17 Years ago I proposed to Rhoda at a magic show. We were married 5 months later.
Unfortunately, some marriage stories are not being told but are being erased and censored from the public square, even being made criminal. The hope we have in Christ for a transformed heart and renewed mind which proves abundant life in a loving marriage is being attacked and labeled as evil today. Jesus brought together two very unlikely people in a marriage that survived great testing and trials, attacked by popular culture and criticized as a fraud.
The Gay Lifestyle
Daren Mehl, circa 2000
Daren Mehl was living as a gay identified man, fully embracing what he believed was “gay Christianity”, a belief that his monogamous relationship with his boyfriend was acceptable to God. Rhoda Mehl was living as a queer identified woman embracing a lesbian mindset but open to any options that looked like love. Having no luck with women, as a glutton for punishment, began dating a polyamorous bisexual man. Both Daren and Rhoda believed they had found love in those relationships, but Jesus would soon lead them to true love.
A divine opportunity presented itself when the man Rhoda was dating, someone Daren also once dated, invited them both to a dinner party. A casual friendship budded between Daren and Rhoda. Daren began giving Rhoda dating advice on how to navigate the turbulent relationship she was pursing. She had a thing for unavailable men. Through separate situations and events, Jesus brought Daren and Rhoda closer together.
Questioning
Daren was invited to a church prayer service where he asked God to reveal if he was really gay or not. He prayed that if God didn’t want him to be gay that God to break up the relationship between him and his boyfriend, because Daren knew he could never do that on his own. With the faith of a mustard seed, Daren also prayed that if he wasn’t gay, that God would work it out so that Rhoda and him would be able to get married. To his surprise, when Daren returned home from the prayer service to greet his boyfriend, his boyfriend broke up with him.
December 24, 2004
Daren continued to faithfully and with good will as a friend support Rhoda through the breakup with her boyfriend. To honor their mutual friend, Daren waited a customary two weeks and then asked him if Daren could date Rhoda. Their mutual friend was happy for the couple and blessed the opportunity. While Daren was still a gay identified man, and Rhoda was broken herself still queer identified, Jesus would have their love grow for each other over time. With great trust in the Lord and love for each other Daren proposed to Rhoda on July 11th, 2005, then they got married on December 11th, 2005.
The Grand, Northfield, MN, December 11, 2005
Grace for Change
Jesus did a mighty work in their lives over a decade and a half, ministering to Daren and Rhoda through scripture and fellowship with other believers at their church.
Daren was healed from desires for sodomy as Jesus renewed his mind and heart toward himself and other men. Rhoda experienced healing of deep insecurities and self-worth troubles of desiring acceptance from people rather than acceptance from God in Jesus Christ. Jesus blessed Daren and Rhoda with a son in 2013, and a daughter in 2015.
Sebastian and Esther Mehl, Spring 2018
This beautiful love story that Jesus orchestrated and the born-again marriage that Daren and Rhoda live in today is being challenged by a dark force that doesn’t want to hear of the transforming power of Jesus to set the captives free of homosexuality. In opposition to Daren and Rhoda coming together in their mutual faith in Jesus Christ, the LGBTQ lobby is calling their testimony a fraud and harmful their community.
“Conversion Therapy” An Attack on Transformation and Marriage
The LGBTQ lobby supported by billions of dollars of popular culture marketing have labeled this love story as an evil narrative. They turned Daren and Rhoda’s testimony and similar testimonies into a monster called “conversion therapy” and this boogey man is used to scare the naïve individual into believing the LGBTQ need to be protected from the mythical “ex-LGBTQ” story.
“Conversion Therapy” is a religious/political catch all euphemism for anything, and we do mean anything, that implies or directly contradicts the LGBTQ community beliefs that one is born gay, there is no need for change, and trying to change is harmful because it stigmatizes LGBTQ and leads them to depression and suicide.
Daren and Rhoda’s testimony that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, directly contradicts LGBTQ beliefs that being gay is the highest form of freedom and authenticity for oneself. With “Conversion Therapy” narratives they create the belief that someone leaving a gay identity and lifestyle is a dangerous goal, it is harmful, abusive, condemning, hateful, bigoted, old fashioned, narrow minded, and ultimately an expression of internalized homophobia. The testimony of Jesus working in Daren and Rhoda’s life, and the fruit of that, is being called evil and “Conversion Therapy”.
