Transforming Grace Did Not Disappoint

By McKrae Game, President of Hope for Wholeness

I wondered if the conference would live up to the title, and I'm pleased to say that it absolutely did. The very well attended meeting started out with great, spirit led, praise and worship. The testimonies were God honoring, focused on Christ's ability to change a life. Eric Garner shared his amazing testimony of being led away from homosexuality and moving in with his gay partner's brother's family, who was a pastor. He showed up on their door step, asking for help, and they move him in with no hesitation. After sharing, his beautiful wife Kelly shared a song that filled the room with a sense that Jesus IS HERE. Christine Sneeringer did not disappoint. She shared a detailed view of the church's opportunity to share transforming grace to those affected by homosexuality; and was radically transparent, making the room a safe place for those that struggled. Tim Wilkins was very funny and profound, sharing that "Homosexuality was not something to change from but something to repent from." He well shared the confusion on the subject and the common misperceptions and mixing of world views around what it means to leave homosexuality, from a biblical perspective.

For me personally, coming to these types of events is more than work. Just now starting HFW Books, as an outreach of Hope for Wholeness Network, I was up early that morning at 5am. A lot of work to get everything ready to be prepared for the conference.  I had a lot on my mind, but looked forward to the opportunity.

Steven had asked me to teach a class on healthy same-sex relationships to a class of men and to share about the Hope for Wholeness Network. When I got there I additionally asked me to share my story for the next morning, which I'm always excited to have the opportunity to share.

From the moment we walked in the door, Beyond Imagination's people were at the doors welcoming us with smiles and helping us with boxes. Carol Moore never disappoints with a big smile and hug that just warms your heart. I had never met Melvin and Allison and was so excited and just loved them. Jeff was running around like an army ant feverishly tending to the hive, never stopping to be able to enjoy for himself.

I was ecstatic to have met for the first time a young lady that had been in our Hope for Wholeness Facebook group for the last year but had never met in person. Eighteen, struggling with same-sex attractions, and having not told mom and dad yet, she was anxious and excited at the same time. We were excited for her.

At each of these events there's always that time when the event is over. For those of us whom its work, we're ready to get back home and prepare for the next opportunity. For those who are in the midst of their struggle, it's a sad time. They go back to their life and home, once again, alone. We hope that they take what they learned and go out into the church and share and receive, and feel a part. I so hope that the man men and women that were first timers will reach out for help. Beyond Imagination and its team is surely ready. Overall, a great conference where Christ was surely glorified.