About a month before the start of the conference, Brenna told me that there were scholarships available. I had no expectations to get anything major out of going to the conference, but I desired closeness with God. I had been walking away from God for a long time. I was not acting out homosexually, but I was crossing into yellow caution and red danger zones. I was spending a lot of time with people who were openly GLBTQ-identified and saying nothing about my struggle or my belief that God wanted to change and heal me.

This conference amazed me. I was amazed by the Lord. I was amazed by how much he loves me and everyone else. I came to the important realization that I need to stop hiding my light under a bushel from other people who are walking in darkness. Before now, it has been easier for me to stay silent, than to have a confrontation with someone. But, it's not about confrontation. It's about confession. God, not us, absolves all sin only because of the cross and only because of the blood of Jesus.

Without me even asking, several women pointed out to me the dangerousness of spending so much time with my GLBTQ friends and not mentioning God in those situations. I have to let go of my hiding place. Being in hiding is not affirming what the Lord has done and is doing for me. Other people need to hear me confess God's love to them and how God's love has been upon me always, even in my darkest moments and hours. God gave me this amazing voice of witness. Paul writes in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." I am neither ashamed nor afraid to speak up for the truth of God to others anymore.

On our way home from the conference, our plane was delayed from taking off for 2½ hours because of storms in Boston. The next morning I was awakened by the thought that sometimes we are delayed in doing what is right for God because of the storms in our lives. We let the storms define us and control us. God is the only one who can tell us who we are. He controls the weather in and outside of our souls. God is the only one who can lead us home in his timing, safely. He calms the storms in doing so. He is the only one who can bring the others around us who are suffering home safely as well. He is drawing me closer to him now. I am excited to share this with others.

Katrina

This was my first Exodus conference. I have been anticipating attending a gathering like this for many years, so I couldn't believe that I finally got the opportunity. I did not really know what to expect, but I trusted that God was going to do something special. The first major thing I encountered was the level of comfort when you are surrounded by hundreds of people who identify with my same-sex attraction struggle. Conversations were very easy and extremely honest. The conference was also a time of reflection. It gave me much needed time for prayer and journaling, and just listening to God's voice. This is something I want to maintain in my life for as long as I can. I also realized why people return to the conference time and time again. It is the fellowship!! I made some meaningful relationships, which I am determined to maintain despite the distance.

Patrick