Monday, August 4, 2014
"Dennis Project" Outreach, 2014 pic
Miki & a new friend, rockin' a rainbow Mohawk, at PrideFest, St. Louis, 2014
“The Dennis Project” 2014… (Part 3 - Finale)
So, we gathered our group. We initially invited 50+ people who had expressed interest in our work, but when the date came, only 7 people showed up. But, knowing that GOD has used even smaller gatherings to impact great change, we charged on.
The group that came together was a diverse group of people from different faith backgrounds and cultures: We had a local missionary, fresh off the mission field in Haiti, a local “straight” friend who deeply appreciated the LGBTQ community and who had many LGBTQ friends, we had an ‘engaged’ couple; 2 wonderful Christian men who had come to help us to understand how not to offend and who were instrumental in helping us modify our outreach so to be loving and compassionate and, most of all, non offensive. This was our core group.
Miki had come across some information from a group in Chicago that does a similar outreach to the community in their area. She contacted them and was able to bring good insight to our group; some of their mistakes and successes that they have already learned from, that we were able to use. The thing that they impressed on us was the overwhelming need to simply be a loving presence. We already knew that we wanted to reach out in GOD’s love, but how to be genuine in this and how to be a compassionate example of the Gospel to a people often hurt by those who claim the name of Christ was our mission. After some healthy discussion and planning, we asked for others to join us at “Pride-Fest-St. Louis” and we made our plans to attend. We decided to get T-Shirts printed that simple read, “I’m Sorry”. This could be a conversation starter and it proved to be a great opening to those we met at the festival. We also had small business cards printed that briefly stated what the “Dennis Project” is and why we are saying “I’m Sorry.” We agreed to keep this outreach in prayer as the festival grew near. One of our friends who attended this first meeting thought it may be a good thing to offer an ongoing discussion group for the LGBTQ community and their friends and families. So, this is part of our continued outreach, as we strive to spread the Gospel and show this wonderful people group that GOD loves them, we are all sinners and that GOD loved them so much that he came to die on a cross for them.
I think that none of us were prepared for what was going to happen at the “Pride Fest” gathering. We had been told that occasionally, there would be people upset by any Christian presence and there would be people who would be angry that we were there. I feared that this group of people that had so warmly and lovingly given their time and their hearts to this outreach, would somehow be hurt by those who did not see the compassion that I knew was in these people. I feared for them and their emotions! I never feared for our physical safety, but what I feared most was that our efforts of compassion and love would be seen as troublesome and uncharitable.
The Pride Fest weekend was 2-days long and involved a festival area of food, entertainment and various booths, plus a huge “Pride-Parade” that wound its way through the city streets and showcased various groups and entertainers. We attended both. Immediately, any fear of being “hated” for being there was alleviated: Before we even entered the festival, people were stopping us and asking, “Why are you sorry?” When we briefly explained our outreach, we were greeted with hugs and smiles and people asking to take our pictures and so many simply stopped and listened and would take our card and thanked us for being there. I NEVER thought we would be thanked for being there and that our efforts to reach out in love would be so warmly appreciated. I have never felt so “accepted” and “not judged” in all my life! We were not only welcomed into this group of very diverse and interesting individuals, we were warmly accepted and welcomed to be there with our message. It was overwhelming & touching!
There was one obviously drunk couple who stopped us. I thought that this could turn sour quickly. But, no.. They listened, took our card and were happy to give us all drunken sloppy hugs before they went on their way. There were men dressed as women, there were women dressed as men, there were same-sex couples holding hands and there were families, young people and community dignitaries all together to ‘celebrate’. There was no one who was mean or disrespectful to us. There were some who read our shirts and simply passed by without talking, but mostly, people would stop us, ask us about our shirts and then gladly engage in conversation. Some would say, “I grew up ______ (Fill in the black with whatever religion or denomination), and they just could not accept that I was gay.” Some told us of horrible things that had been done to them in the name of the Church & yet others teared up, saying that they “needed” to hear someone in the Church says the things we were saying. At one booth, the booth of a local author who writes ‘Lesbian erotic horror fiction’, I felt sure that there would be no meaningful interaction with a person who’s message was so ‘different’ than the message we were sharing. I was wrong: When the conversation began about why we were there, the author began to cry. She said that this was the “nicest” things she had seen at Pride Fest and she came out from behind her booth to hug us, introduce us to her ‘partner’ and warmly welcome us to the work she does, as an author. She was so touched by what she saw in us that she asked if we had more of our small “I’m Sorry” business cards. She then asked if she could put one in each of the books she sells, as a bookmark. Wow! I was heartwarmingly shocked. Our little Gospel Tract was being used in ‘Lesbian Erotic Horror Fiction” as a book mark. Thanks be to GOD for linking us to the right people and getting the message out. So many talked with us, so many were kind and heard the Gospel and would then ask to take a picture with us. We made sure that they each got a card and that they were able to contact us for any support or help they needed. We simply shared the Gospel and expressed GOD’s love… It was that simple!
