Love Won Out Coming to St. Louis

By Jim Day

With the gay agenda permeating practically every aspect of our culture, the battle to combat it may seem overwhelming. But Christians cannot and must not give up the fight. If this battle is lost, the homosexual agenda will destroy not only the traditional family structure in America (not to mention countless lives), but obliterate any remaining semblance of morality in our nation.

Organizations such as Mission America, the Alliance Defense Fund, Eagle Forum, Concerned Women for America, the American Family Association, Reclaiming America, the Christian Coalition, the Family Research Council, the Traditional Values Coalition, the American Center for Law and Justice, the Heritage Foundation, the Rutherford Institute, Focus on the Family and many others are on the battlefield each in their own way combating this menace. Many fight in the political and legal arenas and all educate and energize their constituents to take action.

A More Important Battle

Although the political and legal battles are important fronts, there is another battle front that is even more important. The battle for the souls of those affected and held captive by homosexuality.

Each year, thousands are faced with the pain of learning about a gay loved one and feel there is nowhere to turn for answers. However, since 1998, Love Won Out, a ministry of Focus on the Family, has been reaching out to those caught up in the homosexual lifestyle as well as their friends, families and loved ones with a message of hope and salvation.

Focus has been passionately concerned about the prevalence of misinformation (as well as outright lies) flooding our culture regarding homosexuality. To combat this flood of misinformation, Focus’ Christ-centered Love Won Out conferences provide a factual and comprehensive overview designed to enlighten, empower and educate participants on the complex issues surrounding this issue. Their objective is to equip families, church and youth leaders, educators, counselors, policy-makers and the gay community with the truth about homosexuality. Just a few of the many topics covered during their seminars include: the roots, causes, and treatment of homosexuality; countering the gay agenda in our public schools; and how parents, family members, and friends should respond.

But Are They Successful?

Love Won Out has powerfully impacted audiences across the nation - not simply with education, but with the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. People’s attitudes and lives have been forever changed once they attend a Love Won Out conference.

According to Love Won Out’s research their audiences are comprised of families and friends of gay or ex-gay individuals, gay or ex-gay individuals, church staff members, employees of public and private schools and concerned citizens. In polls taken after their conferences the results are, to say the least, quite dramatic as shown the in following statistics related to five questions that are asked of attendees:

1. Do you have an understanding of how to balance love and truth when opposing homosexuality? Before a conference 57.6 percent said “yes.” After a conference 97 percent said “yes.”

2. Do you have an understanding of pro-gay arguments that are shaping our societal views of this issue? Before a conference 47.2 percent felt they knew the arguments. After a conference 94.8 percent felt they knew the arguments.

3. Do you know how to effectively change someone’s opinion that homosexuality is not okay? Before a conference 35.7 percent could change someone’s opinion. After a conference 88.9 percent could change someone’s opinion.

4. Would you know how to help a youth who is already struggling with homosexuality? Before a conference 24.4 percent could help a youth. After a conference 85.4% could help a youth.

5. Do you know how to oppose efforts in schools that attempt to present homosexuality as an acceptable and normal lifestyle? Before a conference 23.8 percent said “yes.” After a conference 85.5 percent said “yes.”

In Their Own Words

Mike Haley, Love Won Out host and a former homosexual had this to say about their program, “While the gay life is often glorified in ‘pride’ festivals and through the media, we offer a distinctly different message – one of hope and healing for those who don’t share that sense of pride. I and thousands of others know firsthand that there is a way out of unwanted homosexuality.”

Melissa Fryrear, one of the primary conference speakers and former lesbian added, “The issues of homosexuality and same-sex marriage are becoming increasingly politicized in our culture, but Love Won Out’s message continues to focus on the hope and love that is found in Jesus Christ. We offer a perspective that is rarely heard anywhere else: There is a way out of the homosexual life for those who wish to take it.”

Among the most important subjects addressed during each conference are same-sex marriage and parenting. Focus on the Family Vice President and Psychologist-in-Residence Dr. Bill Maier addresses both of these subjects during his presentation entitled “Straight Thinking on Gay Marriage.”

Of particular interest to those seeking help for family members who are involved in the homosexual/lesbian lifestyle is the testimony of Nancy Heche. Nancy, a recent addition to the Love Won Out lineup of speakers, brings an incredibly personal and meaningful message to the parents and spouses of those involved in homosexuality due to the fact that her daughter was involved in a high-profile lesbian relationship. She also lost her husband to a long battle with AIDS after he secretly lived a homosexual life during their marriage. Nancy shares the lessons of her experience with conference attendees and serves as a powerful witness.

Coming to St. Louis

Since its inception in 1998, Love Won Out has shared its message with more than 27,000 people in 36 cities internationally. On February 25, 2006 Focus on the Family will bring its Love Won Out conference to St. Louis making this event their 37th presentation. First Evangelical Free Church, 1375 Carman Rd., in Manchester, MO will be hosting the conference.

A pastor’s and ministry leader’s breakfast will be held at the church on Thursday, January 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to a complimentary breakfast and seminar that will equip them to more effectively convey the truth about homosexuality - compassionately without compromising. Three of Love Won Out’s keynote speakers will share their testimonies and address topics such as: how to minister to gays and lesbians and their family members, how the Church should respond - balancing truth and grace, debunking the “born gay” myth, and understanding the contributing factors of male and female homosexuality. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by January 3rd to Linda Allison at (719) 548-5770 or via email: linda.allison@fotf.org.

Locally there are two notable outreach ministries to the homosexual community; Pure Heart Ministries, led by Rev. Jim Venice (636) 679-6815, and FirstLight, led by Luke Brouwer (314) 749-4937. Both ministries are recognized by the most well known outreach, which is Exodus International. Exodus can be reached by calling 1-888-264-0877 or by visiting their web site at www.exodus-international.org. For links to other national outreaches visit our web site at www.metrovoice.net.

For more information regarding Love Won Out call (719) 548-4570 or visit their web site at www.lovewonout.com. Those interested in attending the February 25th conference should call 1-800-232-6459 or sign-up online at www.lovewonout.com.