Exodus International Celebrating 30 Years of 'Freedom'
by Ed Thomas
July 19, 2005
(AgapePress) - Attendees have gathered this week for a yearly conference in Asheville, North Carolina, that birthed the "ex-gay" ministry Exodus International 30 years ago. The organization's membership director says the continued growth is a testament to the power of Christ, and friends and family, to help those struggling to change.
Randy Thomas says the people at the Exodus Freedom Conference this week are being equipped with the tools to overcome homosexuality -- whether for themselves, a family member, loved one, or friend. "They are realizing that the gay identity does not live up to its promises," Thomas says. "They come here with a lot of questions -- and we have answers that [we hope] they will see will bring liberation not only to their sexuality but to their souls."
Thomas says the difference in the method is the biblical answer for freedom from any sin: the power of Jesus Christ. He says Jesus has made that power available through Exodus International for 30 years, since the group was formed following a first such multi-ministry conference in 1975.
Topics discussed at the conference, Thomas explains, are those the ministry feels are vital in the present-day culture war for equipping those who are frustrated with the homosexual lifestyle and want to get out.
"One of [the topics], of course, is preserving marriage [and] defending future families," he says. "Another one that's a big emphasis on our heart, of course, is youth." The Freedom Conference addresses a modern topic of strong need with a Youth Day, providing an emphasis on the many pro-homosexual messages now directed at young people, and equipping them also with ways to overcome. In addition, the conference will address issues surrounding biblical sexuality and sexual addictions.
The Exodus spokesman emphasizes his group will not be deterred by political correctness. "You know, when it comes to the culture war, we don't let the culture war dictate where we go," Thomas says. "We have a big heart, a passionate heart to reach out to the Church to let them know that we're here to help."
In excess of 130 member ministries in North America are affiliated with Exodus International.
Ed Thomas, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
