Stonegate Fellowship invites you to attend the third annual Cross Power Ministries Marriages and Mentors Conference.
The CPM M&M Conference is a special weekend designed for married couples impacted by homosexuality and their friends who are walking with them through their struggles.
The CPM M&M Conference is not a conference about homosexuality. It is a conference about marriage, and all the different things that make up a Christ-centered marriage. You will be encouraged to move forward in your relationship and to grow together in Christ as you deal with the realities of YOUR marriage. Please take a moment to read some of the comments from participants in the past.
Every couple attending is encouraged to bring a ‘mentor’ couple with them. Ideally, a mentor couple is someone from your church (but they can be any couple) who knows the specifics of your marital issues. Mentor Couples will be given tools to help you move forward through the difficult issues you may be facing. By inviting mentor couples, we hope to help equip the church to better understand issues surrounding homosexuality and to be better at meeting people where they are, and walking with them toward Jesus. Mentors will participate with you during most of the conference, but will also have a special ‘equipping’ track designed to give them practical information designed to help them be a better friend to you. Bringing a mentor couple is NOT NECESSARY but is strongly encouraged! Please take a moment to read some of the comments from mentors in year’s past.
During the course of the weekend, you will hear from authentic, dynamic speakers on issues common to all marriages and on issues geared specifically to issues you may be facing. Speakers will include Troy and Melissa Haas, Patrick Payton, Jay Mayo and Mike and Stephanie Goeke. Tyler Dodds will join us again to lead worship, and Saturday night will feature a special banquet and a great entertainment surprise.
The weekend is free and includes all meals. Scholarship money is available to help with travel and lodging expenses. In addition, all costs, including travel expenses, are paid for the Mentor Couples. If your financial situation could keep you from attending this conference, please, please fill out the financial assistance form – we want to do everything we can to help get you to this conference, and do not want money issues to keep you away!
The weekend will kick off with supper at 6:00 pm on April 8, 2010 and will conclude after church on Sunday, April 11, 2010. Church is optional, but is always a very special time. We will attend the early service and be done by 10:00 am.
You are already being prayed for, and we can’t wait to see you in April!
2009 Conference Comments - Mentors
There were so many times during the conference I wanted to share with you how much we appreciated all that was presented and also done for us while we were there. The conference changed our lives in many ways. We were touched and tremendously helped by all the speakers, wept as we heard the testimonies of the broken lives that are in the healing process, and overwhelmed by the graciousness of everyone at Stonegate. The meals were wonderful, the drivers helpful and loving beyond the call of duty, and we felt love and acceptance at every turn. The most difficult time for me was the breakout group when the mentors met with those whose marriages have been affected by same sex attractions. The honesty and great hope that was communicated made me weep. Mostly I wept to know that every church should be doing what you are doing. While our congregation is not there yet, I know that God wanted us to be at this conference. We are eternally thankful for the help and redirection that you have given our son and his wife. I wanted so badly to get up at the banquet and let everyone know how proud we are of both of them, but I knew I would fall apart and be incoherent. Thanks so much to those who paid for all of us mentors to attend. We are humbled to be the first parents to be there for their child, and I pray that many more parents will follow. Their lives will be forever changed.
Mentor Couple (parents), Minnesota
We, my wife and I, was impressive and very touched (sorry for my poor English)
for your hearts and your spirit of Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness. The event was most beautiful than we thought. We really are very greatful (I don't know how to said it) (with thanksgiving). Our hearts growled a lot. We really understand the reality of your struggles
and we understand this apply to all kind of struggles.One word we received from the Lord: GRACE, GRACE, AND GRACE.We know we most live for grace, but now we really was reveled into our hearts.
Mentor Couple, California
We came as mentor couples but as we have also been going through our own cleansing, stretching and growing times my prayer was that we would be blessed, and that we would bless.
God is always faithful...and He did not disappoint. From the minute we were picked up from the airport we felt we were truly welcomed and really loved. Leon was so friendly and kind. We just loved being greeted over and over with, " How ya doin ya'll?" We met Priscilla who had picked up 2 bracelets for 2 couples and didn't even realized that she had been praying for us and the couple we were mentor’s for! Isn't that cool! What a sweet woman with such a sweet spirit of God. It was so lifegiving to rub shoulders with so many transparent people. It felt like heaven. The teachings were 'fluffless', filled with 'this is where the rubber meets the road' wisdom and encouragement that any marriage would be strengthened by. The food was delicious and you could feel the love that each meal was prepared with. The sacrifice of time and effort, money, and self, was an incredible priceless gift from every one of your volunteers in every capacity. Tina and Brian, you're awesome, Karen, you are an amazing woman...I wish I could remember everyone's name. Every time I would thank someone they would reply with, "No, I thank YOU!" And I knew they really meant it. Loved the sermon on Sunday which once again, leveled the 'playing field'. Thank you Pastor Patrick. And Mike, thank you for sharing your beautiful heart of God with us. Thank you for visiting every table, over and over again at breaks and meals. Thank you for believing God for the vision that he gave you and having the courage and faith to take huge risks and follow God. May God bless you far above what you could ever dream possible, I have a feeling He already has.
