Torch, Fall/Winter 2007

A s Christians, we know the Bible says homosexuality is sin; as human beings, we know how deceptive and seductive the enemy can be in his efforts to destroy lives. We also know that none of us are immune. And behind all the politics and rhetoric, that is what we must remember — that we are all the same, and there are hurting, even dying, human beings who have been shanghaied by lies and who need hope and compassion to find their way back home. Cedarville University graduate Rusty King died of complications from AIDS more than 10 years ago after engaging in a homosexual lifestyle. He was only 31 years old. Those are the cold facts. But there’s far more to this story of sin and heartache, love and redemption because Rusty had something many in his situation don’t have — people who loved him enough to rescue his soul. Rusty was the beloved son of Elvin and Joyce King, two people who have been connected to Cedarville since the early ’60s. Elvin has been coaching cross country and track at Cedarville for nearly 40 years, and he passed that love of athletics on to his son. Rusty ran a 5K with his dad when he was only three and was the youngest to complete the race. The two also bonded while fishing together. Skidding feet first into high school, Rusty kept running — all the way to all-state in cross country and track. Rusty’s other love was music. He studied piano and played trumpet in the elementary band, then became drum major for the high school marching band. It seemed everything Rusty touched turned to gold. The success continued into college, where he was all- American on Cedarville’s cross country team, played tuba in the concert band, took over as captain of the cheerleading squad, and was elected class president his freshman and sophomore years. Life was good, and his parents couldn’t have been more pleased. In fact, their biggest concern was that Rusty might succumb to pride and arrogance. TheWay Home (The Rusty King Story) by Sharyn Kopf 24 TORCH