Together Everyone Accomplishes More – Letter from Alan Chambers for January 2011

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. --- Dear Friends, How many of you have a resolution for the New Year?  Without going crazy, I usually try to pinpoint one or two areas where I hope to make improvements each year.  This year I have decided to work on keeping life simple.  You may remember that our mission at Exodus for 2011 is Simplify, Amplify, Intensify.  I began sensing the Lord's encouragement in … [Read more...]

Avoiding Pitfalls During The Holidays – Real Answers by Angela Buchanan

ornament

This article appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive articles like this along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- The holiday season is a particularly challenging time for me.  How can I prepare myself to avoid pitfalls that can easily sabotage my joy and peace? First of all, set realistic expectations. Christmas is a wonderful season, but sometimes we expect so much we can’t help but feel depressed and disappointed when it is over.  The anticipation builds for months and then it … [Read more...]

Let World AIDS Day Inspire and Inform

Photo Credit: The Guardian (click image to visit)

Today is world AIDS day. It is a day set aside to raise awareness of this terrible pandemic. It isn't simply a day where we remember the deadly toll AIDS has had on our generation.  It is also a day to highlight resources, ministries and efforts to prevent and find a cure. Regardless of whether you identify as one of the letters in GLBTQI, as an "ex-gay" or as a Christian on a post-gay journey, we all have known too many people who have died of AIDS and/or currently have loved ones and friends living with HIV/AIDS. I picked the picture for this post from the Guardian because it speaks … [Read more...]

Inaccuracy Shrouds Kirsten Power’s Article

Click Image to Read Kirsten's Article

The following was submitted to USA Today as a Letter to the Editor last week in response to Kirsten Powers article "Hypocrisy shrouds the gay marriage debate."  The letter has not been published in their paper as of yet. --- Inaccuracy Shrouds Kirsten Power’s Article As the Director of “Day of Truth 2010”, I am disappointed with the inaccurate perspective of Kirsten Power’s article. Voicing disapproval of homosexuality was not the focus of this event but rather exercising the right to present an alternative message and educating individuals about their choices. For these … [Read more...]

2011 = Simplify, Amplify and Intensify – Letter from Alan Chambers for November 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. — Dear Partners, Did you notice that you have been promoted?  Those of you who are involved in Exodus, which is the majority of you reading this letter, are more than just our friends.  You are our dear partners in ministry.  As partners you are vital to the mission of Exodus: mobilizing the Body of Christ to minister grace and truth to a world impacted by … [Read more...]

What’s in a Name? The Story of Brenna Kate Simonds – Part 2

My Wedding Day

Yesterday, I shared the first half of my story.  This is the second half. I had just become a Christian.  In one sense, I felt hope, but at the same time, the labels were still haunting me.  Even though at the time I could not voice what was going on, I continued to spiral out of control with my eating and relationships. I was so desperate for love that I entered into a relationship with an 18 year old woman with a drug problem (I was 24 at the time). After 3 months, this woman (having been raised in a Christian home) said to me, “Listen – the Bible says you must either be hot or … [Read more...]

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...]

Go Ahead, Get Off Your Perch

Photo Credit WORLD Magazine

This post is actually inspired by a private conversation I am having with someone who has rejected Christ.  It involves the false standard that some people believe concerning Christians should be "better" than other people. It should be stated that I have known this person for over 20 years and I love them dearly.  We have a very free and open friendship in that in spite of our deep disagreements we do love each other unconditionally. --- I have been a Christian for 18 years now but I noticed as a young believer that my non-Christian friends had an easier time talking about … [Read more...]

Sexuality: Creation, Brokenness, Truth and Grace – Lausanne Conference (Video)

Lausanne

Alan Chambers, Mike Goeke, Brian Kliewer all speak at the recent Lausanne Conference in South Africa. What an amazing opportunity. … [Read more...]

Memories of Bullying

upset boy against a wall

The recent suicides that are related to bullying have brought back some not-so-pleasant memories for me. I’m sure I’m not alone.  Coming out of the closet (or rather, being pushed out kicking and screaming) as a high school student in 1990-ish in small-town New Hampshire was not fun. I always joke that Ellen didn’t come out for another 7 years :)  I was made fun of, harassed, threatened, and insulted.  I remember sitting in class and having a peer tell me that all gay people should be put on an island and blown up, as my teacher sat there and said nothing.  I spent many classes just … [Read more...]