THE SHADOW CHRISTIAN
We know what it's like to feel lost and alone...
To feel you can't reach out because no one will understand...
We know what it's like to have your dreams shattered...
And we know the freedom and restoration God's grace can provide...
We know how much it helps to talk with someone who's been there...
We know. We wrote the book. Call us.
Al Cole is a seasoned writer and editor who
holds a master's degree in public affairs
journalism from The American University in
Washington, D.C. Linda Cole, an artist by
training, studied at the University of New
Orleans, Tulane University, and the Maryland
College of Art and Design. Al and Linda wrote
The Shadow Christian drawing from the
journals they kept for three and a half years
following Linda's discovery that Al was
addicted to Internet pornography. Linda and Al
share their inspiring testimony of heartache and
healing at conferences, colleges, and churches.
They have been married for 29 years, have
three grown children, and live in Marietta, GA.
Praise for The Shadow Christian
"I was captured by this book immediately. The message is not
only extremely relevant but fascinating to read."
Shaunti Feldhahn
Best-selling author, For Women Only: What You Need to
Know About the Inner Lives of Men
"Masterfully uses the art of storytelling to open the eyes of men."
New Man magazine
"I was very moved by this book and found the parable style to be
very effective in helping the reader drop his defenses. There is
no doubt that pornography is distorting the sexuality of good
men and that God is calling us to help men develop a sanctified
sexuality. The Shadow Christian does just that."
Dr. Archibald D. Hart
Dean Emeritus, Graduate School of Psychology
Fuller Theological Seminary
"The best material I've read on this subject. I was so encouraged
by this story, which is shared with so much transparency and
truth. Truly outstanding! "
S. Michael Craven
Founding Director, Center for Christ & Culture
"Wonderfully done! An excellent way to 'step inside' the healing
process and experience it. A powerful testimony."
Christopher McCluskey
Co-founder, Institute for Sexual Wholeness
"Absolutely fabulous. The parable format works amazingly well,
and I think this book will resonate with everyone who reads it. An
important piece of work and a great resource for those
ministering to hurting families."
Steve Siler
Award-winning Christian songwriter and producer
Founder, Music for the Soul
"The Shadow Christian tells the raw reality of what happens
when a man doesn't guard his heart and shares the long journey
back. Every man who cares about his marriage, his family, and
his future should read this book."
Bob Reccord
President and CEO, Total Life Impact Ministries
"This book will pierce the hearts of men who truly seek to walk
the path of sexual integrity. It transcends race, age, and social
boundaries in tackling one of today's most troubling issues. I
highly recommend it."
Tony J. Gatewood
College Campus Minister
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA
Speaking
Silence is not an option when it comes to an issue that is tearing
families apart. Hearing a couple who has been there tell about the
real-life consequences of sexual sin has a powerful impact on
audiences young and old, male and female. We put a human face
on an issue many churches would rather not talk about. In doing
so, we encourage those who are hurting to take a step toward
healing. We can tailor our presentation to a variety of settings.
Below is a sampling of venues where we have spoken.
Call us now to disuss how we might serve you.
Iron Sharpens Iron Men's Conference, Hartford, CT
Restored Hearts Women's Conference, Seattle
Pure Desire Church Training, Boston
Men's Retreat, Red Top Mountain, GA
Virtue Week @ Morehouse & Spelman Colleges, Atlanta
Parent Conference, Dunwoody UMC, Dunwoody, GA
A Marriage Made in Heaven, Mt. Bethel UMC, Marietta, GA
RiverStone Church Quarterly Men's Dinner, Kennesaw, GA
Raising Kids in a XXX Culture, The Bridge Church, Buford, GA
Advising, Consultation, and Referrals
We know how hard it is to admit that sexual sin is a problem in
your life. That's why we offer a completely confidential way to get
the conversation started. Come talk with someone who has been
where you are and understands what you're feeling. It may be the
most freeing conversation you'll ever have. We can then discuss
appropriate next steps. Advice, consultation, and referral are
available for individuals and couples. Call us.
Shadow Christian Groups for Men, Spouses, & Couples
Attending a weekly group with others who struggle with sexual integrity
is a proven way to promote healing and spiritual growth.
Location: Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 4385 Lower Roswell
Road, Marietta, GA 30068. Call or email for details.
Credentials
Pure Desire Ministries
Church leadership training, Boston
Georgia State University
"Understanding & Treating Sexual Addiction"
Emphasis: pornography & sexual exploitation
Cornerstone Training
"Understanding &Treating Sexual Addiction"
Emphasis: trauma model of treatment, recovery
plans, neurochemistry
"Sexually Addicted Families"
Emphasis: working with spouses, children, teens;
helping pastors and churches with fallen leaders,
attachment theory
Both Linda and Al are Certified Pastoral Sexual
Addiction Specialists, C.P.S.A.S
Who We Are
What We Do
At a time when sexual temptation ranks
as the Number 1 struggle for Christian
men and Internet pornography silently
eats away at our marriages and families,
along comes a riveting true story of an
ordinary couple forced to confront the
consequences of sexual sin.
The Shadow Christian is a
cautionary tale, a compelling love story,
and a primer on true repentance.
Read the first two chapters here.
Sin thrives in the dark. Step into the light.