For 33 consecutive years, Exodus has held an annual international gathering that draws hundreds of men and women who are impacted in some way by homosexuality.

As we reflect on the amazing 2008 conference week, already attendees have expressed how much this conference ministered to them.  From an Exodus staff perspective, this year’s conference personally ministered to our team.  Many of us were seeking and expecting the Lord to show up in our own lives; to lovingly stretch, encourage, and strengthen us in order to continue this incredible mission to which He has called us.   We noticed a very sweet presence all week. 

With the arrival of over 800 people, and the largest response at the altar ever on the first night, we knew that the Lord had a special week in store.

This conference marked a new day for Exodus and all those who continue to be positively impacted by this ministry.  To those of you who continue to prayerfully and financially invest into this ministry, thank you! Hundreds of hearts, minds, and souls are forever changed; we will never be the same.  Many people left this conference with burdens lifted and prayers answered.  Their conference experience truly was the fresh start and new beginning that they were desperately seeking.

Quick Facts: 2008 International Freedom Conference:
• 800 – Total attendance
• 41% – First time conference attendees
• 15% – Students struggling with homosexuality (Ages 16 – 25)
• 11% – Parents affected by homosexuality
• Approximately $13,000 in conference scholarships awarded to over 145 individuals who applied for financial assistance.
• Over 100 people attended Steadfast, our one-day marriage mini-conference held the first full day of the conference.

Each summer, men and women come together for worship, celebration, and encouragement. Throughout the week, delegates join together in morning and evening general sessions to worship, hear testimonies, and be equipped and encourage from gifted pastors, speakers, and authors.  The remainder of the day includes a line up of workshops and special times for groups to get time together.  These groups include: Exodus Men, the Women's Oasis, Parents Hospitality time, and XScape for youth & students. 

Regardless of how you may be personally impacted by homosexuality, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining us at next year's Freedom Conference.

  Conference Highlights

This year’s guest speakers included Jimmy Evans, Anne Graham Lotz, Clark Whitten, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Andy Comiskey, and Dale Evrist who all shared both encouraging and challenging messages that built on one another throughout the week.

We were excited to see so many new people discover true hope and freedom through the power of Jesus Christ. People came with questions, and discovered a great God who holds all the answers; a God who loves them and will help them find strength for the journey. 

There was a great reminder to all of us during the conference that God is working; as we watch Him reveal to so many that there is hope beyond this struggle.  We witnessed several men and women accept Christ as their Savior or rededicate their lives to Him.

Worship 

Worship was an overwhelming experience and Marianne Adams did a wonderful job leading us to the Throne of Grace. It is amazing to see how God pours Himself out for those who bring everything they are to Him with thankfulness and praise.

At the last evening general session, I joined hundreds of my new brothers and sisters in the Lord crowded around the front of the auditorium.  With hands lifted high we sang and declared, “We will overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony, everyone overcome!”  We are all over-comers!  

Prayer Covering & Thank Yous

The conference was well covered in prayer.  While our team was praying, and many who were actively involved in preparations for the conference spent time in prayer, we thank all of you in our network who lifted up the conference delegates, and the overall event in  your prayers over the past few months.

We also extend another great thank you to those who helped to financially support over one hundred people who could not have attended otherwise.

Invitation to All

To all who didn’t make it to the 2008 International Exodus Freedom Conference, we hope you will join us from next summer!

Steadfast

The Exodus Freedom Conference continued to minister to married couples through Steadfast, a day long 'conference within a conference'  focused specifically on marriages impacted by homosexuality.  Steadfast attendees heard great talks from Jimmy Evans, Troy and Melissa Haas, Mike and Stephanie Goeke and Jay Mayo on issues important and unique to married couples.  Couples also participated in Small Group time.  One of the most important aspects of Steadfast is the amazing relationships that are made – relationships that provide invaluable support and encouragement to the couples in attendance.  As usual, the day ended with a wonderful banquet for all Steadfast attendees.  We were excited to have over 50 couples in attendance! 

Steadfast is sponsored by Stonegate Fellowship Church and Cross Power Ministries, both of Midland, Texas.  Over 15 volunteers from Stonegate came just to make the conference special, love on the attendees and to be a tangible picture of a church that cares.  Cross Power Ministries is focused on helping marriages impacted by homosexuality not only survive, but to thrive in the midst of struggles that can seem insurmountable.  We look forward to helping protect marriages, through Steadfast, for many years to come!  We are already planning Steadfast 2009, and are excited to see what God will do! 

