What does freedom mean?
For a group of ex-homosexual and ex-transgender individuals, freedom is about the deliverance they’ve found in Christ.
They’re reaching out with that message to those trapped in the LGBT lifestyle—and they’re having a powerful impact.
Jeffrey McCall was once living as a woman. Born as a man, he felt a desire to become female, and surrounded himself with people who would support this decision.
It was a dark time of his life. Although Jeffrey was outwardly confident in the changes he’d made, he was really questioning everything on the inside. He knew people who loved Jesus and submitted their lives to Him, and they seemed so much more joyful and peaceful than he felt.
He spent many evenings alone, secretly listening to sermons and trying to figure out what it would mean to give his life to Christ. Eventually, he realized that it would require him to leave all his LGBT friends behind and surrender to Jesus.
So Jeffrey did just that. He threw the remnants of his female lifestyle in a dumpster and began to follow Jesus with all his heart.
After he left his transgender lifestyle, Jeffrey faced incredible loneliness. He had lost all his friends when he became a Christian, and it was difficult to find other Christians who had faced similar circumstances.
There were so many stories of gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals circulating in the media. But where were the stories of those who, like Jeffrey, had been redeemed from those lifestyles?
That’s when Jeffrey was given the idea for “Freedom” marches.
Pride marches are on the rise around the country and the globe. These parades celebrate the LGBT lifestyle and serve as community events for LGBT individuals. Whenever a city has a Pride march, the rainbow flag flies high, and thousands of people hear the stories of gay and transgender individuals.
Why not combat Pride Marches with Freedom Marches? Jeffrey realized that he had an opportunity to share his story of transformation by organizing a march for those who had been freed from a LGBT lifestyle.
The first Freedom March was held in Washington, D.C. in May of 2018. Since then, more rallies and marches have followed, and McCall has gathered “a diverse group of Christians who have been delivered from LGBTQ lifestyles.”
“The movement has grown so much,” said McCall.
“We are just continuing to share the testimonies of people who have left LGBTQ lifestyles to follow Jesus. We continue this movement, but with new people getting to share every year.”
A typical Freedom March involves public marching (of course!), but it also includes a time of worship, an opportunity to share testimonies, and a focus on ministering to attendees.
“Our purpose is to connect, bridge, and equip,” added McCall. “We accomplish this mission through connecting fellow overcomers, reaching out to the LGBTQ community in each city, and equipping the local church.”
“Overcomer” is the Freedom March’s term for those who have been redeemed and have overcome their sinful lifestyles by the power of Christ.
“We are all so honored to share what Jesus has done in our lives,” said McCall.
“We all left the LGBTQ life to follow Jesus, and our surrender is producing great fruit for the kingdom of God.”
Hundreds of people have come out for Freedom Marches in cities like Washington, D.C., St. Paul, Los Angeles, and Orlando. McCall and his fellow organizers hope to continue the trend of growth and visibility over the next several years.
“We are so excited that many more are coming out and experiencing the freedom from sexual bondage that only Jesus can give. He is a chain breaker, and He has paid for all to be free!” McCall said.
He and the other overcomers share that they “are seeing miracles.” Freedom Marches are making history as “people from all over this country are leaving LGBTQ lifestyles to follow Jesus Christ.”
It’s an important message for those in LGBT lifestyles to hear. The blood of Jesus can free them from spiritual bondage!
“When they see us, what we’re doing and standing for, it shows them the power of God and that He wants us too,” McCall said.
McCall hopes that more churches and Christian individuals will get involved with Freedom Marches as the movement grows. It’s an opportunity to be a part of history!
To find out more about Freedom Marches, or learn how to give to this important work, visit the Freedom March website.
