Although I am an active member in my local church, I also wanted to find something that was fulfilling within the community. I took an extensive course and am now a trained volunteer on a help/distress line. By phone, I talk to people with almost every pain imaginable -- poverty, substance abuse, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, mental illness, depression, and suicide. I wish I could tell you that it doesn't happen in the Christian community, but I can't.

I asked God to lay a burden upon my heart and He did.

A few years ago, when my children were in high school, a student enrolled who was HIV+. One day he walked into the cafeteria. The place became deathly silent and people drew back from him. I wanted to go and see the fellow and talk with him, giving him a bit of comfort, but I had nothing to say. I didn't know how to approach the subject. (I have learned a lot since then.)

I feel the pain of people like Carrol and her husband who realize that their son is gay.

I have a burden for the brothers, sisters and friends of the person that is gay.

I have a burden for the teachers, pastors, doctors and friends who hear stories that would break your heart.

But above all, I have a burden for the individual that is gay. It's a lonely life and the temptations are great. Lonelier yet, because so many of them feel reticent in sharing their hurts with their friends and even with their church family who have sometimes condemned without understanding.

I am proud of the men and women who are fighting the battle that few people understand. I am proud of the men and women who have same gender attractions and have kept their focus on the God who loves and understands.

And I am proud of my church when it tries to emulate the care on compassion that Christ showed to everyone.

God bless each of you as you face the challenges that are presented on this web page.

Ralph Seland

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