Walls coming down. Old wounds healed. Connections being made. And not just for me — with Chuck Smith Jr, with John Smid of EXODUS and with those who expressed support regarding Jeffery.

It’s happening to other people, too. Stay alert. These are opportunities of the Spiriti that we who really care about LGBT folks cannot afford to miss.

Its inspirational and a great example of TRUE “healing and Reconciliation.

Some amazing things took place there from what I understand.

Below is what Chuck Jr. wrote to me about his experience at T-E-N. and Michael’s Bussee’s response to Chuck Jr. follows it.

Please take a moment and read … it’s priceless.

From Chuck Smith Jr.

Lisa,

I’m in this strange place since returning home. Barbara and I both felt
it yesterday as we drove to the airport, flew home, and talked about it
all the way home from the airport.

Lisa, it’s one think to hear stories and to know how the hearts and
spirits of people have been crushed by the rejection of “Bible-believing” Christians.

And I have to say, I totally understand those believers who are
convinced they cannot embrace their gay and lesbian brothers and
sisters, because I know the culture and its powerful influence in a person’s mind. After all, you don’t want to encourage someone in a lifestyle that you fully believe will land them in hell. But, of course, what those religious folks don’t understand at all is the love of God in Jesus Christ. Because even if you believe the worst about a person, you still move toward them in love, treat them with love, and walk with them in love. In Jesus, the authentic believer has no enemies.

But to actually see these beautiful men and women who have been so
badly beaten by people who are supposed to be walking in the truth,
tore me to shreds.

O, Lisa, I feel so attached to the people we met–so “one” with
my siblings. But I also deeply regret the times that I have been the
“elder brother” in attitude or statements that I’ve made in my past ignorance.

Even today I feel “post-op,” like I’ve had this really invasive
surgical procedure that will heal me, but at the same time it has
wounded me and will leave a scar. What I mean is that God broke my heart wide open. People whose souls are of such precious quality and of such value that Christ laid down his life for them do not deserve the attack, the bitterness, the rejection, and banishment that they have suffered.

I suppose, at least for now, that is the overall impression that the conference has left on me. And it’s not because the topic was always being brought up. It wasn’t. In fact, it was mostly passed over lightly. But even the casual references to it were reminders to me of the deep and serious damage done to gays and lesbians in the name of God.

Obviously Michael Bussee greatly blessed me when he embraced me at the
end of Saturday night’s service. I’ll never forget that moment.

I just hope that in some way I am to him–and to others who have
been abused by Calvary Chapel–an extension of my dad and that movement
(even though I’ve been ejected from it) that opened its arms to “everyone” back in the day, in the name of Jesus.

I really enjoyed Troy Perry and the brief testimony that he shared. He came from a different brand of Pentecostalism than I did, but there’s a lot that we
share in common–brothers of a different mother. Troy’s self-effacing
attitude toward his lack of education totally ignores the fact that a person could attend seminary or a graduate school of psychology or sociology for a lifetime
and never learn as much as he knows through walking with people in the
way he has for these last two decades.

Meeting Ralph Blair and listening to his testimony was also a highlight
for me. In fact, I told him that he should publish the few pages that
he read to the group, because it was very powerful.

Janice, Maria, Louis, Carl . . . I could go on and on. All wonderful
people who made a huge impression on us.

Several people sat down with me, Barbara, or with the two of us and
shared their stories. All of them emphasized the wonder and joy they
have in walking with God today. So, all in all, the weekend for me was about the
stories. Some that I had known of, but extended my knowledge and
understanding, and some that I heard for the first time.

Those are my initial thoughts–more like “emotional download.” I’ll probably come to a clearer, more rational perspective later this week. But for
now I’m still enjoying the “high” of meeting long lost brothers and
sisters I never knew I had.

chuck

Michael Bussee’s Response to Chuck:

Lisa: Could you please pass this on to Chuck Smith Jr. for me? He said:

Obviously Michael Bussee greatly blessed me when he embraced me at the
end of Saturday night’s service. I’ll never forget that moment.

I just hope that in some way I am to him–and to others who have
been abused by Calvary Chapel–an extension of my dad and that movement
(even thoughI’ve been ejected from it) that opened its arms to “everyone” back in the day, in the name of Jesus

Lisa, Please tell him this. It was divine appointment! I wasn’t even
going to go to the conference, but then doors opened. Of course, it
was good to meet Troy Perry and to re-connect with Ralph Blair, but it
was that “moment” with Chuck that healed me from head
to toe — from years of sadness and pain that Calvary Chapel had refused to do Gary’s funeral.

I don’t think Chuck Smith Jr. even knew who I was when the time came
for prayer. But, I had been watching him throughout the service,
seated in the front row, with eyes closed, palms upraised on his lap —
as though in prayer. There was a beautiful “presence” about him. He
positively glowed. I felt compelled to stand up when Todd mentioned
folks with pain or resentment who needed to “let go”.

