Students Speak out...
"The Power of Pornography"

Whitworth College

Whitworth College recently hosted two speakers, Kimberly Drake, of CCV Spokane and Gene McConnell, founder of Authentic Relationships International to tell how Pornography has damaged their lives and the lives of their families.

Going into the session, I was already on overload about the issue due to a major campus debate about Pornography. So honestly, I did not expect to learn much, mostly from my own mental fatigue. However, that fatigue quickly subsided as the two speakers of the evening gave their own personal accounts of the destructiveness of pornography and sexual addiction. I found that here were two people willing to lay their pride down and share deeply personal struggles with a sin that carries a high degree of shame to it. They talked frankly, not to engage the audience in a soap opera and delight in their past problems, but to truly show the cancerous affects pornography has.

The point that was most significant to me through the whole program was the equal willingness of Gene and Kimberly to share their redemption as well. The scars are clear, but they both shared just how powerful the love of Jesus is. Because of that, I came away with a more entrenched hatred of pornography, and also a deeper love for God. Anyone struggling with sexual addiction and pornography would greatly benefit from this eye-opening and hope-giving presentation. For those appropriate to attend, I highly encourage it.

by Chad LaVine - Whitworth College, Spokane, WA

Indiana University

Indiana Universityis known for being an extremely sexually oriented campus. Alternative lifestyles are embraced, and sometimes even encouraged. Because so many students are dabbling in sexually explicit behavior, a program about the sex industry attracted a diverse group of students.

A student group brought Gene McConnell of Authentic Relationships, Int'l and Kimberly Drake of CCV Spokane to present "The Power of Pornography" on March 27, 2001.

"As I passed out fliers for the program, people's eyes widened when I told them that an ex-stripper and an ex-porn addict were going to be speaking. People's attention was captured because it's something they are interested in or are experiencing," explained Sadee Connors.

"I have never seen such a good turn out for one of our programs," commented Sally Powell. "The lecture hall was packed - and I didn't recognize a majority of the students! I'm excited to see such a diverse group of students."

Gene and Kimberly brought up points that I had never seriously considered. I had always thought that pornography didn't really affect me. I am a woman who has never really seen pornographic materials, or at least I didn't think that I had ever seen pornography. When Gene exposed us to pictures that are on everyday viewing materials like post cards or popular magazine covers, it made me realize that my guard has been down. I have been exposed to pornographic material in my everyday life that I have been oblivious to.

I really walked away from the program challenged in my thinking. I had no idea that pornography and the sex industry in America were so powerful. To hear Gene and Kimberly's stories of how sexual abuse has affected them was life changing for me. I will never think the same way about these issues.

I heard so many students say that they wished they could've invited more friends. "This program really opened my eyes to the affects of pornography on our society. It especially affects the value placed on women," said Kristin Pierce, Indiana University Graduate Student. Pornography manipulates the way our society views women. It portrays women as objects.

"The presentation was great. The speakers painted a clear picture of the horrific consequences of living a lifestyle of pornography," Pierce added.

by Sadee Connors - Indiana State University

Wright State University

Kimberly Drake, of CCV Spokane and Gene McConnell, founder of Authentic Relationships, International came to Wright State University to deliver a presentation titled "The Power of Pornography." In this presentation Gene and Kimberly told their personal stories about how pornography has affected each of their lives individually.

Having stories of the harms of pornography from both a man and a woman allowed the audience to better identify with the material. The most powerful aspect of the presentation was their personal testimonies. Hearing a story as powerful as Kimberly's gives so much hope.

Following the presentation many men and women asked for more information on the topic as well as some that wanted to meet with someone personally to discuss it further. Some wanted to know more about a relationship with Christ! God is really using this ministry to touch people's lives.

by Trish Bainer, Campus Crusade
Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio