CTM Newsletter - January 2026
Beauty in Brokenness
Have you ever been described as broken? For many, that word carries a heavy weight—one that can sound crippling or feel deeply discouraging. It may suggest deficiency, comparison, or the painful belief that one is somehow less than others, or even beyond hope.
Throughout Scripture, brokenness often precedes genuine transformation. In the biblical worldview, vulnerability is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is the very place where believers encounter God’s presence and experience His healing power.
Time and again, Jesus ministered to those who were physically afflicted and emotionally wounded—the woman suffering from chronic bleeding (Mark 5:25–34), the lepers in Luke 17, and the blind men in Matthew 20:30–34. These encounters consistently reveal a central truth: when brokenness meets Christ, divine intervention and renewal follow.
In truth, all of us are broken in some way, or have experienced seasons of deep brokenness. The distinction lies not in whether we are broken, but in how that brokenness is restored. There is a profound beauty in brokenness when it is met with the healing work of Jesus—the “gold” He offers to mend our wounds and restore what has been fractured.
In Revelation 3:18, Jesus speaks to the church in Laodicea, a message that resonates strongly with the church today. They failed to recognize their need for a Savior. At times, we may do the same—or we may recognize our brokenness yet believe we are beyond repair. To both conditions, God offers this invitation:
“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so that you may be rich; and white garments, so that you may be clothed and the shame of your nakedness not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”
I have known the weight of shame, regret, and hopelessness that brokenness can bring. Yet in this passage, I found hope—hope in the gold of faith and love that God freely gives when we ask. He does not discard what is broken; He refines and restores it, shaping us into something beautiful by His own hand.
There is an earthly practice in Japan known as Kintsugi, which means “to repair with gold.” Broken ceramic pieces are carefully joined together using an adhesive mixed with gold, silver, or other precious metals. Rather than hiding the cracks, this process highlights them, allowing the repaired object to become even more beautiful and valuable than it was before.
The golden seams tell a story. They do not deny the damage; they honor the journey. In much the same way, our scars—formed through painful experiences—shape our character and strengthen our faith. They are not meant to be hidden, but redeemed and displayed as evidence of God’s restoring work.
God alone is our true source of gold, refining us through trials. As Zechariah 13:9 declares:
“I will bring that group through the fire and refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’”
If you are feeling broken today, pray for the gold that only God can provide. He promises to refine us in the fire, to clothe us in righteousness, and to fill us with faith and love. In His hands, brokenness is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of something even more beautiful. God is the true beauty found in brokenness.
Sherman’s Story
There are moments in life when faith is tested beyond what we ever imagined we could bear. My story is one of love, betrayal, loss, and ultimately, redemption. Through pain, anger, and confusion, I discovered that even when I felt abandoned, God was still with me—quietly holding me together, guiding me toward healing, and showing me that His promises never fail. What I once thought would destroy me became the very place where God rebuilt my faith and restored my peace.
Mark 5:34
“And He said unto me, Sherman Folks, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.”
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise.”
This is a personal testimony.
I grew up in the church, though I was never baptized. From a young age, I struggled with same-sex attraction. As I got older, I identified as genderfluid, and eventually I made the decision to live as a trans woman. I went on hormones and fully embraced that identity. I never told my family, because I believed this was my life and my choice, and I told myself I didn’t need prayer and that I would never change.
I was married to another trans woman (male to female), someone I deeply loved and believed I would spend the rest of my life with. We lived abroad, far from my family, and our marriage was open. We were involved in BDSM culture and polyamory, able to be with other partners freely. Some people treated me as a princess or even a goddess. I had rules for how I was to be served, and punishments if those rules were broken. People worshiped me, served me tea on BDSM trays, and treated me as something to be adored and obeyed.
Even in all of this, I still believed in God. I prayed every night. But I was living completely outside of His will.
While living abroad, I developed severe dental pain and needed a tooth pulled. The pain became unbearable, and I could barely eat for days. Eventually my gums swelled, and in desperation, I decided to use marijuana edibles for the first time in my life.
Earlier that same day, before using marijuana, I remember telling myself how happy I was. I told myself I was finally living the life I wanted, living as a woman in a country I had always dreamed of being in. I told myself I would never change back. I was even making plans to visit another partner in The Netherlands just weeks later.
After using marijuana, I initially felt relaxed, but then I became extremely sick with a severe headache and nausea. I laid down, expecting to sleep it off. I told my spouse that I felt strange and wanted the bed to myself. I turned my phone off because I didn’t trust myself to think clearly. At one point, without fully understanding why, I told my spouse, “Our marriage is going to end tonight.”
I fell asleep—and then I woke up to the unmistakable voice of God.
