Love Won Out Conference Provides Loving Perspective for Christians

I had heard a lot about Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out" conferences.

When a woman at our church announced that she was going to a Love Won Out on February 25, 2006 in St. Louis - only about two hours from us - I decided to check it out with her. 

I admit I wasn't sure what to expect. Love Won Out has received a lot of attention from the general public - mostly negative.
Would I be wasting my day? I wasn't sure. 

For some background, Love Won Out is a ministry of Focus on the Family out of Colorado Springs, CO. Love Won Out is a traveling conference that seeks to educate Christians on how to show Christ-like love and acceptance to people struggling with homosexuality. Love Won Out also provides support and assistance to families who have gay loved ones. Love Won Out also works to minister to gay people and help those who wish to leave the homosexual lifestyle. 

While being firm in the message that homosexuality is a sin in the eyes of God, Love Won Out stresses that Christians need to stop believe that it is the unpardonable sin. The message was reiterated throughout the day: Sin is sin and is against God - whether it is homosexuality, heterosexual promiscuity, gossip, lying, stealing or being a hypocrite. 

While I wasn't sure before it started if the conference was going to be worth my time, I was excited to discover a short time into it that it was more than worth it. 

The prevailing message of the day was "God loves homosexuals and He wants to free them from the bondage they are in. Christians should be loving toward gay people, not hateful and full of judgment." 

With testimonies from former homosexuals Mike Haley, Melissa Fryrear and Joe Dallas, the message heard was a powerful one of redemption and the far-reaching and patient love of God. 

Giving her perspective as a family member dealing with the homosexuality of their love one, Dr. Nancy Heche (mother of actress Ann Heche) encouraged attendees to continue to trust God.