Gary has seen so many lies and so much deceit in chat rooms and forums over the years that it would be easy to feel defeated, knowing he is fighting what many would consider to be a losing battle. If it weren't for his faith in Christ Jesus, he said it would be very easy to call it quits. However, it is his faith that keeps him going. He sees his acting as a kind of "cyber cop" as a way in which he can serve God, sharing Christ with others through some of his identities, but also watching over and protecting those who might be lured into harm by another. This, too, though, has had its own problems.

"I've dealt real harshly with myself about witnessing while I'm under an assumed personality," Gary said. "But my real personality is reflected in the alternate identity. In most cases I'll refer people to websites like Billy Graham's if they've got deeper spiritual questions. I've come to be known [in many of his online personalities] as someone who is a Christian and cares about people. But what if so-and-so found out I am not who the online personality says I am? Would that ruin that personality's Christian testimony and hurt the other person's walk? But, I think when people see this work for what it is, they'll understand God uses us where we are and once we bring people to Him, He will take care of the rest."

Much like an undercover police officer must get involved with that which he's fighting, Gary -- and others like him -- must do the same. While some might see what Gary does as making him guilty of lying or misleading people, Gary said that's a risk he's willing to take.

Saving one more Anna or protecting a 14-year-old boy from a pedophile makes the risks worth it. As part of protecting those online, Gary has simple advice to everyone who might take part in anything as seemingly innocent as a game room forum.

"Never assume someone in a forum or chat room is who he claims to be," Gary said. "There are too many ways people can cover up who or what they really are. And if you have problems in the home, the place to solve them is not by talking to others online, where you might be tempted down the road to get into an adulterous affair; the place to solve it is face-to-face with your spouse."

Trust Gary; he's seen enough to know what he's talking about.

© 2003 Agape Press.