More than 2 tons of literature were distributed at the recent Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) in Phoenix. Tim Wilkins, director of Cross Ministry, coordinated a ministry display for those with unwanted same-sex attractions. Five ministries were represented-- Exodus International North America (Orlando, FL), Cross Ministry (Wake Forest, NC), The Sight Ministry (Nashville, TN), The Master's Design (West Monroe, LA) and Living Hope (Arlington, TX)

As a result of a motion made at the 2001 SBC, a "Task Force on Ministry to Homosexuals" was formed between LifeWay Christian Resources and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC)--both SBC agencies. Task Force members include Dr. Jimmy Draper (president of LifeWay), Dr. Barrett Duke (ERLC); Dr. Bill Merrell (VP for Convention Relations); Rev Bob Stith (pastor Carroll Baptist Church- South Lake, TX who made the motion, Rev Tim Wilkins (director of Cross Ministry), Rev Richard Holloman (director of The Sight Ministry); Rev Tal Thompson (director of missions--Holston Baptist Assoc--Bryson City, TN). Others who have contributed to the Task Force are Alan Chambers (Executive Director of Exodus Intl, Ted Warren (Chief Operating Officer--LifeWay); Dr Morris Chapman (President/CEO of the SBC)

Some of the Task Force's accomplishments include the ministry display where more than 2 tons of literature was distributed, a web site resource page www.lifeway.com/thewayout , and a ten minute report during the Convention. More than 8,000 messengers heard Drs. Richard Land and Jimmy Draper weave comments through four video clips--testimonies from Christine Sneeringer (director of Worthy Creations, FL), Tim Wilkins, and Richard Holloman; Stith shared how God moved him from a "typical, hardened, redneck pastor" to become proactive in reaching homosexuals with the gospel.

Among the literature distributed were three thousand copies of Don Schmierer's book An Ounce of Prevention: Preventing the Homosexual Condition in Today's Youth. Said Wilkins, "Don is a genuine Christian servant; I was pleasantly astonished that Don so quickly offered the books." For several decades Don has ministered in writing and speaking; his book is the FIRST ever on prevention. Don is the director of His Servants, a discipleship ministry of discipleship , located in northern California. Visit them at www.HisServants.com .

The seven persons who manned the display related countless conversations with those visiting the booth. Before the convention met, Dr. Bill Merrell told Tim Wilkins about preaching at a Phoenix church; Merrell said that at the close of worship , a man who had wandered into the church told Merrell of his struggle with homosexuality. Merrell recommended that the man visit the ministry booth and gave the man his business card with the words "The Way Out" written on it. Wilkins relates, "I was handling out literature when a well-dressed man approached me with a business card in his hand; it was Merrell's. The man and I talked at length. After listening closely to my testimony, I led him to the LifeWay bookstore, bought him a book and we prayed together--right there in the bookstore. Finishing the prayer, the man's eyes filled with tears as he expressed appreciation for the display, literature and ministry."

On another occasion a husband and wife approached the booth. Immediately on sharing with them the purpose of the booth, the husband said "Our oldest son is gay." Wilkins was a bit surprised at the man's quick admission and asked if the couple openly shared to their church and friends about their son. When they said no, Wilkins asked why they quickly shared about their son. The father said, "I sensed such an openness to pour my heart out."

Wilkins and Stith accompanied several SBC leaders in a press conference; see photo.