One of the greatest blessings in ministry is witnessing seeds planted years earlier begin to bear fruit.
During a recent Carolina Camp Meeting, Coming Together Ministries leaders experienced one of those moments. Several years earlier, while the ministry was presenting a workshop at Carolina Camp Meeting, a 14-year-old young man approached the booth with many questions. He was polite, but clearly conflicted. Influenced by messages he was hearing in the culture around him, he was struggling to reconcile his Christian faith with questions surrounding same-sex attraction.
“Why doesn’t God want me to love who I want to love?” he asked.
“If God doesn’t want me to be this way, then why did He make me this way?”
Behind each question was a young heart searching for answers.
At first, he was hesitant to be seen talking with ministry representatives. He worried others might make assumptions about him simply because he had stopped at the booth. Yet, despite his reservations, he continued asking questions, listening, and engaging with the ministry.
Three years later, during this year’s Carolina Camp Meeting, the same young man returned. Now 17 years old, he approached the booth with a smile and a confidence that had not been evident before. He shared what God had been doing in his life, and how much the ministry had meant to him during those formative years.
He spoke of growing in his relationship with Christ, experiencing increasing freedom from struggles that once felt overwhelming, and developing a desire to help other young people who are facing similar questions.
His story was not merely about changed behavior. It was the story of a young man discovering hope, finding biblical clarity, and learning to trust Christ more deeply.
Later, he joined Bryce Bowman, pastor, and a Coming Together Ministries representative for dinner. During their conversation, they listened as he shared more of his testimony. Together, they reflected on experiences that may have shaped his struggles and on ways God had been leading him. As pieces of his story began to connect, tears came to his eyes. Understanding began to replace confusion.
The conversation became a reminder that genuine transformation is often a process. It may unfold over years through prayer, patient listening, truth shared in love, and the steady work of the Holy Spirit. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart,” Galatians 6:9.
Stories like this are part of the reason Coming Together Ministries continues its mission. Across North Carolina and surrounding states, the ministry meets individuals and families who are searching for hope, biblical clarity, and compassionate support. Many are asking the same questions this young man once asked. Many are looking for someone willing to walk beside them on their spiritual journey.
In September, Hendersonville Seventh-day Adventist Church will host the annual Coming Together Live 6 conference, focusing on healing, wholeness in Christ, and transformation. Ministry leaders believe the event will provide another opportunity to share the hope of salvation with individuals longing for encouragement, understanding, and a deeper relationship with Christ.
For more information about Coming Together Ministries or Coming Together Live 6, visit comingtogetherministries.org.
Carolina | August 2026
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