My Exodus Freedom Conference experience

Junction-Guy

Ok, so I went to Nashville this past week for the Exodus International Southeast Regional Freedom conference.

I went with the intention of making some friends with local people from my area of Tennessee.

The conference started thursday and it was much larger than I expected. I was only expecting about 200 people, there ended up being over 400 people there. I had kinda gotten discouraged on thursday and friday as no one there was from my area. There were lots of people from Alabama, Georgia, West Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and even Alaska. I thought it strange that no one was from Knoxville.

The music was more of the charismatic type, loud rock beat, lots of dancing and arms waving. Im more of the bluegrass-gospel type of music.

The people there were very friendly and even though I felt odd being there at first, I soon started walking around the crowds mingling and talking with people.

I did do alot of anti-witnessing, in fact everyone enjoyed hearing about my JW childhood, and many people asked me questions, and I gave them good tips for dealing with JW's.

I was still feeling kinda down that I couldnt find anyone local there. Well on the last morning of the conference (saturday) my car sprung a coolant leak, and I had to go get some more antifreeze and some stop leak. I almost decided to skip the last day and just go home, but I just made my mind up to stick around. Well Im glad I did, because on that last day, I met a guy from Knoxville, a guy and girl from Greeneville (50 miles away) and a guy from Chattanooga. Plus I met a couple of guys from Kentucky that knew my hometown and had been there several times before, in fact one of them knew of my church.

The last day was the absolute best and Im glad I didnt bail out and head home. Also on the last day I got to do a little anti-witnessing to the Men's group.

I received lots of practical advice on that last day and heard the best presentations of that conference, plus they had a question and answer panel set up for us too.

Im really pleased how it all turned out.

The media was there too, but I never did see them myself, plus they had a police officer there just in case we were to get picketed. Apparently there is a group called the "Lesbian Avengers" that have shown up at other conferences. They didnt show up for this one though. I was prepared, as a little controversy does stir up the pot.

All in all it was a good experience, and I believe I have made a couple of friends in the process.

I believe it was Snowbird that hoped it would be "edifying" for me, so yes it was definitely edifying.

Im planning on attending their national conference next year just outside Asheville North Carolina.

snowbird

Well hey, Junction-Guy. I'm glad your trip turned out so wonderful. It was I who hoped it would be "edifying." It is so good that we can talk openly about issues here and receive encouragement and support.

I'm thinking of going to a meet-up with former JW's in Montgomery this coming December. It will be the first time I step out of my comfort zone and actually acknowledge that my Witness days are done. I still am hesitant about using the word apostate. Isn't WTS conditioning something else?

Anyway, I want you to know that someone from the sticks of Alabama is thinking of you and hoping the best for you on your journey. Peace and love,

Sylvia

saywhat29

Dude, just be careful. Like... I just posted on this issue somewhere else.. Exodus isn't the most "safe" group of people so i anything seems funky or crazy just don't let it slide 'cause they can do a number on your self-esteem. because they have on thousands of others.

But all in all, Im glad you met others you can share your feelings with- that's important whether you choose to be gay or not but.. well don't be surprise if one of those guys 'chooses' to be gay within a few years either 'cause I hear that happens quite often.

Junction-Guy

Thanks Sylvia and Saywhat29, I really did enjoy myself. Im gonna attend their national conference next year.

Kudra

From their website...: (I didn't know what they were so I googled...)

"What is Exodus?

Exodus is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of Freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ. "

JG- don't let people try to force you to be someone that you are not...

I really don't know your story too well (read some of your posts) but this doesn't seem like a really healthy group.

Concerned,

-K

My Exodus Freedom Conference experience

Share this