The LGBTQ community label Daren and Rhoda’s marriage as a “great evil”. They treat it as a threat to their community’s health. The transformed life and children birthed in their faithful commitment to Jesus proves the blessing of God to repentant and humble life of disciples of Jesus in contradiction to the self-centered, prideful and generation ending life of homosexuality.
No Weapon Formed Will Prosper
This spiritual battle with darkness is not finished. Daren and Rhoda Mehl are now ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ and preaching and teaching the knowledge of God.
The testimony of their marriage is contradicting the lies of the LGBTQ narrative that people cannot and should not seek Jesus for wholeness and restoration in mind and heart if that would result in heterosexuality.
Mehl Family, Summer 2016
The gospel message of Jesus directly confronts the lies of the “conversion therapy” narratives, a house of cards built by the LGBTQ lobby. Daren exposed this house of cards when he boldly testified to world leaders at the United Nations, United States Senate, and multiple states legislatures of the transforming power of Jesus to set people free of homosexuality.
Even though their testimony is being criminalized as “fraud” under the guise of “conversion therapy” across the world, and potentially in the United States if The Equality Act passes, Daren and Rhoda will continue to minister the gospel and testify of the power of Jesus – a prophesy of freedom to those still trapped but want out of the LGBTQ belief system.
On Mission
Their mission is to declare freedom from sin and the LGBTQ identity and lifestyle through faith in Jesus Christ. They are missionaries with Agape First Ministries and desire to make the name of Jesus famous by declaring His power to transform lives. They equip the church with the knowledge of God and insights in how to minister to people leaving the LGBTQ life. Daren and Rhoda believe that restoration of marriage and the FAMILY is part of God’s strategy.
Daren and Rhoda Mehl ministering at Minneapolis Pride, 2022
Daren and Rhoda have a heart for those touched by LGBTQ chaos and confusion. Their desire to make disciples of those coming out of the LGBTQ is solidly founded in the love of Jesus Christ. They believe there is a great harvest waiting for many prodigal sons and daughters to come home. Their desire to train and equip the church to receive them is their top priority at Agape First Ministries.
Bible News Radio host Stacy Lynn Harp interviews Daren Mehl of Voice of the Voiceless. (Also Missionary and Associate Director with Agape First Ministries.) Voice of the Voiceless is a non-profit organization whose mission is to defend the rights of people who are virtually never given a voice in the public square, and — in fact — often told that they don’t exist or are lying: Former homosexuals, individuals that have unwanted same-sex attraction, and the families of these truly marginalized people.
Remember to set your mind on the things of the spirit, not on the flesh. This prayer card is quite helpful and it’s pretty simple using this card – and effective for the tearing down of strongholds, for turning your spirit to the victory in Christ, to aligning your heart, mind, spirit to the Word of God.
Daily prayer of submission to Jesus as Lord, to God’s will for your life, is required for growth and to experience the victory of Grace
Read Daily Prayer of Submission
Read Daily Prayer to put on the Armor of God
Read Daily Binding and loosing
Daily Exam (Submit / Confess / Repent)
Prayer of confession and repentance
Rebuke the enemy: Declaration
Prayer of consecration: Cleansing
Remember: You are not fighting a power struggle, you are seeking a truth encounter
Pray the verses to declare the scriptures in your life
Submit Therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Daily Prayer of Submission: Heavenly Father, I surrender to You control of my intellect, emotions, will, and body. I invite You to be the Lord of my life in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 143:8
Daily Prayer to put on the armor of God: Lord, I put on your provision of Armor; the belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:10-17
Daily Keys of binding and loosing: Thank you, Lord, that right now I can bind the Blood of Jesus over me, bind myself to the truth of your Word, bind my heart and mind to You, Jesus, and bind my will and purposes to You, Father God, for this day and all eternity.
Isaiah 11:2 (7-Fold Spirit; Mind of Christ) Revelation 5:6
Thank you that I can loose Satan’s influence over every part of my body, soul and spirit. I loose, crush, smash and destroy every evil device Satan may try to bring into my sphere of influence during this day. I bind and loose these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, who has given me the keys to do so. Matthew 16:16-19
If you have given ground to the enemy, submit/confess/repent of the sin.
Prayer of confession and repentance: Father, I come to You in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have given place to the spirits of _________. They are not from you and I do not want them in my life. I confess and repent of this sin I have committed in this area of my life. I choose to forgive myself for allowing these spirits to have control of my life. Thank You for forgiving me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
Speak this to the enemy in resistance and rebuke.
