A Ministry of Hope and Healing

our purpose

to bring hope

For someone in the darkness of a long battle against unwanted sexual desires, finding hope for the first time may be very much like glimpsing the first light of dawn.

FirstLight is a ministry that wants to bring this hope to people and encourage them that they are not alone in their struggle. It can be liberating to discover one of the core teachings of Christianity: Based on behavior alone, no one anywhere is righteous before God.

Our purpose is to bring the power of Christ's love and the truth of the Christian Scriptures to bear on the sexual confusion of our time, especially for the sake of men and women who struggle against unwanted sexual desires.

to bring clarity

We also want to address the wider culture by responding to the challenges that confront people in an increasingly gay-affirming society, where the message is, "Celebrate your sexuality without boundaries and rules."

Some in the Christian church have responded unkindly, attacking gay and lesbian people; others proclaim that homosexuality is God's gift to be practiced in a loving relationship.

At FirstLight, we desire to respond to these challenges in a way that reflects biblical love and truth:

• Teaching and demonstrating respect and love for all people regardless of their sexual orientation
• Upholding and defending the view that homosexual desire is something to be resisted rather than embraced, since it is contrary to the sexual boundaries set by God for our good.

Our intent is not to regulate people's lives, but rather to offer an alternative view of sexuality. We provide help for those who want it and engage in respectful, reasoned debate with those who disagree with our views.

our ministry

As of September 2004, we have three weekly support groups meeting. Two of the groups are for men struggling with same-sex attraction, and one group for heterosexual men struggling with pornographic addiction. We also have an affiliate ministry for women struggling with same-sex attraction named "Ray of Hope." Groups offer:

• A time of study regarding the roots of their struggle and how they can walk in obedience to the Lord
• A place to share the joys and trials of their journeys
• An opportunity to spend time praying with, and being accountable to other men and women who understand their struggle

We believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit and with proper support, accountability, and biblically-informed guidance, greater sexual wholeness is possible for those who pursue it.

struggling with same-sex attraction?

If you are dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction, you are not alone. You may have prayed many times for God to remove your temptations. You may be wracked with guilt, wondering if God can or will forgive you. Or, you may be on the verge of wholeheartedly accepting a gay identity. If you desire to know more about God's grace and how to find peace, please contact us at FirstLight.

You do not need to be a Christian to attend a support group. We welcome anyone who is open to learning more about the practical help and freedom to be found in the Christian faith.

The path of the righteous is like the first light of dawn, shining ever brighter until the full light of day. - Proverbs 4:18