The following day was the “Pride Parade”, I had to preach at Christ Anglican Church that morning, so Miki and the group, along with about 6 other helpers attended the parade. Again, the message was well received. Miki made signs that read, “GOD loves you; more than you know” & “Free hugs”, they were able to put these over the railing of the parade route and all those in the parade got to see the shirts, the signs and many broke-ranks in the parade to come over and chat and give hugs to the group. More card were handed out and by the second day, we already had people signing up on Face-book and looking at our information on the web, asking questions and engaging with us through social media.
Immediately, it became clear that we need to have an official booth at the festival, next year. Walking the grounds and talking to people was important and was a meaningful outreach. But each booth, no matter how off-beat, quirky or seemingly not related to any LGBTQ topic (Ex: “Gutter Covers” for your home, Jewelry & insurance sales booths…) were all visited, as a constant circle of people shuffled through each row of booths, as they made their way through the festival. Having a group walking around with our information will be a part of next year’s outreach too. But, having a booth with maybe a free give-away with information about the outreach, a number to call or a website to view and the sweetness of the gospel message as we reach out to these awesome people will be important too. By then, we will have regular meeting ups and running. We can offer that support for those having issues with, or in, the Church. I would also like to offer free bottled water: Pride Fest seems to always fall at one of the hottest times in St. Louis. If we had free water to hand out, make the eye contact and show them the love of Christ, I know that walls will break down. We saw it work in our VERY small efforts this year. We will have to seek donations to help us get LOTS of water to share…
Any success in this outreach is purely of GOD. It is only in HIS power that we can even take the first step toward trying to mend the brokenness that some feel. The great saint, Mother Theresa of Calcutta once said, “God does not call us to be successful, HE calls us to be faithful”. You see, we find it’s so clear, that it’s not about us. It has little to do with our hopes or our plans. It’s all about HIM. He simply used us to bring some peace to some folks who needed it. I pray those relationships continue and that many more will grow. I was asked, by someone not so supportive of our efforts, “What if you wind up filling a church with ‘those people’?” My answer is that I would be honored to be able to minister to and among this amazing group of men and women. The fear of their ‘ways’ and the dread of their lifestyles has caused a giant chasm between the church and their community. They did not pull away from the Church; for the Church has always been a place of hope to ALL people. But, the modern Church has pulled apart from them and it is time to breech the gap and give them the respect and dignity that we are called to offer to anyone we meet. Jesus died for ALL of us: Not just the ones we agree with. The Gospel is sweet and pure and freeing and comes at no cost; we must do our best to share it with all those GOD places in our path..
So, onward and upward! Keep watching for more updates about our “Dennis Project” outreach and our future events. If you have thoughts or want to join us as we share the Gospel in this unique and needed way, please contact me.
Peace to you all!
The group that came together was a diverse group of people from different faith backgrounds and cultures: We had a local missionary, fresh off the mission field in Haiti, a local “straight” friend who deeply appreciated the LGBTQ community and who had many LGBTQ friends, we had an ‘engaged’ couple; 2 wonderful Christian men who had come to help us to understand how not to offend and who were instrumental in helping us modify our outreach so to be loving and compassionate and, most of all, non offensive. This was our core group.
Miki had come across some information from a group in Chicago that does a similar outreach to the community in their area. She contacted them and was able to bring good insight to our group; some of their mistakes and successes that they have already learned from, that we were able to use. The thing that they impressed on us was the overwhelming need to simply be a loving presence. We already knew that we wanted to reach out in GOD’s love, but how to be genuine in this and how to be a compassionate example of the Gospel to a people often hurt by those who claim the name of Christ was our mission. After some healthy discussion and planning, we asked for others to join us at “Pride-Fest-St. Louis” and we made our plans to attend. We decided to get T-Shirts printed that simple read, “I’m Sorry”. This could be a conversation starter and it proved to be a great opening to those we met at the festival. We also had small business cards printed that briefly stated what the “Dennis Project” is and why we are saying “I’m Sorry.” We agreed to keep this outreach in prayer as the festival grew near. One of our friends who attended this first meeting thought it may be a good thing to offer an ongoing discussion group for the LGBTQ community and their friends and families. So, this is part of our continued outreach, as we strive to spread the Gospel and show this wonderful people group that GOD loves them, we are all sinners and that GOD loved them so much that he came to die on a cross for them.
I think that none of us were prepared for what was going to happen at the “Pride Fest” gathering. We had been told that occasionally, there would be people upset by any Christian presence and there would be people who would be angry that we were there. I feared that this group of people that had so warmly and lovingly given their time and their hearts to this outreach, would somehow be hurt by those who did not see the compassion that I knew was in these people. I feared for them and their emotions! I never feared for our physical safety, but what I feared most was that our efforts of compassion and love would be seen as troublesome and uncharitable.