Declaration: Spirits of __________, I take authority over you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have submitted myself to God and you cannot stay. I command you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to leave me now. You will not have my mind or my body. I loose myself from all your bondage. I rebuke you and command you to leave right now and go to the feet of my Lord Jesus Christ and go where he tells you to go. Ephesians 1:20-23
Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to occupy all areas of your life.
Prayer of consecration: Heavenly Father, I ask You to fill all of these cleansed areas of my life with Your Holy Spirit in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is Written In Christ
I Am Accepted
John 1:12
I am God’s Child
John 15:15
I am Christ’s Friend
Romans 5:1
I have been justified
1 Cor. 6:17
I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him
1 Cor. 6:19,20
I have been bought with a price
1 Cor. 12:27
I am a member of Christ’s body
Ephesians 1:1
I am a saint
Ephesians 1:5
I have been adopted as God’s child
Ephesians 2:18
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit
Colossians 1:14
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins
Colossians 2:10
I am complete in Christ
It is Written In Christ
I Am Secure
Romans 8:1,2
I am free forever from condemnation
Romans 8:28
I am assured that all things work together for good
Romans 8:1
I am free from any condemning charges against me
Romans 8:35
I cannot be separated from the love of God
II Cor 1:21,22
I Have been established, anointed, and sealed by God
Colossians 3:3
I am hidden with Christ in God
Philippians 1:6
I am confident that the good work that God has begun in me will be perfected
Philippians 3:20
I am a citizen of Heaven
II Timothy 1:7
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind
Hebrews 4:16
I can find grace and mercy in time of need
I John 5:18
I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me
It is Written In Christ
I Am Significant
Matthew 5:13,14
I am the salt and light of the Earth
John 15:1,5
I am the branch of the true Vine, a channel of His life
John 15:16
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit
Acts 1:8
I am Christ’s personal witness
I Cor. 3:16
I am God’s temple
II Cor 5:17
I am a minister of reconciliation for God
II Cor 6:1
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor 3:9)
Ephesians 2:6
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm
Ephesians 2:10
I am God’s workmanship
Ephesians 3:12
I may approach God with freedom and confidence
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
I Cor 2:16
I have the mind of Christ
TRUTH ENCOUNTER; NOT A POWER STRUGGLE – John 8:31-32
This prayer was used during a specific chapter of my life and prayed every day. 1/27/2014
Lord, I submit myself to you today. I need your strength; I need your wisdom and your grace. Please protect me and watch over me. Keep me from temptation: guard my heart, my mind, and my eyes‐I submit these to you. Walk with me today. Speak to me and let your presence go with me directing my steps. I want to do your will today, Father. Help me act and think like the overcomer you have made me. Empower me to make the right choices, and give me strength to follow through. Let me see divine solutions, and give me the discernment to have laser focus on your best today. Fill my heart with a spirit of joy and love which overflows on others around me. Give me the wisdom to lead capably, and to serve others. I am yours.
I will not agree with Satan’s opinions of me, or identify with my old self who is selfish and controlled by evil desires. I agree with Colossians 3:9 10 and choose to embrace my identity in You and walk in the freedom you’ve given me.
Crosswalks are essential for pedestrians to safely navigate the chaos of a busy intersection. They provide a safe route to follow through a potentially dangerous situation. Similarly, when we keep our eyes on Christ and the cross, and walk in his word, we are given a clear, narrow path to guide us through life. Join us on “crosswalk” here on AM 980 The Mission.
Daren Mehl, President of Voice of the Voiceless, and Associate Director of Agape First Ministries, is interviewed by Lee Michaels of Crosswalk on AM 980 The Mission. On 4/25 Daren shares his testimony of coming out of a gay Christian lifestyle to live faithfully in marriage with his wife Rhoda. On 5/25 the follow up discussion covers the four major doctrines around the LGBTQ issue and Daren speaks of freedom in Christ, the testimony of how Jesus set him free from same sex desires.
4/25/2022 Episode #560 - Daren Mehl Testimony
by Crosswalk - Lee Michaels - AM 980 The Mission | Crosswalk
5/25/2022 Episode #582 - Daren Mehl LGBT Doctrines
by Crosswalk - Lee Michaels - AM 980 The MIssion | Crosswalk
Agape First Podcast host Daren Mehl is joined by Nate Oyle and Luca Groppoli. All formerly identifying as gay, Jesus set them free and they are now full of joy and life abundantly. They talk about how awesome Jesus is as they make His name famous. #JesusTransforms #AgapeFirst #FreedomUnited #AgapeFirstMinistries #MakeJesusFamous
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For this Father’s day, I have a message for some of the guys out there who identify as gay.
