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Evergreen Update Newsletter
October 2, 2006
How to Get the Message Out
In several of the workshops at the 2006 Evergreen Annual Conference, the
question was discussed about how to get out the word about Evergreen.
Several ideas and experiences were shared that may be of help to you.
(Names have been changed.)
*********************
Peter was getting his hair cut when the lady next to him started talking
about all the horrible gays she had seen in California. He wanted to help
her understand the truth about same-sex attraction but didn't know what to
say. After his haircut, Peter went home and wrote down a possible dialogue
to use the next time he found himself in a similar situation. He said it
was very helpful to think through and write down his feelings and is
looking forward to his first teaching opportunity.
*********************
A couple who has a son who struggles told their stake president they would
be willing to visit with others in the stake who face similar issues. To
date, they've visited with several individuals and couples, sharing their
experience and telling them about Evergreen and the resources Evergreen
can provide.
*********************
Tom reported talking to a co-worker who mentioned she had a brother living
the gay lifestyle. Tom felt inspired to tell her about Evergreen and the
resources they offer. After a lengthy discussion, the co-worker said,"For
several years I've been looking for information on same-sex attraction
that agrees with Church teachings. Thanks for pointing me in the right
direction." Tom said that the co-worker has now visited the Evergreen Web
site several times.
*********************
One couple, James and Mary, noticed a request in a magazine for stories
from families who had been touched by homosexuality. They spent several
weeks writing about their experiences during the six years since their son
told them he was gay. Before submitting their story, they shared it with
several of their brothers and sisters who were already aware of their
situation. After reading the story, each sibling expressed appreciation
for the increased understanding they had as to how same-sex attraction
affects families. Mary shared their story with a group of neighbors she
meets with each week who knew her situation. She said they took turns
reading the story one afternoon as they quilted. Some could only read a
paragraph or two before tears made it impossible to continue and they
passed it to the next person. All were crying before they finished reading
the story. Each gained a deeper understanding of same-sex attraction, the
Church's teachings regarding the issue, and the resources available
through Evergreen.
*********************
Several days after the Evergreen Conference, the Deseret News reported on
a gay activist's visit to Salt Lake City. The paper reported that his
message was that every gay and lesbian person has the responsibility to
get the word out about the issues they face. To counter this effort, we
can share our stories in appropriate places and as the Spirit directs.
This is one way we can help spread the truth about same-sex attraction and
the resources and help Evergreen can provide.
*********************
We are looking for experiences, ideas, and suggestions for spreading the
truth about same-sex attraction and Evergreen to those who have a need to
hear. Please submit your stories (to webmaster@evergreeninternational.org)
about what has worked for you. Thank you.
*********************
This is an experience that Bridget Night had shortly after she returned
home from the Evergreen conference:
"You will never believe what just happened! I was in the middle of writing
my report on Salt Lake and the Evergreen conference when the two young
male missionaries from my congregation rang my door bell. They were both
from Utah, and one from Salt Lake. I was telling them I had just got back
from Salt Lake and ended up telling them about Evergreen International
and my book. Well, those of you who know me,
know how I some times end up getting carried away when telling my story.
But I thought, 'Well, let's see how well these young men handle this
subject and how mature they actually are.' At first they became very quiet
and then wide-eyed and finally glued to my every word. When I was done,
the one Elder said, 'We are teaching an investigator who we have brought
to church who has this problem. You are an answer to our prayer because we
did not know what to tell him or where to refer him. Can I buy your book
to give to him and refer him to you?' The new missionary said, 'And I want
to buy your book, too. My best friend whom I e-mail struggles with this
too and doesn't know where to turn. This is amazing that God brought us to
you today.' Well, I am still kind of blown away by this and it really
makes me realize that if the spirit prompts you, then by all means, open
your big mouth and share the gospel of ex-gay ministries. You just never
know how God is going to use you."