The Pride Fest weekend was 2-days long and involved a festival area of food, entertainment and various booths, plus a huge “Pride-Parade” that wound its way through the city streets and showcased various groups and entertainers. We attended both. Immediately, any fear of being “hated” for being there was alleviated: Before we even entered the festival, people were stopping us and asking, “Why are you sorry?” When we briefly explained our outreach, we were greeted with hugs and smiles and people asking to take our pictures and so many simply stopped and listened and would take our card and thanked us for being there. I NEVER thought we would be thanked for being there and that our efforts to reach out in love would be so warmly appreciated. I have never felt so “accepted” and “not judged” in all my life! We were not only welcomed into this group of very diverse and interesting individuals, we were warmly accepted and welcomed to be there with our message. It was overwhelming & touching!
There was one obviously drunk couple who stopped us. I thought that this could turn sour quickly. But, no.. They listened, took our card and were happy to give us all drunken sloppy hugs before they went on their way. There were men dressed as women, there were women dressed as men, there were same-sex couples holding hands and there were families, young people and community dignitaries all together to ‘celebrate’. There was no one who was mean or disrespectful to us. There were some who read our shirts and simply passed by without talking, but mostly, people would stop us, ask us about our shirts and then gladly engage in conversation. Some would say, “I grew up ______ (Fill in the black with whatever religion or denomination), and they just could not accept that I was gay.” Some told us of horrible things that had been done to them in the name of the Church & yet others teared up, saying that they “needed” to hear someone in the Church says the things we were saying. At one booth, the booth of a local author who writes ‘Lesbian erotic horror fiction’, I felt sure that there would be no meaningful interaction with a person who’s message was so ‘different’ than the message we were sharing. I was wrong: When the conversation began about why we were there, the author began to cry. She said that this was the “nicest” things she had seen at Pride Fest and she came out from behind her booth to hug us, introduce us to her ‘partner’ and warmly welcome us to the work she does, as an author. She was so touched by what she saw in us that she asked if we had more of our small “I’m Sorry” business cards. She then asked if she could put one in each of the books she sells, as a bookmark. Wow! I was heartwarmingly shocked. Our little Gospel Tract was being used in ‘Lesbian Erotic Horror Fiction” as a book mark. Thanks be to GOD for linking us to the right people and getting the message out. So many talked with us, so many were kind and heard the Gospel and would then ask to take a picture with us. We made sure that they each got a card and that they were able to contact us for any support or help they needed. We simply shared the Gospel and expressed GOD’s love… It was that simple!
The following day was the “Pride Parade”, I had to preach at Christ Anglican Church that morning, so Miki and the group, along with about 6 other helpers attended the parade. Again, the message was well received. Miki made signs that read, “GOD loves you; more than you know” & “Free hugs”, they were able to put these over the railing of the parade route and all those in the parade got to see the shirts, the signs and many broke-ranks in the parade to come over and chat and give hugs to the group. More card were handed out and by the second day, we already had people signing up on Face-book and looking at our information on the web, asking questions and engaging with us through social media.
Immediately, it became clear that we need to have an official booth at the festival, next year. Walking the grounds and talking to people was important and was a meaningful outreach. But each booth, no matter how off-beat, quirky or seemingly not related to any LGBTQ topic (Ex: “Gutter Covers” for your home, Jewelry & insurance sales booths…) were all visited, as a constant circle of people shuffled through each row of booths, as they made their way through the festival. Having a group walking around with our information will be a part of next year’s outreach too. But, having a booth with maybe a free give-away with information about the outreach, a number to call or a website to view and the sweetness of the gospel message as we reach out to these awesome people will be important too. By then, we will have regular meeting ups and running. We can offer that support for those having issues with, or in, the Church. I would also like to offer free bottled water: Pride Fest seems to always fall at one of the hottest times in St. Louis. If we had free water to hand out, make the eye contact and show them the love of Christ, I know that walls will break down. We saw it work in our VERY small efforts this year. We will have to seek donations to help us get LOTS of water to share…
Any success in this outreach is purely of GOD. It is only in HIS power that we can even take the first step toward trying to mend the brokenness that some feel. The great saint, Mother Theresa of Calcutta once said, “God does not call us to be successful, HE calls us to be faithful”. You see, we find it’s so clear, that it’s not about us. It has little to do with our hopes or our plans. It’s all about HIM. He simply used us to bring some peace to some folks who needed it. I pray those relationships continue and that many more will grow. I was asked, by someone not so supportive of our efforts, “What if you wind up filling a church with ‘those people’?” My answer is that I would be honored to be able to minister to and among this amazing group of men and women. The fear of their ‘ways’ and the dread of their lifestyles has caused a giant chasm between the church and their community. They did not pull away from the Church; for the Church has always been a place of hope to ALL people. But, the modern Church has pulled apart from them and it is time to breech the gap and give them the respect and dignity that we are called to offer to anyone we meet. Jesus died for ALL of us: Not just the ones we agree with. The Gospel is sweet and pure and freeing and comes at no cost; we must do our best to share it with all those GOD places in our path..
So, onward and upward! Keep watching for more updates about our “Dennis Project” outreach and our future events. If you have thoughts or want to join us as we share the Gospel in this unique and needed way, please contact me.
Peace to you all!
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