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Christianity Today, March (Web-only), 2008 |

Speaking Out

I Knew I Wasn't Alone

The recent study findings on STDs confirm my experience—and my conviction that churches can do more to help young women.

Jennifer Oxford | posted 3/17/2008 10:00AM

A recently released study finding that at least one in four teenage girls nationwide has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) — and the not-so-publicized news that so, too, does one in five adults ...

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chris

Posted: March 29, 2008 10:59 AM


i'm not sure why she had to "go through" anything. After all, she contracted an infection, and probably an easily treatable one at that. what a sad story.

RME	Posted: March 29, 2008 9:56 AM

I appreciated the honesty and vulnerability of Jen's article and especially the video. I am thankful that the Father has drawn you into His loving forgiveness and given you a husband who models that love in human skin. I pray that others who do not know Him will ask you questions and that those who do will put down the condemning stones and offer a hand to help. I have not had your experience with sexual sin, but most of my friends have. Thank you on their behalf, as well, for your testimony of a big and sufficient God.

MB	Posted: March 29, 2008 3:51 AM

This article is so encouraging. I didnot know that there are other people who is suffering the same shame. I am in a similar situation right now. I am at the age where alot of my peers are getting married and starting their families. Everyone just finds it so odd that someone like me, who would be considered attractive, is not married nor in a relationship. How do you disclose the shame? I was 12 years old when my uncle had sex with me and infected me with venereal warts. I never had sex even when I was a teenager. I am now 28 y-0 and I often wonder if there was any chance of me getting married and have a meaningful relationship. I am so happy for your testimony to know that I am not there only one going through this. I am just happy that there is a God, who despite my history of sexual abuse, still "has plans to give me hope and a future".

SylviaOwensby

Posted: March 26, 2008 5:17 AM

I think this article is great! I'm sure many people reading it had no idea about how bad the STD problem is until reading this.And the author did a good job on figuring out ways to try to help.Not talking about such a serious problem in church,home,and in all arenas of life is deadly to alot of our young people,who as the author mentioned learn other things besides the truth,from friends,televisin,and about every where.People should also hear what God says about reframing from sex until marriage,but also about forgiveness.We should always be there for anyone going through this STD disease,or ANY problem.God bless you author and my prayers are with you!

Tiffany Stuart

Posted: March 21, 2008 6:30 PM


Enjoyed reading this story. Went the website and watched the video. Excellent ministry. Thanks for sharing your secret.

CEO	Posted: March 21, 2008 5:26 AM

Anna, how many christians are there in the USA and how many of those who call themselves christians actually walk according to the word? In a country where there are churches with gay clergy and where quite a number of churches now have a pretty liberal attitude, the govt survey might just be right. One of the things that trouble me in the whole STD debate is the fact that it is not acknowledged that some STDs can be contracted through non-sexual means. I know this from experience, as I contracted an STD from water that splashed on me direct from the toilet bowl. I used the toilet after a man, my neighbour's guest, whom I later found had an advanced form of the STD I contracted. So now, I always put plenty of tissue in any toilet before I use it. Finally, we need to treat people with STDs, and other sin related conditions / situations, with compassion. Jesus had no reason to die for us on the cross, but he did out of love and compassion. Let's learn how to share same love.

Anna	Posted: March 19, 2008 11:20 PM

I'm at a lost as to who the gov. is surveying. 1 out of 4 means every fourth kid I talk to is doing sex. We have 120 teenagers in Sunday School and they're not having sex. They're exhausted from doing homework, church activities, shopping and literally reporting to their parents 24 hours a day. They have little time for the opposite sex and as one girl says, "When I get done with college, I want my freedom from men and kids as long as I can have it". Even the boys in the boys class say they just want a girlfriend to go places with and hold hands with in school. They don't want the pressure of sex, just the fun of having a girlfriend. And, yes, there are boyfriends & girlfriends in the classes but they're not doing sex. I don't think they're all lying especially since we teach them to say to pressure, "Gees, my parents would disown me, not send me to college so let's just have fun. No pressure for sex." What the kids say is confidential so I believe them, not the government survey

TP	Posted: March 19, 2008 10:23 PM


"The Church" has been saying not to engage in sexual intercourse until marriage. So, they did their part in conveying God's Ways to avoid STD's. For one NOT interested in God's way, but their own or another's, all I can say is: Participate at your own risk. As for "a committed relationship"... I'd think women would be far wiser after the sexual revolution, not less.

Susan Stafford

Posted: March 18, 2008 8:44 AM


Great article Jen! I stand behind Jen and all that she went through. Please see my web site at www.susanstafford.com

Linda

Posted: March 17, 2008 2:29 PM

I have just returned from visiting some projects in India of which four were related to the STD HIV/Aids. The stigma of having a sexually transmitted disease is a barrier to the gospel being shared with the very people who need the Lord's Grace and Hope. Believers working with this population are few and somewhat ostracized from the rest of the church. But those willing to reach out are profoundly blessed by the Lord.

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