Spring Break
Former sex addict presents 'Porn Nation' in Schofield
Speaker talks about effects of pornography on relationships, personal story of healing
Tara Bannow
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: News
Jake Mlsna, a 2005 UW-Eau Claire graduate and Student Impact staff member, said the group chose not to advertise the religious side of "Porn Nation" because it realized it might turn people off. Instead, students were warned beforehand and given the option to leave.
"We didn't want to feel like we were tricking people into coming," he said.
Pellett said she appreciated the warning, although it did not ease the awkwardness she felt during the religious content.
As a whole, she said the program was not what she had anticipated.
"I did expect the negatory remarks on pornography in America today and how it is everywhere," she said. "I didn't really expect him to break out the religious stuff at the end."
Leahy said he knows it is not easy being a college student and understands the pressures faced.
"I am a beloved child of God," he said "And he never leaves your side when you invite him into your life."
At the end of the show, students were encouraged to leave feedback on comment cards beneath their seats.
About 90 to 95 percent of the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, Mlsna said.
"Whether or not (students) agreed with it, they respect him and what he's gone through," he said.
Even some students who had not considered Christianity beforehand indicated on comment cards they became interested in accepting God after seeing "Porn Nation," Mlsna said.
"I think it lends itself to talk about God in a relational way and a way that heals things that are kind of broken in our lives."
"We didn't want to feel like we were tricking people into coming," he said.
Pellett said she appreciated the warning, although it did not ease the awkwardness she felt during the religious content.
As a whole, she said the program was not what she had anticipated.
"I did expect the negatory remarks on pornography in America today and how it is everywhere," she said. "I didn't really expect him to break out the religious stuff at the end."
Leahy said he knows it is not easy being a college student and understands the pressures faced.
"I am a beloved child of God," he said "And he never leaves your side when you invite him into your life."
At the end of the show, students were encouraged to leave feedback on comment cards beneath their seats.
About 90 to 95 percent of the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, Mlsna said.
"Whether or not (students) agreed with it, they respect him and what he's gone through," he said.
Even some students who had not considered Christianity beforehand indicated on comment cards they became interested in accepting God after seeing "Porn Nation," Mlsna said.
"I think it lends itself to talk about God in a relational way and a way that heals things that are kind of broken in our lives."
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