the word of God and witness to the community, winning precious souls for Christ. This year's theme “Seeing the Invisible”, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida brought thousands of youth and young adults together in a powerful way that could be felt. It was the providential movements of the Holy Spirit that was made evident for the Coming Together Ministries Team throughout the week that made a lasting impact on everyone whom we came into contact with.

Plans Interrupted
Michael, Harrison, Iesha, Paul, and I started our days with united prayer as a team, surrendering our wills for God’s will to be done. As soon as we gave ourselves over to Jesus, the invisible hand of God’s providence interrupted our plans and gave us divine appointments that transformed lives and led to kingdom friendships to last eternity. It became apparent to us that we were at GYC for reasons beyond the conference. God used GYC as an opportunity to bring us together as one so that we could minister to the souls whom He sent by our booth.

A Tangible Display of Love
From the comfortable inviting couch to the warm embrace that we shared with new friends and old, everything was an act of ministry. When families and children grew weary of the long walks through the exhibit hall, or a teen struggling with same sex attraction needed a listening ear, we invited them to come aside and rest awhile at our booth. We shared stories, laughs, prayers, and tears, but most of all we shared about the redemptive love of Jesus Christ. No matter what we’ve done or how far we’ve gone, Jesus is able to save and transform. It was an incredible experience being God’s hands and feet as a unit to reach one more soul for Christ.

A Humbled Heart
When I found out about Coming Together Ministries it was through each speaker's testimony that I found a little bit of my story. Through their testimonies, God brought more healing into my life. Now that my testimony is in tract form, I can hardly find the words to describe how it feels to hear the impact my story has made on people I met at GYC.

Building Kingdom Friendships
Even after GYC, God continued to give us wonderful moments to share His love on “Sunday Funday”. I think Spencer said it best: “While some of our group were off connecting with friends, others had the chance to pour into new ones. It’s a powerful reminder that our mission doesn’t have an “off” switch. Whether we’re at a conference or at the beach, the focus remains the same: reaching one more for Christ and building more kingdom friendships”.

Joy was our “surprise” baby, born nine years after our son. From the beginning, she was surrounded by love—deeply cherished by her brother and her two older sisters. She brought laughter and light into our family in ways only a long-awaited child can.

When Joy was four years old, there was a photo of her dressed like a boy with the playful caption, “Cool Boy David.” At the time, it seemed innocent and amusing. Looking back now, I recognize moments that may have reflected deeper questions forming in her young heart—questions I did not yet understand.

Around that same age, while playing “house” with older cousins, Joy experienced inappropriate touching by another child. As a mother, it pains me to look back and realize how early her sense of safety and innocence was affected. In those years, I did not fully grasp how profoundly such experiences could shape a child’s emotions and understanding of themselves.

As Joy grew, there were moments that, in hindsight, signaled her inner struggles. In elementary school, she shared experiences of curiosity and boundary-crossing with peers—things that troubled me later far more than they did at the time. It was the early 1990s, and conversations around trauma, identity, and same-sex attraction were not common or clearly understood.

When Joy was twelve, during a quiet Sabbath lunch, she shared a fear that girls might touch her in ways similar to her past experiences. That moment stopped me in my tracks. I knew then that she was carrying something heavy, and I needed help.

I contacted our family doctor, and soon after, Joy began counseling at a children’s clinic. During her first sessions, a counselor concluded that Joy was gay. From that point forward, our journey became more complex and emotionally challenging. Friday night worship became sacred ground—a place where we read Scripture, talked openly, sought understanding, and asked God for wisdom and guidance.

As Joy entered adolescence, she continued to struggle. In middle school and high school, she formed emotional attachments to other girls. Though my heart was concerned, I did my best to remain present, to speak gently about God’s design as I understood it, and to keep the door of communication open.

When Joy went to college at nineteen, her independence increased, and with it came choices that deepened her path. Through online access and relationships, she entered into a long-term same-sex relationship. Eventually, she married in 2022 in New York.

