"A mind is a terrible thing to waste" is the campaign slogan of the United Negro College Fund. The slogan has remained unchanged for more than three decades and has become part of the American vernacular.

That slogan has some specific Christian connotations as well.

In 2001, I received a "green light" to coordinate a display and distribute literature packets to attendees of an annual denominational convention. The packets contained a plethora of resources including how to share Christ with homosexuals, discipleship materials and a copy of Don Schmierer's book An Ounce of Prevention (the first book ever written on preventing same-sex attractions). My good friend and brother in Christ had donated 3,000 copies of his book for me to distribute at this convention.

I knew the denomination's exhibit hall coordinator well; he, among others, helped me secure space for the booth, so he knew what I and Cross Ministry were about.

The exhibit hall opened and a river of people streamed in and to our booth. The massive hall had been open a mere five minutes when the coordinator, my friend, came to me. With a coy smile and a "knowing" wink" he said "Tim, we just had a lady come to our exhibit office and tell us 'there's a display in the exhibit hall promoting homosexuality!'"

He knew Cross Ministry and me to be thoroughly biblical and passionate about sharing the grace of God with homosexuals. He also knew this well-intentioned lady mistakenly thought that any exhibit on homosexuality had to be pro-homosexual.

Not only had I secured space in the exhibit hall to distribute packets, I received permission to do so outside the enormous arena. Dispensing packets like a robot, I handed one to a woman as she walked my way. She must have known the nature of the packets because she commented "But I am NOT homosexual." Taken back, I managed to mumble "Uh, I didn't think you were, but you might know someone who is." She confidently replied "No thank you" and walked on.

I continued my task as throngs of people passed me, but could not help but notice the aforementioned woman as she walked away. She had gone about 200 feet when she abruptly stopped, did an about-face and headed back. "Uh-oh." I said to myself. "I am about to be lectured to - at the least or possibly lambasted. Lord, help me know what to do." I quickly prepared myself for an altercation.

At least fifteen years my senior, she walked up to me, extended her hand and said "Sir, I've changed my mind. I'd like that packet of information." Breathing a sign of relief, I handed her the packet.

A miracle took place as she and I stood on that hot concrete sidewalk that afternoon. The "miracle" was encapsulated in her words "I've changed my mind." (Actually, God's the one who changes minds.)

I later pondered her initial response "But I am NOT homosexual." I was confused; why did she think I would make such a presumption?

The only answer that made sense was this – when she initially approached me, she thought the packet of materials was solely for persons struggling with same-sex attractions. I believe it had never occurred to her (and possibly to millions of other Christians) that God intends us to reach out to those with same-sex attractions, as we should to all people. As believers, we are beggars showing other beggars where to find bread – Jesus Christ – "the bread of life."

I will never know if the lady who told the exhibit hall coordinator "they're promoting homosexuality" ever experienced a similar "change of mind." It never occurred to her that a display in an exhibit hall at a major denominational convention might offer a redemptive approach to same-sex attracted persons who need to know God is mighty to save. And that, my brothers and sisters, is sad.

Do those with same-sex attractions need a change of mind? Yes, but so do all of us and a Christian's mind is a terrible thing to waste.