Then, Chuck looked me in the eyes and touched my forehead. He began to
pray. I felt Jesus. Only once before did I feel it that strongly —
years ago as a new Christian — when Lonnie Frisbee laid hands on me as
we sang soft praises to God and Lonnie said simply, “Don’t use
English. Use the words the Spirit gives:” Not a shock. No
fireworks. I didn’t fall over. I just sang my love for Jesus softly
– in a language I had never learned. I felt “sealed”, so sure of
God’s abiding presence, love and power that in the years since, I have
never doubted that I am His son.

That’s what Chuck’s touch was like. I don’t know if he felt Jesus
flowing through his hands, but I sure did. Layers of pain and anger
melted away. Later, Chuck apologized for the insensitivity of his
forebearers at Calvary. There was no need. We are both forgiven.
Like Chuck, I will never forget that moment.

Michael

It would be a mutual and peaceful gathering and a neutral no drama zone designed to encourage people to get to meet each other for the first time and or reconnect with old friends/acquaintences they may have not seen or spoken with for very long time.

Some people will have been at odds and have carried unforgiveness for years and would be given a rare opportunity for healing or making steps toward it. Again the theme will be healing and reconciliation and how to encourage others to share and spread it to others. We all lead by example. . Topics could vary and it would be well organized and structured.

People’s concerns, hurts anger and issues will be heard and hopefully remedies to some of our problems will be supplied. There could be a moderator or two from both sides. The Gold rule will be in effect and this could be the first annual Olive Branch Iniative meeting if it went well.. We need to find a neutral location and people willing to work together to organize and bring it to fruition.

It has tremendous potential. And organizing a commitiee to pull it off will be madatory.

Your help and the help of others will be paramount to it’s success. We could make it light hearted and fun in some parts. A 2 day meeting would probably be most effective.. Levity is alwys helpful. I have a few ideas in mind for entertainment.. It will be well organized , civil and completely respectful.

We may agree to disagree in the end but we will all be encourage to do and hadle things in a better way in the future. Some friendship may also form. Imagune that possibility. I look forward to this potential event.

Let me know. I have started a list of names who would be willing to attend.

Lisa

Please count on me if you need a volunteer to help in any way facilitate this.

You will be featured in the film FSATAT and I’m hoping and praying for a happy ending…the thing you don’t realize is that you all are helping me write parts of the story and will ultimately help determine the ending. I’m in post now and I eagerly await the final chapter or a new and hopeful beginning that leaves the audience with a sense of Hope and security that God Loves them. Hopefully the ywill leave inspired and believing that the sky is the limit for all of us .

The film opens with a scripture that says…

Isaiah 43:19 “See I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it ? The Lord is doing something new. He is opening wells of Life-giving waters, which have been closed for many decades. The Lord is also digging new wells. He is giving us waters of new life that we have never had before. The Lord in his Mercy and by His Power, is changing the spiritual landscape and climate. The Lord is changing the deserts of our culture of death into the paradise and rivers of a new civilization of love and life. Therefore Rejoice in the Lord Always! Again I say Rejoice. Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation.”

I am still very interested in organizing a meeting with everyone from both sides. No media necessary. A Olive Branch Iniative or a Golden Rule Summit . Let’s talk.

I would like to officially put this on the table. Most of you know how to get a hold of me. We have nothing to loose and much to gain in Christ’s name.

I have list of people who have already agreed to participate should this actually get organized. Lets just do it.

Lisa .

Sadly, you have to do that. You have to say — “We are all created equal, and that means blacks, hispanics, women, gays, etc.” People don’t seem to get it unless it’s specific. I guess that’s why we had to amend the constituiion twice to be sure folks knew it really meant ALL people. Same idea applies here.

Our ministry and it’s affiliates (or our organization and it’s affiliates) endorse and support zero tolerance in regard to any message of hate toward anyone.

Does this sound like a good foundation for guiding any future conversation and comments and gestures and actions in the right direction – for everyone?

I would like to challenge EXODUS, every EXODUS affiliate and every group that is either supportive (or critical) of EXODUS to “take the Golden Rule Pledge” and get this done by the end of Summer.

Perhaps Wendy Gritter could pen a rough draft. There is really no good reason for delay. We all say we care about the LGBT community and abhor anit-gay violence/bullying and hatred. Now, let’s prove it.

I also know Exodus and other ministries and organizations have made a huge contribution in helping people who have come to them – for this I am very grateful.

Fortunately or unfortunately I am an optimistic individual and thought there would be a representative there from a ministry – any ministry. Oh well. Like others have pointed out though – Exodus and other ministries were there in Randy’s and Wendy’s thoughtful and kind and loving posts. These posts could not have been possible without the recognition and acknowledgement of the memorial vigil from Dr. Throckmorton on this blog.

I have never had any personal dealings with Exodus, however, I have with other ministries and organizations. To quote a Spice Girls song – “What I want, what I want, what I REALLY, REALLY want” – is to have their web sites put a clear and concise and succinct message on their home page indicating that they endorse and support zero tolerance in regard to any message of hate toward anyone.