In December of 2025, Joy’s world was shaken when she learned that her spouse had been unfaithful. Heartbroken, Joy left the marriage and returned home. Today, she is grieving—not only the loss of a relationship, but the dreams and stability she hoped it would provide.

As her mother, I am also in a place of tension—caught between wanting to protect her from further pain and knowing I cannot control her choices. I continue to wrestle in prayer, trusting God to guide both of us with love and truth and to bring Joy back from a life of misguided sexuality and identity into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Through it all, I am deeply grateful that I am not walking this road alone. God has surrounded me with prayer warriors through Coming Together Ministries—faithful believers who lift our family in prayer, share Scripture, and offer encouragement.

This journey has taught me patience, humility, and compassion. It has reminded me that my daughter belongs to God first. He loves her more than I ever could, and He is faithful even when the path is unclear.

“For I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children.” —Isaiah 49:25

By Mary Ann

February has arrived with a sting.

Back home in Southwest Michigan, the cold February winds have been relentless, and this winter has felt especially brutal. The gray skies, frozen ground, and biting temperatures seem to press in on both body and soul. Winter has a way of exposing what we long for most—warmth, shelter, and connection.

Ironically, I am finishing up my time in Australia this month, where I have been since January 20th. While they are enjoying summer here, whether in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, or Perth, one thing has been unmistakably consistent across every city: the temperature of the issue of sexual integrity.

It is hot everywhere.

This social phenomenon is overtaking people across the globe—young and old alike. And if I’m being honest, the noise, confusion, and pressure feel louder than ever before. More than ever, I am convinced this is the time—myself included—to transition away from endless social media consumption and intentionally spend more time in the presence of Jesus Christ.

As I look ahead, I am determined to increase my time with Jesus in 2026. The turmoil is increasing. The distractions are multiplying. And the return of Jesus is closer than ever. If there was ever a time to anchor our hearts in His presence, it is now.

Recently, I was reminded why this ministry matters so deeply.

At a recent event, I ran into a young girl I had met a year earlier. When I first met her while speaking at her church, her parents kept gently pushing her in my direction. She wasn’t open to me at the time, and I didn’t want to force myself into her space. I’ve learned to always assume that someone in the congregation is hurting, confused, or carrying deep emotional pain around identity or sexuality—but I also believe connection must be chosen, not imposed. So I try to temper what I share with that individual in mind.

We spoke only briefly before I left.

This time she came right up to me and gave me a hug… not just a polite hug, but a super hug! She wrapped her arms around my waist and buried her head in my chest. I held on as long as she did, and we began to share.

I gently told her how scary it can feel to find yourself on the other side of your identity. I shared pieces of my own story—how I wrestled with gender confusion and attractions I thought God hated me for, how confusing and overwhelming those years were, and how my tastes, preferences, and sense of self continued to shift and evolve well into my late twenties. I told her that some days I didn’t know how I would make it to the next day with all the thoughts swirling in my head.

But God was faithful.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
—Lamentations 3:22–23

I told her how Jesus was always there, how He heard her just as He heard me, and how He protected me from myself as I pursued wholeness. I assured her that I wanted to be there for her, whatever she decides, because the real issue isn’t sexuality or identity.

The real issue is feeling connected.
Feeling loved.
Especially when you feel unlovable.

We cried together…

Moments like that remind me of something so freeing: it isn’t my job to convert anyone. That is the Holy Spirit’s job, and He does it very well. All the pressure is off. I don’t have to hunt for opportunities. Most times, they simply land in my lap.

I am deeply grateful that God allows me to be a small example of His love and kindness. It is an honor I don’t deserve—but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Do you need a hug?

Jesus’ arms are open wide. He stretched them out on that cross so you could feel the full weight of His love—not your sin. He endured humiliation, pain, and shame to secure your pardon.

“For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:2

Don’t be afraid to ask to feel His embrace.
He wants it even more than you do.