CTM Newsletter - February 2026
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Some say, “Coming Together Ministries pushes people to suicide.”
“No!?” I incredulously respond.
“Yes, by addressing sexual issues, they say ministries like ours are responsible for the differential suicide rates between the heterosexual and the non-heterosexual populations [1].”
To the postmodern mind, the logic of blame goes like this, “When someone hears their lifestyle labeled as wrong, they feel judged and will experience an avalanche of negative emotions potentially culminating in suicide.” But what is at the root of this two-fold suicide attempts increase [1]?
The heart. The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? (Jer. 17:9) And what is our culture's central commandment? “Follow your heart.” “Live and let live.” “Do what you want.” “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law. —Aleister Crowley (occultist).
What surprised me about the opening dialogue was not the argument, but that it had come from faculty working at a Christian institution. What is the place for diversity in the world and in the Christian church?
The first Amendment of the United States constitution establish free speech: diversity of opinion as a fundamental American freedom. It is illegal, unconstitutional, to suppress it. While one can be sued for libel (falsehoods published to damage the reputation of another), we have the right to disagree (to have diverse opinions) with anyone including president. This luxury is not enjoyed in Iran, China, or Venezuela where thousands are jailed or killed for expressing diverse opinions.
Within Christianity diversity of opinion operates under constraints; it must uphold the mission of the church. Take a moment to consider the (very diverse) opinion that one doesn’t need to follow Christ. By definition, this person is no longer a Christian, for the very word Christian means one who follow Christ.
Nevertheless, Christianity embraces a wide variety of diversity. In Romans 14, Paul admonishes the (omnivore) strong in faith not to make his weak (vegetarian) brother stumble. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God (Rom 14:20). We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak (Rom 15:1).
While the church should embrace a large variety of opinions, it is constrained by its mission: the gospel: the good news that Christ redeem us from sin.
Why is sin the priority, over say hunger? Why did Jesus speak so often against sin [Go and sin not (John 8:11), If you love me keep my commandments (John 14:15)], while being somewhat apathetic towards more concrete issues (for you have the poor with you always Matt 26:11)? Because it is sin that most acutely degrades humanity. Because sin is the root of injustice. Because it is a lifestyle of sin that determines one’s fate: an eternity of non-existence or an eternity of life.
One weekend in college, I decided to stop fighting the good fight against sin and enjoy pornography without remorse. After about thirty hours away from God, I experienced a new lifetime low. Depressed, jittery, empty, and miserable; I realized how far I had fallen. Confessing my sin, I felt my emotion reawaken: first remorse with tears, then acceptance and peace. Unfortunately, it would be many years before I gained the victory over pornography, but by learning to immediately ask forgiveness, I avoided countless hours of dejection wallowing in guilt.
Ezekiel paints a stark picture, but if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, … his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand (Ez 33:6). The church is the watchmen. Sin is the sword, and ministries like Coming Together Ministries are responsible for articulating antidotes to suicide-inducing sexual sins.
While the world broadcasts lust, adultery, and more; most Christians find these topics difficult to discuss publicly. This is why our ministry exists. To fill the information vacuum. To educate. To share our stories. To let those suffering in silence know that they are not alone. To guide sin-addicts to freedom in Jesus.
Nicholas Vence, PhD
Nicholas has a PhD in computational atomic physics and works as a data scientist for Toyota Financial Services.
[1] Michael King et al., “A systematic review of mental disorder, suicide, and deliberate self harm in lesbian, gay and bisexual people,” BMC Psychiatry 8 (2008): 70, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-8-70.
My name is Ando Randrianarivo. I am a graduate student at Andrews University, majoring in Community and International Development. I have a heartfelt passion for community, humanitarian service, and sustainable development, and I am deeply committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of others.
I especially love gardening during the summer, as it reminds me that growth takes patience, care, and faith—one of the reasons I chose to pursue a minor in Agriculture. Outside of my studies, I enjoy working out and cooking, finding joy in nurturing both body and soul.
Above all, my life is grounded in my love for God. I am eternally thankful for His guidance and faithfulness, especially in the midst of life’s challenges. Through every difficulty, He has carried me, strengthened me, and lovingly directed my steps, and for that I remain deeply grateful.
Australia: A Journey of Divine Appointments
As I reflect on the four weeks I spent in Australia, I am overwhelmed by the unmistakable hand of God guiding every step. What began as a series of speaking engagements became a deeply personal reminder that the Lord orchestrates divine appointments for the sake of even one searching soul.
At one church, a young person shared something I will never forget. They had been struggling, questioning whether it was even possible to follow Jesus anymore. As they looked through the church bulletin, they were stunned to see my name. They later told me they were convinced that God had brought Michael Carducci all the way to Australia just for them! They had been on the verge of leaving the church and fully embracing the gay culture, ready to turn their back on God. Yet they felt impressed to attend the presentations. Through the practical, Spirit-led steps shared, their heart was stirred. By God’s grace and the Righteousness by Faith message, they recommitted their life to Jesus Christ and chose to follow Him fully. It was a sacred reminder that heaven moves powerfully for each individual.
In Melbourne, I spoke at a youth event where young women courageously shared their stories of abuse, sexual brokenness, and deep regret. Some spoke of molestation by family members, others of sexual experiences and abortions that left lasting wounds. Young men shared their own struggles with pornography, addiction, and shame. It was heartbreaking to see how deeply sexual sin has wounded even those raised in Christian homes. Yet the message that resonated most was that forgiveness is real, that reconciliation with God is possible, and that through the merits of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross, anyone can be made brand new.
In Adelaide, I had the privilege of equipping over 20 pastors through a time of teaching and questions. Their desire to both protect their churches and compassionately care for those struggling reminded me how vital this ministry is. The first question was from a pastor that admitted his own prejudice and came up to the front and gave me a hug and through tears confessed how God had convicted him. After the Q&A, the entire group of men came forward and all of them put their hands on me and prayed over me asking for strength and wisdom and power. It was a moment I will never forget.
Sydney brought a special joy as I shared not only with adults but also with the children during Sabbath School. Through the “In His Image” presentation, it was beautiful to see the church light up with hope, understanding God’s design while preserving the innocence of the young.
My time concluded in Perth, where I reunited with my friend Jonathan. Staying with his in-laws was a blessing beyond words. On their property, where kangaroos roam freely, they shared their love for the Lord in tangible ways. In a moment of deep conviction, they donated their wedding ring and gold jewelry to support the ministry. With tears, we prayed together, witnessing firsthand the sacrificial generosity God inspires.
Australia was filled with friendships, healing, and reminders of God’s faithfulness. As we move forward into March, we do so encouraged and strengthened. Thank you for your prayers and support. God continues to provide through your generosity.
Blessings until next month.
Q: What are some things I should expect after being delivered from sexual sin?
A: Praise the Lord for being delivered from sexual sin! This is a true victory gained with all glory going to God. The Heavenly angels join in rejoicing in your deliverance, but someone else has taken note as well. Satan. That old serpent called the Devil (Rev. 12:9). Expect the Devil to take special notice in your newfound victory. He will try to find or create openings in your life to get you to fall. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
“Keep thy heart with all diligence,” is the counsel of the wise man; “for out of it are the issues of life.” As man “thinketh in his heart, so is he.” The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ, is building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown. David’s prayer should be the petition of every soul: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” And having become partakers of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto perfection, being “kept by the power of God, through faith.” (MYP 285.1)
“Guard the Avenues of the Soul—We have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts.” (1 MCP 107.3)
