On March 13th and 14th, Scott Davis, David Fountain and I visited Lee University, one of many Christian campuses targeted by a gay rights protest known as 'Equality Ride.' Lee was expecting a visit from the riders later that week.
It was an exciting visit, especially for David who is a Lee University alumnus. David shared his story Tuesday morning before a packed-out chapel (about 1,000 students) and the response was overwhelming. Scott and David also hosted two great seminars for the student leadership, focusing on how to minister to those who struggle with same-sex attractions and how to respond lovingly to those who embrace it.
Many students spoke with each of us afterward, some with friends or family who struggle, and a few who were battling with homosexuality themselves. It was good to see that our message had brought some hope.
One day after we left, the protestors showed up. We have been so encourged to hear all reports say that Lee University received their visitors with a gracious display of true tolerance. While this group has created a disturbance on other campuses by intentionally disobeying the schools' guidelines, the Lee protest was largely uneventful.
Unfortunately, some ignorant soul did try to stir up trouble by spray-painting hateful words on the protestors' bus. Soulforce (the group behind the protest) blamed religion, despite the kindness shown by the Christian students. In a true showing of grace, Lee students volunteered to help clean the graffiti off the bus.
This perfect response by the students was the goal of our visit. I think it's so crucial that those of us who are most directly targeted by homosexual activism give the most gracious and loving response. My prayer is that the people on that bus will encounter the Savior on their journey.
Oh, just for the record...the exact quote from Soulforce was to blame "religious misinformation" for the bus tagging. My point is, they are clearly faulting those who proclaim the Biblical truth that homosexual behavior is outside of God's will and freedom is possible through Christ. The irony then being that those who attended the school with this belief are the ones who offered their help to the riders.
Posted by: MikeEnsley | Sunday, March 26, 2006 at 11:29 AM