Exodus International - "Divine Appointments" at Southern Baptist Convention, June 15, 2001

NEW ORLEANS--Two ex-gay ministry leaders reported exciting ministry opportunities during the recent Southern Baptist Convention, held in New Orleans June 12-13. The issue of homosexuality was a major focus of the event, due to multiple motions by delegates and a protest by pro-gay demonstrators outside the Louisiana Superdome where the convention occurred.

Tim Wilkins, a former homosexual and ordained Southern Baptist minister who directs CROSS Ministry in Raleigh, NC, volunteered for street evangelism and met with about ten men for instructions. He also briefly shared his testimony with the pastor in charge.

"While we were praying before leaving to evangelize, I heard a man weeping at the front of the church and talking to the pastor," Tim said. Just before Tim could step out the church door, the pastor said, "Tim, you're just the person I need." The pastor introduced Tim to an 18-year-old male stripper and prostitute who said, "I cannot live as a homosexual anymore!"

Tim spent the next five hours with the man, sharing the Gospel and how God delivered him from homosexuality (Tim is now married with a young daughter). During the conversation, this young man accepted Christ and is now receiving additional help.

Terri Brown, director of The Master's Design (West Monroe, LA), said that she had received a call from a man in the New Orleans area the week prior to the convention. During her time in New Orleans, Terri and her co-director, Carol Hunter, met with this young man for breakfast. "He told us that he was not a Christian but wanted to be," Terri reported, "so we were able to lead him to the Lord right there at the table. We left him with materials about ex-gay ministry and are in the process of linking him up with a church in the area."

Three Exodus leaders presented motions which are being considered by various Baptist agencies. Rev. Robert Stith, board chairman of Living Hope (Arlington, TX), asked for a task force to be established to launch a redemptive outreach to homosexuals. His motion was referred to the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and LifeWay Christian Resources.

Tim Wilkins asked seminaries to train students to reach homosexuals for Christ, which was referred to six Southern Baptist seminaries. And Terri Brown asked for ministry resources for parents whose children are struggling with homosexuality, which was referred to the North American Mission Board.

"I used to be a terrified, broken mother of a son who is in the homosexual lifestyle," Terri said. "I couldn't talk to one person without falling apart. Now I am one who finds her strength in the Lord and is able to stand before thousands and try to make a difference by presenting God's heart on this issue."

< Previous