If you are living as a gay man and once had a hope of being married to a woman and having kids and living the best life but you had to give it up when you came out as gay, I want you to know there is still hope in Jesus Christ! Please stick with me through the rest of this article.
I was there once, like you are, living as a gay man. I too also had believed there was no chance of being married to a woman and having kids so. Once I believed it was never going to happen it became much easier to come out as gay and so I sought love in men. I wasn’t fulfilled to the dreams I once had, but I at least had someone to do life with. Or so I thought.
By God’s grace I was convicted that I was not living in God’s will for me, yet I didn’t know what to do to find His will, to do what was pleasing to God. I felt a conviction the whole time I was in a gay relationship. Can you relate? There’s that tickle of truth shoved way down to your toes, a very soft voice in your ear reminding you God wants you to repent. The prick of truth knowing the messy, often hurtful, humiliating act of sodomy is not the best for you?
That’s where I was. I clung to my boyfriend because I wanted to know and love SOMEONE. I wanted to be known and loved by SOMEONE. I had a great capacity for intimacy and wanted to engage it. The desire for intimacy burned inside. Does this feel similar?
I willingly exchanged the hope of intimacy with a woman, something that seemed as unlikely as the dead rising from the grave, for what I felt was a consolation, a last ditch effort to find love, I turned to men. I found men, unlike women, wanted me and showed interest in me. And since so many people said I was gay, I decided that was who I was to be.
But God showed himself to be true, and faithful, and loving. He brought me to a place where He gave me hope once again, that maybe, just maybe, God didn’t want me to live as a gay man and He had something else for me. With the faith of a mustard seed, I prayed that God would reveal his will to me, that if I was not supposed to live as a gay man, that He would make it happen that my boyfriend would break up with me. You see, there wasn’t ANY chance I wanted to break off an intimate relationship. I put out this fleece to see if God would answer. He did. The next day after that prayer my boyfriend broke up with me! I had also prayed that if God didn’t want me to live as gay, that He would make it possible for me to marry the most unlikely diamond of a woman, Rhoda, who knew I was gay and dating a guy I had once dated!
I found out that God was able to forgive a humble man who has a broken and contrite heart before Him. He worked to restore what was stolen from me. I ended up getting married to Rhoda, even when I was still gay identified, on the belief that God was true and would work out the specifics. And by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ, I found God is a miracle worker! He raised what was dead in my life and brought me to life again.
Now I’m transformed by the power of Jesus Christ. I’m no longer desiring men for sodomy as a means of intimacy. God has given me intimacy with Him, my Father, through reconciliation power of Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior. I have intimacy with my wife unlike I could have ever experienced or hoped for in a gay relationship. I also have the intimacy with brothers in the faith who are able to connect deeply in brotherhood – something I all the time had the capacity for but didn’t have the knowledge of what Christ brings between men for strong relationships.
Please let me pray with you and share with you the power of Jesus to bring abundant life to you, a hope for a future that you had dreamed of long ago. It may seem impossible, but with God, all things are possible. He brought me out of the gay life and into His life 17 years ago. It began with humility, an act of repentance, and a prayer of faith, a confession of trust. And He is so gentle, faithful, and true to respond in love. A great God who isn’t going to give us a rock when we ask for bread. But life abundantly, in this and the next. A joy that goes beyond understanding, a peace that gives us rest, and a hope for a tomorrow.
Being a father has been the most wonderful gift I could have asked for from the Lord. He is a miracle worker. He completes the work He starts in us. He does wash us clean, he DOES give us a new heart and a new mind. He DOES transform and change us into the men God wills for us to be. Fruitful and life abundant in Him!
On this Father’s day, please exhange the sorrow you feel for the dream lost for a hope that doesn’t disappoint, and put your trust in Jesus. Lets pray together and seek Jesus who restores what satan tries to steal and destroy. Let’s pray for the faith, hope, and freedom to seek Jesus and your desire for a family. Jesus is a great counselor and friend, and He is so good. Be blessed in Jesus today. May God bring you peace and fulfil your hope for fatherhood.
