In This Newsletter:
• Update on our Vehicle Fundraiser
• Working with Same-Sex Attracted Youth
• Registration for the Sept. 26 Training
In our last newsletter, we shared that we are raising money for a ministry vehicle. We set an initial goal of $4,000 for a downpayment. As of this writing, God has provided $5,845! We need to raise $14,000 more for the cost of the vehicle, registration, and initial insurance costs. Would you consider giving toward this vehicle? We need 14 people to each give $1,000 or 28 people to give $500. Please see giving instructions at the end of this newsletter. Thank you for considering this need!
I regularly get calls from concerned parents, youth pastors, grandparents, counselors, and teachers who feel at a loss on how to help a young person, sometimes their own child, dealing with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria. I hate having to tell them that there are very few options for a minor who is wrestling with unwanted LGBTQ struggles. For example, licensed counselors in MA are bound by law to affirm a LGBTQ identity as inborn and good, even if the young person doesn’t believe they were born LGBTQ and wants to honor God with their life, their sexuality, their body, and their choices. This is sadly the case in every New England state and almost half the states in the country.
Gratefully, lay people, pastors, and ministry professionals who are not licensed counselors are generally not bound by these regulations. At Alive in Christ, we have mentored quite a few young people throughout the years, people who often lack access to help, support, care, and truth. I asked one to share about their experience in mentoring (we met for 2 years and have continued to stay connected while this person is in college). Here is this young person’s story:
Brenna helped me realize a Christian response to same sex attraction that is mature, theological, and realistic. I was able to understand that my difference does not make me less than or make my life less joyful. I find more and more joy every day in submitting my life to Christ. Brenna helped me lay my burdens at the cross and keep my eyes focused on God’s best, not the world’s good.
Whether it’s mentoring a teenager, speaking at a youth group, or sharing a seminar, we are always grateful for any opportunity God brings our way that allow us to impact the lives of young people.
Here’s what one youth pastor said about one of these opportunities:
Brenna hit a home run with her talk in our youth group. When we began to promote this event, I received texts from other youth groups in our region who wanted to be a part of it as well. We had 3 other churches join us for the evening, and every youth pastor thoroughly enjoyed the message. Her insight into the Word of God, relevant illustrations, and the way she connected and engaged with the students created a space for the spirit of God to move and flow.
I received a text from a youth pastor who said there were great conversations with the teens on the van ride home. Brenna stayed after to pray with students and to have one-on-one conversations with those who had further questions. It was the best highlight of our calendar year so far and a night my students still reflect and talk about.
We will certainly be bringing Brenna back for more training in the future, and I would recommend any pastor to have her speak in the youth group, young adult group, and main Sunday service. Thank you, Brenna, for your transparency and your heart for the Lord.”
Paul prayed for the Ephesian church that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you” (Ephesians 1:18). This is why I love speaking to youth groups and working with young people in general – to share the hope the Gospel has to offer to all, including young people facing LGBTQ struggles. I bumped into a church staff member at a recent conference; I had spoken to the church’s youth the previous year. She shared that when I spoke, there was a young man in the church who was transitioning to be a female. After hearing me speak, this young man decided to reject that false identity and live as the young man God created him to be. I told this staff member, “This is why I do this ministry – for moments like this!” And, friends of Alive in Christ, it’s because of your prayers and your giving that we can do these events and speak into the lives of those who might not otherwise hear the hope that the gospel offers to all.
We have an upcoming training in Weymouth on Sept. 26th. “Same-Sex Attraction & the Church: Compassion without Compromise” covers a variety of topics, including LGBT peoples’ experience of faith, how to effectively share the gospel with them, how to equip youth with a biblical framework of sexuality and gender, and more. You can register here.
Again, thank you for your faithfulness in prayer, and in giving! We could not do this without you!
Prayer Requests
We rely on your prayers to keep Alive in Christ active, healthy, and visible, to share Christ’s Good News that offers hope to those impacted by same-sex attraction & gender dysphoria. To receive additional prayer updates, please e-mail prayer@alive-in-christ.net.
Please pray for:
- The upcoming training on Sept. 26th in Weymouth – we’d love to see you there!
- Our ongoing work with young people and youth groups
- Our vehicle fundraising
- Continued connections with churches throughout New England and throughout a variety of denominations
Financial Supporters
To give toward our vehicle needs, you can send a check made out to “Alive in Christ” with “Vehicle Needs” in the memo directly to:
Alive in Christ
1 Park St.
Boston, MA, 02108
You can also give here, selecting the “Vehicle Needs” fund, or by texting AliveinChrist to 1-888-364-4483. To give to our general fund, simply leave the check memo blank, or select the “General” fund online. All gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you for your generosity!