  - Mike Goeke, Counseling Pastor at Stonegate Fellowship

Parents Hospitality Time

Blessings of love, hope and encouragement! These are words that would best describe what the precious moms and dads from all over the country received at our Parents Hospitality Time this year.

Each afternoon, we had a g

athering where we connected with gifted speakers and messages of faith and hope.  We met daily, shared testimonies, and agreed to return home to love, bless, and pray for our children as never before. Best of all, we came to recognize the importance of allowing Christ to work in our own hearts, as well as in our children's. 

Parents, please mark your calendars and join us next year. You'll be SO blessed!

- Cherrie, the "Volunteer Mom" 

 Exodus Men

The Men's Oasis was a great time of building relationships and encouraging one another. We connected in a safe and relaxing enviornment, gathering each night after the evening session to talk, eat great snacks and testify about the amazing things that God had done in our lives.

What an awesome sight it was to see men of all ages, enjoying one another's company and just being men.  For some guys it was almost a "right of passage;" a doorway into fulfilling a need that for so long had been lacking. For others it was an act of faith, walking across that threshold, professing anew found freedom as they entered the room -- Declaring to all those who would hear, I will no longer walk in a spirit of intimidation but I willsee myself as a man, stong, confident and courageous.

By the end of the week it was astonishing, new friendships had been forged, old friedships were strengthened and a group of ordinary men had been united as one.  What an awesome time it was.

- Michael Waters, Volunteer, staff member at New Song Christian Fellowship

Women's Oasis

We spent time connecting and getting to know each other in facilitated small group activities.  We also processed the events of the day in a lighthearted setting - all aimed at preparing us for  a restful night and for getting the most out of the conference experience.

What a blessing it was to get to know more of, and more about, our sisters in Christ!  Papa was so evident in stories, smiles, tears ... and lives. 

We drew strength and comfort from "journeying" together. 

- Danene Guistwhite, Mentor Program Director at Day Seven Ministries 

Xscape: Students & Youth

The Xscape programs at the Exodus Freedom Conference minister to attendees ages 25 and under. This year, we had about 120 delegates who fit into that age group! Our time together consisted of fun and games, intimate small

group discussions, and some fantastic speakers.

Scott Davis talked about God’s creative intentions in making us male and female; Nate Oyle of Out Post Ministries talked about what it really means to “walk out of homosexuality."  His wife, Candace joined him for a question and answer time.  Mike Ensley shared thoughts on lies, truth, and icebergs.  Other Student leaders helped the students t

o interact in fun activities including an egg drop and Ultimate Frisbee.

“As always, our pleasure was getting to know the young people who come to this conference. It’s a privilege to serve and encourage you and see the amazing things God is doing in each of your journeys,” said Mike Ensley, Analyst for Exodus Youth.

If you’re 25 or under and haven’t come to an Exodus Freedom Conference, we encourage you to come join us next year, or for one of our upcoming events.

Media

This year's conference definitely made headlines!  The 2008 Exodus Freedom Conference was the subject of not one, but three feature stories in the local paper.  In addition, Exodus spokespersons were interviewed by the top AM station in the area and spoke with the local ABC channel three times in three days!  Exodus is committed to clearly articulating the hope of freedom and this year our Senior Director of Media Relations, Julie Neils, co

nducted media related workshops and consulted with several member agencies on their media plans.  Below is a full summary of this year's media activity at the conference.

Print:

The Asheville Citizen-Times, Asheville, NC - Featured a story on our conference prior to the event, covered our conference, covered counter-conference initiatives.

The New Republic - National editor covered the conference for a future article on Exodus International

Radio:

WWNC-AM - Interviewed Exodus President Alan Chambers for a feature news segment

WNCC-AM - "Take a Stand with Matt Mittan." Asheville, NC - Interviewed Randy Thomas, Executive Vice President of Exodus International

TV:

WLOS-TV, ABC, Asheville, NC - Interviewed Executive Vice President, Randy Thomas, interviewed Gary & Melissa Ingraham on their journey out of homosexuality and on their marriage, interviewed Exodus President, Alan Chambers, on the conference

TV62, Western Carolina University New Channel, Cullowhee, NC - Students covered the conference for a future news story

Web:

CitzenLink & Family News in Focus (radio feature) - Featured story on the conference 

The Christian Post- Wrote a prominent feature story on the conference

North Carolina State Baptist Convention Communications- Interviewed Exodus President Alan Chambers for an article, "Southern Baptist Exodus?" and podcast

New Man magazine- Featured photos of the conference and an article from Director of the Exodus Church Network Jeff Buchanan that discusses the conference in "How You Can Help Fight Homosexuality"