Can Someone Change Without Jesus?

Redcross

A question came up at a recent conference that I wanted to try and answer here as well.  We did a Q & A where people submitted index cards for our panel and this one read: Have you ever seen someone come out of the lifestyle without Christ? Believe it or not, that one question has three layers to it :) .  The first layer is the "have you ever seen ..." and yes, I have met people who have begun a Jewish post-gay journey or a non-religious but not pro-gay ideological post-gay journey. I have also met Christians who kind of divorce this issue from their faith because they are more … [Read more...]

Why Would Anyone Want to Change? by Frank Carrasco

wondering woman

Originally posted on Exodus Youth (emphasis by Frank.) *** Why Would Anyone Want to Change? by Frank Carrasco With so much misinformation in the media today about homosexuality, it’s no wonder that those seeking to leave homosexuality are faced with so much misunderstanding. A popular theory in pop culture today seems to be that a person with same gender attractions would naturally accept and live happily with their sexuality was it not for bigoted, narrow-minded homophobes who constantly make life impossible for gay men and women. That if only society would cease being so … [Read more...]

A Church Brings Hope by Patrick Payton of Stonegate Fellowship

PPayton

Sorry for the delay in today's posting ... busy busy :). *** A Church Brings Hope by Patrick Payton (Also posted on the Exodus Website.) I was fresh out of seminary, pastoring a church plant that had quickly outgrown our facility and was beginning to plan for two services. At Stonegate Fellowship we communicated a message of truth that Jesus Christ changes lives, and it seemed the message was getting across. We shared openly that Stonegate was a place where people could bring the baggage of their past; that we would love them and walk with them into the journey of new life offered … [Read more...]

A Mother’s Story of Change

cherrie

Also posted on the Exodus website: *** A Mother's Story of Change - By Cherrie Rowe As a toddler, Jennifer loved books, but I pushed for dolls. She lovedwearing pants, I argued for the dresses. I loved fairy tales, butshe loved the encyclopedias and National Geographic. Jennifer was artistic and gifted. I was the school drop out with disabilitiesand a testimony that read much like the “woman at the well.” We were so opposite, and yet more alike than we could see. We were both led by our emotions, which took us on the rollercoaster ride of our lives. I had no idea that I was … [Read more...]

Hate Crimes Sent To Obama’s Desk – What’s Top Priority?

hatecrime

It is true that Exodus is not focusing on public policy as a primary goal right now but this is a historic move and deserves attention and prayer. What follows is my own personal opinion.  From the definitely "right" (politically) leaning OneNewsNow.com : Christians on high alert over hate crimes passage A hate crimes bill sent to President Obama for his signature raises a red flag for Christians. On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a hate crimes bill that Christian leaders have warned for years could greatly infringe on the rights of those who speak to loudly about their religious … [Read more...]

Grace And Gay Men

graceandgaymen

The following was originally posted on Boundless in April of 2008. *** Grace and Gay Men by Randy Thomas Preface: I've never shared the following story as a part of my testimony with any detail because it's so close to my heart. As Exodus Media Director Julie Neils can attest, this article was very difficult for me to focus on and finish. A number of years ago, one friend told me not to share it because people might think that I'm "pro-gay," and they won't understand my saying that I truly loved a man. My attitude today is this: Fine, hold me accountable and let's have that … [Read more...]

Mid Central Regional Conference Report

mid central regional

The following is based on a report from Stephen Black and Laura Leigh Stanlake.  Thank you both! October 12, 2009 - Report on the Mid-Central Regional Exodus Conference, October 2-4, 2009 THE PASTOR / LEADERSHIP SEGMENT The Mid-Central Regional Exodus Conference was held October 2-4 and it began with a Pastor / Ministry Leadership encouragement time on Friday morning. Exodus Regional Coordinator, Michael Babb shared a message on “A Call to Ministry” on a call to transparency and holiness in our relationship with Christ. Christ must be first and then ministry flows. Stephen … [Read more...]

Help Dennis Jernigan Visit The Troops In Iraq

Iraq

Dennis is trying to go to Iraq to minister to the troops there.  He is going as a worship leader to minister to the Christian troops.  Given the horrible climate in Iraq toward those struggling with homosexuality, I pray somehow his testimony will be a redemptive witness to the local Iraqi people as well. I got the following via an update from Dennis Jernigan's fan page on Facebook and explains what he is trying to accomplish (published here with permission): ***BEGIN*** Dear Brothers and Sisters, I do not often ask for help in a financial sense, but I have been presented with a … [Read more...]

Ugandan Government Poised to Harshly Prosecute Homosexuals

Uganda

The Ugandan government is seeking to further stigmatize and criminalize (to death or extreme punishment) people who deal with homosexuality. It seems that the government has no respect for freedom.  Especially as it pertains to free will or self-determination on what a person does with their own same sex attractions. This sweeping, hateful, public policy being promoted threatens anyone struggling with same sex attractions, and their loved ones, with death or imprisonment. I left the following message on Throckmorton's blog five days ago: I am totally speaking on my own behalf … [Read more...]

Sidenote On The Blog Commenting System

Please bear with me on the commenting system.  I have a long history of trying out various services and they work great until they don't. :-/ So, I have given up and am going back to the native commenting system here on Wordpress.  Please forgive having to create a login (takes two seconds) for this blog but it will help me in moderating and making sure this is a safe forum to to discuss these issues.  I think it will help foster a blog community as well.  I am always trying better ways to foster dialog here so your participation and feedback is always welcome. Thank you for your … [Read more...]