There is no shortage of ministries or “causes” in our world who are soliciting support. The needs are real, the outreach crucial to save special segments of society. How do I determine who is worthy of my support, and what I can allocate from my limited income?
First, I acknowledge that most of them are worthy. Then I acknowledge that I cannot meet every need. I struggle with that concept, because even on a senior social security income, I want to help where I can.
Second: Does this ministry group touch the lives of people I care about, whether I know them or not? In this case, EC provides resources for people who struggle with their sexual orientation, and their Christian faith. They have existed for over 30 years, and I am still amazed that so many Christians have never heard of them. How can this be?
My heart and ministry is geared to reach out to this specialized segment of our society and provide hope, a safe place to interact with other gay Christians on the journey of life. I want to be part of ministries that reach out with resources, who don’t have all the answers, but are willing to listen to the questions.
EC is such a ministry outreach. They have leadership from many different faith traditions, many stories of rejection by family and church families, yet are willing to provide a place to encourage others.
Once a year, EC Western region has a conference that is designed to bring people to a place of safety. Many of the speakers are heterosexual allies who want to make it known that not all Christians are condemning of the gay community. Some of the speakers/musicians are reaching out from their own broken journey and telling how finding out that they are not alone, has impacted their lives.
There is no adequate description for how you feel when you walk into a room for the first time to be fully embraced as a Christian and a Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Trans person. And, yes, there are representatives from each group.
So, I wanted to share why I support this group, in prayer and financially, is because I have developed many friendships through the years, and these friends, although I only see many of them once a year, are the ones who touch my heart.
If you have never joined in a conference, or if you haven’t been here for a few years, I want to encourage you to put your faith, and your finances where they can make a difference. Consider ECWR this year in Oakland.
Your sister in Christ
Darlene Bogle
