How to Get the Message Out

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 about what has worked for you. Thank you.

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, Frank and Anne, 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.

"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 Danish friend Niels, 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."

Bridget Night, September 2006