He said, “Sherman, I made you a man for a reason. You need to leave this sinful lifestyle. You need to come home.”
God spoke to me as a firm yet gentle Father. It sounded like my own voice, but I knew it was Him. There was no confusion.
From that moment on, there was intense spiritual warfare. The enemy planted fear and lies in my mind. I was shown images of my own funeral. A song I hadn’t heard in years—“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior”—kept repeating in my head. The enemy told me my mother would have to come get me, not to bring me home, but for my funeral. Later, my mother told me she had dreamed she would have to come get me from that very place.
God corrected the lies immediately. He reminded me that the dead know nothing, and that what I was being shown was deception.
God instructed me to reach out to my family in the United States. We got everyone on the phone and prayed together. Then He told me to leave everything behind—my clothes, my possessions—and to take only my passport and birth certificate.
I hadn’t slept in days. I was disoriented and experiencing hallucinations. At the airport, the enemy repeatedly told me I was in the wrong line or about to miss my flight. I would step out of line, only to be corrected again. More than once, I tried to get on a train back to the city. Each time, God stopped me and said, “What do you think you’re doing?”
God provided exactly the money needed for my flights, and my family was able to get me home. God carried me onto both planes. I made it home safely—not by my strength, but by His mercy.
I had lived as a woman for years. I had built an entire identity, marriage, and lifestyle around it. And yet, in one night, God stripped it all away and called me back to truth.
I believe we are living in the last days before Jesus returns. That experience is why I chose to get my life together—because I want to go to heaven. I don’t want separation from God. And despite everything, I still love the people from my past and wish things could have been different.
I’m sharing this testimony because no matter what you’re going through—confusion, sin, identity, fear—God is real, and He is still calling His children home.
If even one person hears this and realizes that God can do it for them too, then it’s worth sharing.
LISTEN TO “MADE NEW” WRITTEN BY SHERMAN
CLICK HERE
Founders Corner
Tech, Temptation, and Taking Back Your Mind in 2026
As we enter 2026, many of us feel the growing pressure of a digital world that never sleeps. Our devices buzz before our thoughts settle, and temptation often shows up not in public places, but in the private glow of a screen. Jesus warned His disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41).
That warning lands differently in a world where temptation now fits in our pockets.
The good news? God hasn’t left us to face this battle alone. Scripture promises that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). Sexual integrity in the digital age isn't about self-punishment or trying harder. It’s about becoming wiser, more aware, and more connected to the God who walks with us—even in our online lives.
1. Temptation Loves Isolation — Technology Creates It
Most people don’t fall when they’re surrounded by support. They fall in isolation. Whether it's late-night scrolling, emotional exhaustion, or a desire to escape, the quiet moments often become vulnerable ones.
But Scripture reminds us: “He will not let your foot slip… The Lord watches over you.” (Psalm 121:3,5).
You are never actually alone in the moments that feel the most private.
God meets us there.
2. Awareness is Spiritual Warfare
Temptation isn’t random. It follows patterns—emotions, times of day, states of mind. The Bible teaches us to “be sober-minded and watchful” (1 Peter 5:8), which includes noticing our inner triggers.
Ask yourself:
- When am I most vulnerable?
- What emotions lead me toward unhealthy escapes?
- What am I really craving—connection, relief, affirmation, rest?
When we recognize the battle, we can fight it wisely.
And we fight from victory, because Jesus said, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
3. Build Integrity Into Your Tech Life
This isn’t about shame. It’s about shaping habits that protect the mind and heart God entrusted to you. Proverbs urges us to “guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).
A few simple boundaries can make all the difference:
- Charge your phone outside the bedroom.
- Use screen-time limits or filters during the hours you’re most vulnerable.
- Let a trusted believer walk with you. “Two are better than one… if either falls, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10).
- Fill the silence with life-giving input. Scripture audio, worship, or a quick prayer can interrupt destructive patterns.
4. Turn Your Scroll Into a Sanctuary
God doesn’t avoid the messy or modern parts of your life. He steps right into them.
Paul reminds us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2).
One of the most powerful ways to renew the mind is to pause mid-scroll and pray:
“Lord, guard my thoughts. Redirect my desires. Make me aware of Your presence right now.”
Small prayers create big spiritual shifts.
5. Hope for 2026: God Makes All Things New
Many people carry shame from past failures or patterns. But Scripture declares, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Your setbacks do not define your story.
And when you feel overwhelmed, God promises:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful… He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
This new year can be a year of clarity, courage, and freedom—where you reclaim your imagination, your attention, and your integrity.
And remember: you never walk alone. Coming Together Ministries exists to remind you of that truth and to walk with you toward healing, wholeness, and hope.
