By God's Design: Overcoming Same Sex Attraction: A True Story

“I am so grateful that the lives of these two remarkable people will be remembered through the pages of this book. They were pioneers in a difficult and often unrewarding work that brought new life to so many people. Both were always honest and open about their journey through life, and this openness brought the right balance between hope and the reality that nothing seems to be easy in this life. Alan was a bright light lighting the path to other men trapped in the bondage of homosexuality. The love Alan and Willa shared for each other was a true love story. Willa was always there for Alan, his encourager and his defense, and his burden was her burden.”

“Its wonderful that many will have the opportunity to read about Alan and Willa and the work they have done as pioneers of the ex-gay movement. Alan was true to who he was when speaking to a group, writing a book or just sharing with friends. He was all about shining a light on the path for other men to follow, men who were trapped in the bondage of the homosexual life. Willa was his colorful life companion who had the same burden for wives of those men. We miss you dear friends and thank Judith for her tireless journey in making this book available to all.”

“Alan and Willa Medinger provided inspiration and stability, as well as love and laughter, to generations of men and women seeking hope and healing. Judith Hartzell has captured the essence and beauty of their presence in all of our lives. Thank you, Judith, for such a vulnerable telling of the life story of our beloved friends and valued mentors. This book is a must have for all who knew the Medingers, as well as for those who desire to know what God can do in the area of same-sex attraction with lives that are fully surrendered to Him (and to the vital experience of the authority of scripture). Judiths account is not all rosy but it is true in its recounting of the pain, the beauty, and the ultimate powerful transformation of Alan and Willa as individuals and of their marriage!”

“I am excited that the life and work of Alan and Willa Medinger have been saved for history. I can think of few better than Judy Hartzell to catalogue their lives. This man, this couple, meant so much to so many. He poured into my life and helped shape me as a man and as a leader. His book Growth Into Manhood helped start me on my journey of growing as a man. At his death, I drove eleven hours with my son to his funeral, telling my son it was important to respect this man of honor with our attendance.”

“Willa and Alan Medinger were an inspiration of hope and encouragement to me in the beginning formation of Whosoever Will Ministry. Their quiet, patient encouragement in allowing God to lead by His Spirit is something Ill always treasure. We were taught to listen to God for ourselves, and to follow His direction.”

“I am so thrilled to see the Medingers story in print. Alans testimony of transformation is amazing and genuine. I worked alongside him in ministry for years, and his Christian testimony was solid and enduring.”

“For anyone who cares for the LGBT community, this is a must read. Alans story of transformation and his decades of ministry to the sexually broken gives him unique authority to share the power available in the gospel of Jesus. This book is an important addition to the current conversation about homosexuality: Jesus doesnt just accept and forgive people, he transforms them.”

“When asked to read By Gods Design and offer my comments, I intended to read only a chapter daily as a part of my devotions. The book was so interesting that I often read two or three chapters, even when it put me behind on the rest of my day. Judith Hartzell recounts, with documentation, the planning by gay activists for normalization of homosexuality and how it shifted the culture of our country, juxtaposed with the early years and development of ministries to those same-sex attracted. Although both accounts are useful, the encouraging biography of Alan and Willa Medinger gives the book vitality: putting a human face on homosexual attraction and Gods power to cleanse and heal. I know of no family that better typifies the growth process for manhood, how God can heal a wounded spouse and how God uses those healed to bring healing to so many others. Alan and Willas conversion and multi-year struggles to live out Gods design in their lives provides hope for all of us who struggle with life-dominating issues. These two finished well.”

“Alan Medingers life story needs to be remembered simply because so many today are frantically trying to forget. His story remains a billboard of the power of Jesus to change a life. Many thanks to Judith Hartzell for writing a life history full of grace and truth.”

“Stalwart is a word we shouldnt use lightly, but what better term describes Alan Medinger? For decades he was a consistent voice of integrity, and for many of us, a reliable co-laborer and friend. Reading Judith Hartzells book had me laughing and crying, remembering the man shes so well profiled. Anyone interested in ministry to the same-sex attracted, or in the rigors of ministry in general, will enjoy this much-needed account of a big hearted pioneer.”