http://www.earnedmedia.org/fotf0127.htm
To: National Desk
Contact: Christopher Norfleet of Focus on the Family Action, 719-548-4570, [email protected]
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Jan. 27 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Focus on the Family will bring its Love Won Out conference to Houston on Feb. 19, to counter the media-saturating message that homosexuality is inborn and unchangeable. The one-day event, led primarily by those who have left homosexuality themselves, is designed to educate and equip attendees on the issues surrounding homosexuality and provide hope for those struggling -- and those whose loved ones struggle -- with unwanted same-sex attractions.
"The continued propagation of 'homosexuality is innate and normal' rhetoric by pro-gay activists is just another example of their short-sighted misapplication of tolerance," said Mike Haley, a former homosexual and Love Won Out conference host, who recently authored the book 101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality. "Thousands of men and women know firsthand that there is a way out of unwanted homosexuality."
"I am living proof that change can happen," said Melissa Fryrear, Love Won Out speaker and a former lesbian. She continued, "Although the issues of homosexuality and same-sex marriage are becoming increasingly politicized in our culture, Love Won Out's message continues to focus on the hope and love that is found in Jesus Christ."
Houston-area billboards promoting the conference have attracted city-wide attention with their simple message: "I questioned homosexuality. Change is possible. Discover how." Gay-rights groups have opposed the billboards' message, voicing their intention to protest and "infiltrate" the February conference. Haley commented, "Attempting to silence and discredit us shows a cruel disregard for individual civil and human rights: It's our right to choose to not be gay."
To address the topic of same-sex marriage and equality under the law, Focus on the Family Vice President and Psychologist-in- Residence Dr. Bill Maier will present "Straight Thinking on Gay Marriage," a breakout session recently added to the Love Won Out lineup.
Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D., president of the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, will present at the Houston conference. Other speakers include Dick Carpenter, Ph.D., a veteran teacher, principal and college professor; Joe Dallas, a former staff member of the pro-gay Metropolitan Community Church, who now works with men and women struggling with unwanted homosexuality; and Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, a ministry to those effected by unwanted homosexuality and their families.
Grace Community Church in Houston will host the all-day conference. Since its inception in 1998, Love Won Out has shared its message with more than 23,000 people in 29 cities internationally. Houston marks 31st presentation of Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference.
For more information visit: http://www.lovewonout.com.
