Jesus' teachings change former lesbian's lifestyle

"Who does Penn State love?"

"Jesus!"

Who is Penn State going to serve?"

"Jesus!"

These words were shouted loudly in the packed HUB Ballroom last night as Jami Breedlove, a Christian and former lesbian, spoke and tried to lighten the mood with her audience in a tense situation.

But some of the audience members were not necessarily moved.

Many were wearing "Pride Week" T-shirts, and were present to hear Breedlove speak about her past homosexual lifestyle and Christianity.

Speaking with conviction and feeling, Breedlove described her struggle as a lesbian.

"I was shunned by my aunt and uncle's church," she said. "I know what it feels like to feel cold, alone and in the dark."

No longer a lesbian, Breedlove now practices Christian ministry to those struggling with their sexuality. Although she has not lived a gay lifestyle for 12 years, she said she still remembers what life was like then.

"I was married twice in the gay church, took the last name of my last lover and I even tried artificial insemination to have a baby with her," she said.

Because of the persistence of a man who is now her husband and Bible reading, Breedlove said she realized that homosexuality was not right for her.

"I (now) believe homosexuality is a sin," she said. "And I also believe it is possible to change according to the Word of God. But I ultimately realized that sexuality is not important.

"Jesus is the most important thing you'll ever know in your whole life. Eternity is what will last forever."

Students at the University must not be afraid to spread their knowledge of Jesus, Breedlove said.

"We have a need to know Jesus Christ at Penn State," she said. "Today's young people on campuses are our future leaders, and if they don't know Jesus Christ, then we're already in a lost and dying world."

People do not live forever, Breedlove told the audience, and they must realize the importance of Jesus.

"Someday, our lives will end," she said. "Some sooner, some later . . . where will your eternity be? If (eternity) begins without Jesus Christ, it's too late."

At the end of her speech, Breedlove asked all who believed that they needed to "get right with God" to come forward. She then asked all Christians in attendance to come forward to sing praise to God with her and pray. More than half the audience responded.

As Breedlove continued speaking, most gay, lesbian and bisexual members left or were leaving.

Donald Smith, a staff assistant in Pattee and a member of LGBSA, said he can see why he doesn't go to church anymore.

"Over the years, I've come to see it has nothing to offer me," he said. "What is going on is untruth."