Mentor Couple, Colorado
We are committed to working with and ministering to individuals one-on-one who struggle with sexual brokenness. This week-end was extremely beneficial in helping equip us to, not only minister to the couple we are mentoring and attended the conference with, but also with our weekly support group that we facilitate. In addition to further equipping us to minister, this conference specifically provided a focus on married couples where one or both struggle with SSA unlike most other conferences. It was less information oriented (like the Love Won Out Conferences) and more pragmatic providing us tools to apply. This marriage focus in SSA ministry is desperately needed as it ministers to both the struggler and their spouse. The agenda was right on. The presenters were well prepared and knowledgeable. The church family who hosted us was gracious and caring beyond our expectations.
Mentor Couple, Tennessee
My husband and I were impacted on so many levels. First off, Stonegate, you are amazing! We certainly spent the weekend wondering how we could inspire such service in our church. Your generosity, love, and prayer support blessed us beyond words. I can only imagine how pleased the Lord is at your revelation of sacrificial servanthood.
That leads me to the impact of the teachings. . . we just marveled at the theme of the cross. For a while now, God has been speaking to us about the message of the cross - losing your life, taking up the cross, and the power of redemption and forgiveness. We felt the conference was just another confirmation of what the Lord has been speaking to us. As a pastor couple, we are reminded that everyone's healing begins at the cross, no matter what the struggle.
Spending the weekend with people so hungry for God and so aware of their own depravity and utter need for God was like a spiritual breath of fresh air. I was so happy to come home to see my kids, but at the same time I just didn't feel ready to leave that atmosphere of transparency and brokenness. I cried when it was time to go ('course, I cried all weekend!). I've been telling people that my heart felt like "playdough" in God's hands all weekend!!
Mike and Stephanie, your testimony is inspiring (as were the others!) and your hunger for God was evident in everything you said. You are such a reminder of how the Lord loves turning our brokenness and weakness into such a powerful tool for Him. We were amazed by everyone who spoke. Even though the themes were varied, there was such a common theme of the centrality of Christ.
Thank you for all your love and investment. We are confident God will use what He deposited in us for His Kingdom! Be encouraged that your labour is not in vain and that the Lord is multiplying this ministry to broken people. We WILL be bringing His message of hope into our church and work on providing a safe place for people to be honest about sexual struggles.
The Lord bless and strengthen you both as you continue to serve Him,
Mentor Couple, Canada
We were at the marriage conference as the mentors (or close friends as I like to put it). I have been wanting to write you for the last month and just never took the time to tell you how blessed and touched we were that week-end was one of the most amazing times in my life, I still get all choked up thinking about the love that was poured out in one place. We want to come again next year!
Mentor Couple, Texas
I think it will take time to see the full impact this weekend had on the attendees. For my husband and I, it helped us to identify areas in our own relationship that need guarding. After nearly 41 years of marriage, it is the little things that Satan uses to make us complacent. In the avoidance of conflict, it is possible to settle for less in our relationship than what God would desire. Buying into the lie that "this is as good as it can be". We are committing to begin pursuing a new and exciting "relational dance" in our marriage. We believe that as we continue to pursue God's best for our marriage, we will have a greater impact in the marriages of those we are coming along side as mentors.
A special "THANK YOU" to you and all who served us so selflessly. We will forever be impacted by their love and role-model of Christian service. We will do our best to "go and do likewise".
Mentor Couple, California
2009 Conference Comments - Participants
Dear Stonegate family, I am still in awe of this past CPM conference as I experienced the amazing power of our Lord as He ministered through the volunteers and supporters of this breath-taking weekend to remember. I was spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically fed and touched beyond words by your outpour of love and hospitality! I approached the weekend without expectations, but with much anticipation in what God would (and will) do. As always, He is faithful and I received a gift I never would have expected or anticipated. A volunteer I met on Friday night physically resembles the man who sexually molested me when I was 12. The Lord, through His grace and mercy, allowed me the opportunity to bring some closure as I witnessed this volunteer’s love and service throughout the weekend. This servant’s faithfulness was used by the Lord in a powerful way! The CPM Conference would not have been the same without all the volunteers and supporters. THANK YOU!!
Participant, North Carolina
GOD is good, and allowed us to come and enjoy the whole conference....what we gleaned from the conference was truly "living water" in the midst of that "dry land" that our sister from Canada alluded to, at the banquet. So many people impacted our lives, from the speakers, to our table-mates, to God's humble servants at Stonegate...from the south, I am accustomed to hospitality at it's finest, but none can compare with the love & nurture we received there at Midland Stonegate.....God is doing mighty things through your servanthood and obedience....On a personal note, it was so nice to hear from other wive's....to know that I'm not alone in this journey, that I'm not "weird" with my feelings, etc...& most importantly that there is Hope, and His name is Jesus!
