What’s in a Name? The Story of Brenna Kate Simonds – Part 1

Brenna with a mohawk from having her head shaved

A Christian speaker recently reminded me that words are a container for power. The book of Proverbs says “reckless words pierce like a sword”, “the words of the wicked lie in wait for blood”, and “when words are many, sin is not absent”.  In the Bible, words & names are very important. Throughout my life, I allowed people and circumstances to label me, name me, and define who I am. I was born prematurely in May of 1975. I was given a 50% chance of survival and rode in an ambulance to a hospital 50 miles away since the hospital where I was born did not have premie … [Read more...]

A “Normal Gay Life” – Nathan Responds to Ray Boltz

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Regular readers of this blog may remember my friend Nathan who has guest blogged here before concerning Jennifer Knapp and about his "Divine Appointments" at the Exodus Freedom Conference. At this rate I just need to create a login for you Nathan :) Today Nathan writes an eloquent response to Ray Boltz' new song "God Knows I Tried."  Here's Nathan: A “Normal Gay Life” I’m adding Ray Boltz to the list of people I’d love to meet at Starbuck’s for a chat.  Most readers of this  blog will remember Ray as the Dove Award-winning gospel singer who revealed his homosexuality two … [Read more...]

From Devastation to Beauty – Real Stories for October 2010

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This testimony appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive testimonies like this along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- From Devastation to Beauty - Stephanie Goeke When Mike walked out on our marriage in 1996, my reality, hopes and dreams were shattered.  I had grown up in a solid Christian home and had come to believe that my joy and fulfillment would be found in being married and having children.  The past years have been spent experiencing God’s faithfulness – not faithfulness to my … [Read more...]

“Consider it Pure Joy …” – Letter From Alan Chambers for October 2010

Alan-Chambers

This letter from Alan Chambers appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive this letter along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- Today I was meditating on James 1.  The whole chapter is rich, but several verses leapt out at me, due to my recent attendance at the funerals of two of Exodus International's most valued women leaders.  James 1:2-4, 12: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. … [Read more...]

New Book “Naked Surrender” by Andy Comiskey

naked surrender

Today I want to post an interview I did via email with Andy Comiskey about his new book titled "Naked Surrender."  I have posted the interview exactly as it happened.  There has been very little editing (spelling, formatting.)  Also, all emphasis (bold and italics are mine.  Without further ado :) ... First of all, congratulations on your new book.  The provocative title is "Naked Surrender: coming home to our true sexuality." When you say "Naked Surrender" is that both literal and figurative?  What does it mean to "come home" to our true sexuality? Andy: 'Naked surrender' refers … [Read more...]

Finding a Safe Place– Real Stories for September 2010

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This testimony appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive testimonies like this along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- I am a wife of a man with undesired same-sex attraction struggles. Together we have attended two Exodus conferences. Through the ministry of Exodus, God showed me that He truly cares about human brokenness. He loves homosexual men and women. He also loves my husband and desires to free him from his past and present pain, fears, and shame. The Exodus Freedom conference … [Read more...]

Willa Medinger’s Family and Friends Celebrate Her Life Today

Alan & Willa Medinger

Spouses dying within a few months of losing their spouse is more common than one would think. Sadly, but it is a bittersweet sadness, this has happened again. Willa Medinger passed away last week on September 16th. She had a couple of strokes and was not doing well. This after, her husband Alan Medinger passed away this past June. I only had a few interactions directly with Willa over the years but she was wonderful each time. What I love about her is that not only was she very kind to me when I did speak with her ... I would always hear amazing things about her from other friends who … [Read more...]

Celebrating the Life of Nancy Brown

Nancy and Tessa

Alan, Terri and I are going to Austin tomorrow to celebrate the life of Nancy Brown.  Nancy with her husband Don led Life+Guard Ministries. For those of you who don't know, Nancy has had ongoing health issues that have worsened this year and eventually led to kidney failure and a heart attack.  Nancy went to be with the Lord at 2:30 am last Sunday morning. Now that Nancy is living in eternity, she is now pain free and whole. That brings an indescribable joy into my mourning heart. I met Nancy in 1995 at my first Exodus Conference at Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego California. … [Read more...]

Exodus North Atlantic Regional Conference September 17-19 in Endicott NY

Joe Dallas - Freedom Conference 2010/LWO "Moving Forward"

Have you considered attending an Exodus conference?  Besides the annual Freedom conference, there are lots of other conferences held by Exodus and its member ministries every year.  One such conference is the North Atlantic Regional Conference, September 17-19 in Endicott, NY, where Joe Dallas will be speaking and I will be leading the music. Why should you consider attending a conference?  Hear what 2 people have to say about their experiences: “This was my first Exodus conference. I have been anticipating attending a gathering like this for many years, so I couldn't believe that … [Read more...]

Living Water, The Well – Kristin Tremba’s Video Testimony

Living Water: Labels from The Well on Vimeo. From The Well's vimeo page containing this video: Kristin Tremba struggled with gender identity and same sex attraction throughout the early years of her life. She experienced emotional intimacy with a good friend during college and through those feelings she concluded that she was gay. However, she didn’t want to take on that gay identity and kept her struggles silent. In her late 20’s, she began to fear that she would never marry a man and have a family. She lacked the trust that God would provide for her future and fell into an … [Read more...]