RioDeJeneiro

Thank all of you for your advice, I really needed some. I have told him many times that I love him and even had a discussion after his blessing from the elders about somethings. Not much good came of it and I tried to explain what the priesthood is and why it is important to have authority to do such ordinances, but he really did not understand. He kinda sees everything as weird new age spiritual stuff, like he accepts it cause its "good energy" but, I feel like I just cast pearls before swine. He knows he needs to stop using drugs and he is going to get counseling and go to a rehab clinic. I just can not help but to feel sad. I can not imagine what it would be like to not know that you can have a relationship with god and call upon him for help when you are faced with opposition. Even more so, I feel I could have been a better example and I feel partially responsible for the path my friend has taken. I feel like the devil has won one more soul and he is laughing in my face like "look here is your best friend and he is mine and I have complete power over him". I am very scared for him, I feel like I am the major source of good influence in his life and I am leaving for two years. I am scared when I return he will be so screwed up he will not even be the same person anymore. I beg heavenly father to have mercy upon him, because he does not know what he is doing. He does not know the magnitude of his sins. How does homosexuality fit in with the church? Where will people like my friend eric go in the after life? people who sin unknowingly He is not interested in the church at all, but I feel like all of his willpower is gone and the devil has complete control over him. Can there ever be a point in someones life where they have become so addicted and so screwed up in the head that they have basically zero willpower? I just feel like crying about it mostly, it hurts. I want him to follow christ and receive knowledge and the blessings that come with studying the scriptures.

I have been friends with him for 8 years, since 6th grade. We are 2 days apart in age. He is like a brother to me. I am an active member in the church and I am going on my mission january to Rio De Jeneiro portuguese speaking. My friend is very contrary to the gospel. I used to smoke pot with him in highschool but cleaned myself up and no longer take part in that, and I have made this clear with him. He chose to still use drugs and he got into harder drugs like cocaine and exstacy, and goes out to bars and drinks, slept around with a few girls, and also has a pornography and masturbation addiction. I know all of these things because I have been his friend for a very long time. I gave my input and exhorted him to not do these things and I do not want him to bring it around me, and he did his best to, but I got used to it. I tried sharing the gospel many times and his heart was so hard, the devil had his hooks in him that it never was a positive or learning experience for him. He also abuses prescription medications, and this past weekend, he had a mental breakdown. He smoked a lot of pot combined with not sleeping for 2 days combined with prescription drugs where he had to be checked into a mental institute for a few days. He now believes he is gay and this is a very hard thing for me to hear. It took every once of will not to break down and start sobbing in front of him, it is a severe blow to me. I love him so much, and I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything better. I am getting the elders to come over today to give him a blessing, and I hope and pray to god for a miracle. How should I handle my friend, Should I voice my opinion? My opinion is, he is not gay, it is the drugs. He is so wrapped up in himself, like everything is about him and how screwed up he is. How can he have a normal loving relationship with a girl when he is addicted to drugs, masturbation, and pornography? Should I talk to him about this. This is so hard for me, all the while I thank the lord for this experience, because even though this is a trial, I understand this will refine me and make me a better person. Please help me, if you have any similar experiences with a friend or relative or children coming out to you that they are gay and how you handled it and what the outcome is, please share because I have never had to directly deal with homosexuality with someone who is such a big part in my life. HELP