Tucson, Arizona was the recent site of our 1-day MORE THAN WORDS conference. Radio spots and interviews, newspaper articles and word of mouth promoted the event hosted by First Southern Baptist Church. Pastor Ron Hart has a big heart!

Prior to my trip, a vocal militant gay organization heard of my coming and gathered their troops for a demonstration—which provided me a delightful opportunity to lead a group of church leaders out to the protestors, distribute bottles of cold water, and fellowship with them.

And what better way to disprove the predictions of my being a loud-mouthed Christian than to shake hands with homosexual men and women, ask about their family and enjoy conversation. I did not need to center the conversation on homosexuality; they already knew my beliefs and my testimony.

As I talked with them, a lesbian said “I bet you don't remember me.” Before she could continue I said, “Yes I do, we met last Fall when I spoke on the campus of University of Arizona. You were protesting me and we talked about your studies.” She was astonished that I vividly recalled meeting her. Folks, that's what its about.

But not all conversation was characterized by pleasantry. I extended my hand to a guy who did not reciprocate. With great deliberation he angrily looked me in the eyes and said “you are pathetic?” Immediately I wondered if he was aware that he was displaying the very hatred he was there to accuse me of. Situations like this are best ignored, which I did.

As usual, most of the men and women looked at me perplexed as if asking “why is he being so kind to us; why is he not self-righteousness?” I have long learned not to give protestors what they expect–a fight. And my shaking hands and “down home” friendliness paid off. Several of the demonstrators decided to attend the conference.

Two young men came in to register–one wearing clothing from both sexes. And no one from the church fainted. You will recall that neither Jesus nor his disciples retreated when the man from Gadara ran up to them wearing only his birthday suit. (Mark 5)

Of note, the young men did not have money to attend, but no worry–a lady church member eagerly paid their registration fees. What a testimony from this Christian servant.

Special guests included Ron and Barbara Swallow; Barbara shared her testimony of coming out of lesbianism. Ron and Barbara direct Free Indeed Ministries outside Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her book, Free Indeed, can be ordered through their web site

The conference was covered by two TV stations and the Arizona Daily Star. The Tucson newspaper ran a front-page story on the conference and demonstrators. Somehow the reporter forgot to mention that I mingled with the militant group offering water–such reporting might spoil a predetermined agenda.

I later learned that the newspaper is a Corporate Sponsor of the gay/lesbian organization which picketed me. Yes, the organization that planned the protest receives green backs from the “neutral” newspaper.

On Sunday morning I spoke to more than three hundred university students challenging them to see homosexuality through the biblical lens. Homosexuality, like all sexual activity outside the husband/wife relationship is sin, but God has paid the penalty of sin through his Son, Jesus Christ. I asked them to reject the cultural view that says homosexuality is “OK”, to refuse to add heat to an already hot issue and to share the life-changing good news to their homosexual friends and family members.

Before the service was over, dozens of men and women knelt at the alter–committing themselves to make a difference. Unable to stay to the end, I had to slip out and be driven to the airport for my flight.