Hi, my name is Maria M. Lukes of Portland, Oregon. I was delivered from homosexuality in Dec of 1998..I have what I would consider a pretty phenomenal testimony that I believe God will use to help others escape satan's lie that homosexuality is a viable identity.

My story has many chapters, this is simply the highlighted version, but I have come to believe that there was a seed planted from the enemy either through my parents (via a generational curse) especially since my Mom had lived as a bisexual person, or from any number of people I was left under the care of. In either case, a transference of an evil spirit (demon) took place. God has not chosen to reveal to me how, or when.

One profound memory is at age 3 and climbing into bed between two naked women at the request of my mom's lover. To my knowledge nothing sexually took place, yet, deep down in my "knower" (as pastor Ted puts it) I sensed something was wrong with this scenario. I'm sure to them it seemed innocent enough because people in the world "Know not what they do." ( ) But it affected me, and at age 9 I had my first "crush" on a nurse at the hospital where I was a patient. 

As a young teenager, I was molested by a man (ah, the seed of bitter root judgment planted) and the sexual feelings only grew stronger towards females, when finally at age 17, I proclaimed the lesbian identity. I became emotionally and physically involved with numerous women and became a blatant, radical, lesbian-feminist, who took "pride" in being on the front line of the gay pride parades in Seattle, back in the 80's. 

I had never had any "feelings" towards men, but if there was a remote possibility that I could be attracted to someone of the opposite sex, I immediately dismissed it... but I WOULD NOT allow myself to go there....ten years went by with periods of ecstasy entwined with bouts of depression, but always thinking I was walking with the Lord, only on MY terms, not His. Satan had me totally convinced that I was a lesbian, born and bred and that I could never change, and that THIS was how God had made me. After a few years of fun-filled, fancy free lesbianism, I challenged my beliefs about what Gods design for me really was.

At 26, I was working in a bar as a stripper which is where I met my husband of thirteen years, who serves the Lord as well. He has been so faithful knowing that God would bring me out of my struggle and confusion since I spent so much time "trying" to be a Jesus loving, Christian woman....at the same time knowing inside, I still desired intimacy with women and at times acted upon those feelings. Biblically, he had every right to leave, but Paul chose to walk in obedience. The Lord has blessed us mightily in our marriage. We have two daughters and are our family is thriving! What satan had intended for evil.....ha!

After attending 'Breakthrough' and 'Freedom Now' meetings, which deal with addictions of all kinds, I came to the realization that what I needed was deliverance of the spirits that indwelled me. In the weeks following the Breakthrough (Nov '98) I had an exhilarating experience of deliverance and continue to walk in freedom, despite occasional temptations particularly in the spiritually dark regions of Romania where I have served as a short term missionary.

I have gained a vast amount of knowledge about spiritual warfare both directly from attending 'Breakthrough', led by Pastor Evelyn Diment, and by author, Howard Pittman, ('Demons', 'Placebo') and after comparing their messages with the scriptures, I am utterly convinced that homosexuality is a demonic spirit used by the enemy to deceive and to destroy; to keep people out of right relationship with their Creator, Jesus Christ.

I am living proof that there IS freedom, and only through the DESIRE to walk in obedience. Each day, I rely upon the Holy Spirit to direct my path and use the tools He has given me to rebuke the enemy's presence. As I arise, I say out loud the spiritual warfare prayer from Eph. 6: 10-20 and I put on the armor of God as part of my wardrobe. 

I have reaped many blessings from this freedom, one being able to cuddle and hug orphan children in Romania, and another, having had a few opportunities to give my public testimony at 'Breakthrough'. With a message of hope for struggling homosexuals and to educate people about this spiritually based bondage that satan has so cleverly convinced even some Christians, that homosexuality is a "healthy alternative lifestyle." I also have been gifted in musical ministry, so when I give my testimony, I am frequently led to witness in song.

So with this....I am asking you to pray about me getting involved on a larger scale because I feel the Lord is urging me to spread the Good News to help others find their freedom from homosexual sin. 

THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE and I, AM INDEED!!! Hallelujah!

Maria M. Lukes
email: MaLukes@aol.com