I am always amazed at the scope of conversations I have the privilege engaging in any given week.  Beautiful and broken in our stories and journeys, we have so much to offer to one another as we pursue meaningful questions at the intersection of faith and sexuality.  In the last couple of weeks. I have connected with a mom and her teenager who is struggling with gender identity questions.  I met with an extended family as they processed one of the sibling's coming out journey.  I spoke to a gay man who is searching for spiritual direction after many years of wandering and a recent dramatic conversion experience.  I grieved with a woman who recently lost one of the few supportive friends and allies in her life.  I encouraged several individuals mired in shame and self-loathing to learn how to move from the house of fear to the house of love.  I had dialogue with a group of ex-gay survivors who are unsure and somewhat cynical about many of the bridge building initiatives that seem to be popping up.  I spoke with reporters about the journey of New Direction in light of the closure of Exodus and Alan Chambers' apology.  I went on a debate radio show to interact with the new coordinator of the Restored Hope Network, Anne Paulk.  And I listened to many people in the midst of transitions, new chapters, or significant decision-making moments.  All of these conversations need to be surrounded by prayer. Each of these conversations requires a trained spirit that is tuned to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit.  And every conversation is an opportunity to glimpse how God is at work in each person's life.  I again heard this past week that if it weren't for the reality of wrestling to bring together an understanding of this person's sexuality with faith they might not be a Christian today.  This person said, "Being gay has forced me to get serious about understanding and owning my faith."  Another said it this way, "As much as I tried to leave God and rebel against him - he never left me.  He was constantly reminding me that he loved me."

In the midst of many new contacts to the ministry and people wanting to learn more about New Direction, we face the reality of uncertainty.  Please keep Wes in your prayers.  We are still waiting on government paperwork to ensure he can remain in Canada and serving New Direction.  We also need your prayers for the sustainability of the ministry.  Sadly, we have heard from several monthly donors indicating that they were unable to continue to financially support us.  While some of the reasons included financial constraints, it was painful to hear from some who felt unable to support our posture of generous spaciousness.  This always grieves me because generous spaciousness is all about finding a way to experience unity in the midst of our diversity.  If you believe that you can wholeheartedly support our work to nurture safe and spacious places for sexual minority persons to explore and grow in faith in Jesus Christ, would you please consider committing two things:  First, your prayers.  We are so grateful for those who regularly lift Wes and myself along with our board and contacts up to God in prayer.  Second, a perhaps modest but regular monthly gift.  We have lost the equivalent of $310 per month.  Can you join us on a monthly basis?  Your gifts mean that we can continue to be available in our office, the coffeeshop, phone, email or skype for individuals and families in need of pastoral care and spiritual direction.  As we partner in this work, people have the opportunity to receive wise counsel, encouraging spiritual direction, and renewed hope and perspective.  

 
Thank you for walking with us.  Your prayers and support make a tangible difference in the lives of men, women, students, and families.
shalom,

As soon as I read about the Exodus thing I immediately wondered what you thought. It was very revealing, insightful and interesting...I am encouraged that there are Christians who can create room for God to work with people rather than determining for them who they are suppose to be on his behalf. Hopefully the issue of same gender attraction can be a catalyst for other issues which while perhaps less dramatic, still need space for God to work into.