Matthew Karchner

I am a former gay party boy turned missionary. After hitting rock bottom in life-threatening addiction, the Lord brought me to my knees in repentance out of a false gay identity and related addictions in 2010. He gave me enduring peace, new life and fulfilling purpose. With God, all things are possible (Matt 19:26). Praise the Lord!

Having founded a nonprofit, today I am a missionary based in Cambodia (next to Vietnam). Primarily I share my story and the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ with the LGBTQ+, helping churches evangelize them.

My testimony and calling place me in a challenging position, taking fire from both the secular world and many professing Christians. Because I refused to support the LGBTQ+ agenda under the banner of "Diversity & Inclusion," I was forced to resign from a management position after nearly 15 years with PNC Bank.

I have been falsely accused, emasculated and marginalized by church leaders. Some imagine they are better than me. Others seem to feel that the "difficult truth" I am called to share (e.g. call to repentance out of homosexuality, return to biblical gender roles) threatens their very way of life (e.g. attendance, income).

Overcoming rejection and fear of failure, I recently graduated in my 40s with distinction from seminary. Praise God!

Also recently publishing my third testimony book that tells these stories was both painful and therapeutic. I trust the Lord will use it to encourage the downtrodden and inspire change in the church.