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

October 20, 2010 By Alan Chambers
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...]

Filed Under: Church, Encourage, Exodus Blog, Friendship, God, Marriage, Member Ministry, Post-gay, Spouses Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Willa Medinger’s Family and Friends Celebrate Her Life Today

September 20, 2010 By Randy Thomas
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...]

Filed Under: Encourage, Exodus Blog, Friendship, God, Jesus Christ, Member Ministry, Spouses Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Celebrating the Life of Nancy Brown

September 14, 2010 By Randy Thomas
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...]

Filed Under: Encourage, Exodus Blog, Friendship, God, Jesus Christ, Member Ministry, Spouses Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Parenting The Sensitive Soul

July 22, 2010 By Randy Thomas
happy son

A mother sent me a link to this article, Parenting The Sensitive Soul, by Ricky Chelette who is the Director of Living Hope Ministries.  She was deeply moved by it and was forwarding it on to some in her family.  From the article: "I think my son wants to be a girl," the father blurted out through tear-filled eyes as he entered my office. He was an enthusiastic father, an articulate, well-educated man, with a passion for God and truth. His wife was with him, tears streaming from her face as she saw the pain in her husband's heart. She was a gentle mother with a deep passion for her … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Culture, Encourage, Exodus Blog, God, Identity, Member Ministry, Parents, Post-gay, Support, Youth & Young Adults Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Jesus Movement and Joe Dallas – Testimony

June 11, 2010 By Randy Thomas
Click Image to visit JoeDallas.com

Joe Dallas is featured in an extended version of his testimony on Godreports.com.  Here is an excerpt from Jesus Movement prodigal slid into homosexual sin, but God’s love drew him out (parenthesis mine): As Paul’s letter to the Corinthians says, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” By some measures, Dallas’ quality of life was high during this period (of living with a male partner.) He held a good job, led an active social life, and lived in a comfortable apartment. “The circumstances of my life seemed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Bi-sexuality, Church, Culture, Encourage, Exodus Blog, Gay, Jesus Christ, Marriage, Member Ministry, Post-gay, Support, Testimonies Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“Reconciliation” – A Movie That Will Challenge And Touch Your Heart

June 1, 2010 By Randy Thomas
Reconciliation the Movie

RECONCILIATION trailer from Chad Ahrendt on Vimeo. In a previous post, Gay Father + Christian Son = Reconciliation, I mentioned and showed the trailer for "Reconciliaiton."  I was excited that a movie coming from a redemptive Christian perspective was being made and looked forward to viewing it. The Director, Chad Ahrendt, sent a "screening" copy because I wasn't in Los Angeles to catch the premiere.  However, one of our leaders in the area, Carol Wagstaff with Living Stones Ministries, went and she emailed and left a voicemail very excited about the movie.  She said that it was very … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Church, Encourage, Exodus Blog, Gay, God, Identity, Member Ministry, Parents, Post-gay, Sexuality, Testimonies, Video, Youth & Young Adults Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Reflections In The Desert – Andy Comiskey Blogs For Marriage Throughout Lent

February 18, 2010 By Randy Thomas
desert streams

Desert Streams Ministry, an Exodus Member Ministry, is blogging through Lent.  I received the following message through Facebook: You are invited to please join us as we pray and fast during Lent. Andy has written 40 brief reflections on the power of God's mercy throughout the history of Desert Stream. Join us for Life in the Desert: http://andycomiskey.wordpress.com/ As you read and reflect may you encounter the Lord of life. Reflections number 1 and number 2 are already up.  Andy concludes his first reflection by explaining the purpose of blogging his 40 reflections during … [Read more...]

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