Spouse Participant, Texas
Words cannot express our deepest gratitude for the marriage conference last weekend!! You all blessed us in so many ways--great worship, great teaching, great fellowship, great time to connect as a couple, great time to connect with others on the journey, great food (and SO MUCH of it), great transportation, GREAT LOVE shown in so many details. Georgia even went all the way back to her home and brought a heating pad for my husband’s aching back! THANKS so much for letting God's love shine BRIGHTLY through each of you. We are also so very appreciative of the financial help you gave us so we could attend. It's hard to believe you can put on a conference like that for FREE and then to top that you even gave us help with our hotel. WOW--You all are amazing--God is AMAZING!!!! Thanks for letting God use each of you to be His hands and feet to us! May the Lord richly bless each of you and the ministry at CPM and SF.
Spouse Participant, North Carolina
The conference exceeded both of our expectations. We came to the conference with an open heart and mind toward whatever God wanted to teach because we did not know what to expect. Working with strugglers, we didn't realize that there were some issues about our marriage that needed some fine tuning. All of the speakers were great. Troy and Melissa's HopeQuest program was an encouragement and is a program that we would like to learn more about and get more involved with. The sex therapist, Michael Todd, drastically impacted and is changing my viewpoint of sex. The hospitality that Stonegate Fellowship provided was Over-The-Top. They really worked hard to assure that our needs were being met. Their spirit of service impressed us the most about the conference and made it a very pleasant experience.
Participant, California
I cannot thank you and Stonegate Fellowship enough for showing my wife and I the love of Christ Jesus this past weekend. We were so scared and embarrassed to reach out to others for the first time. We have no one in our lives with whom to share our pain or our healing journey. I was encouraged by the love and support that we received while at the conference to reach out of myself and my insecurities and find other Christians who can walk with us on this journey. If it was not for the financial assistance that we received from your ministry, we would never have been able to afford to come. What a blessing we would have missed. I thank God for your ministry and what it has already accomplished in my life. Thank you for having the courage and obedience to change. It inspires me to do the same.
Participant, Ken Williams
I am having a hard time putting into words just how much I felt the presence of God at the conference. For me, this was the largest group of people I have seen in one place who are openly sharing their struggles with others. We attended this conference you put together and met over one hundred other people with similar struggles. It was truly a blessing; and we have gained incredible insights from the speakers, were deeply encouraged after hearing other people's testimonies, and were deeply moved by the love poured out on all of us at the conference by the nearly one hundred volunteers from Stonegate. The church's servant heart was truly evident in all of the volunteers whether they were praying over each of us by name, listening to our stories and sharing their own stories, prepping and tearing down before and after meals, providing transportation to us, and running some of our small errands. Those behind-the-scenes details allowed each of us attending the conference to focus on God and what He wanted to say to us rather than on the external details of trying to find our own places to eat, our own transportation, etc. Stonegate Fellowship truly is a modern-day example of the body of Christ! Thank you!
Participant, Minnesota
There are not words to express our gratitude and love for this amazing conference! We still astonish trying to assimilate what happened this last weekend in Midland. As struggler I could not imagine what this conference would do for my wife (and myself of course!). Now after 13 years of marriage I can be completely transparent for my wife, she understands me more and feels understood herself at the same time. We were able to feel and see the love of Jesus and his healing touch in our marriage and in our individual lives, and you know what? The face of Jesus was your face, Stonegate church face, Mike, Stephanie, every volunteer, even those faces we couldn’t see but contributed in some way. As I said in the banquet, your mission is not only reaching us because as we become healed we will reach others so your love and work in Christ is like a huge wave of healing reaching the world, we are from Mexico (living in Texas) and there were people from Filipines, Canada, etc. is not amazing? Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My eyes get in tears as I remember the way you treat us and help us, your love made me feel like the prodigal son been hugged by the Father even I stink as a pig and you accepted me no matter what my past was. We only can feel love and gratitude for all of you!
Participant, Texas
We cannot begin to adequately express our deepest appreciation to the ministry and the church in Midland. There is so much I could go on and on! The information from each speaker was very helpful. The information was great and the one-on-one times with my wife were very practical. The testimonies were encouraging because we know that we are not alone.
The breakout sessions were great and I am glad that minimal "advice" was given in the breakout sessions because if there had been advice then perhaps I would have assumed what the "norm" of healing should be. We were overwhelmed with the servant-hearts of the volunteers. I was most impressed at how personally God used certain things for me, such as certain foods and Dean G being an unexpectedly kind and gentle "redneck. There were times when I felt like I did not want to be there because I did not want to be considered as one of "those people who need so much prayer" from the "bless-their-heart-crowd" but then Patrick spoke so eloquently and affirming when he reminded us all to be careful not be like the pharisee in Luke 18:9-14, but like the tax-gatherer who beat his chest looking to heaven and crying out "God have mercy on me, a sinner."His words moved my wife to tears -- joyful tears. Joan and I were already on the healing process when we came to the conference, but the triage material confirmed much of what has already taken place -- even though much of it was by muddling through over the last several months. The conference was more of what we needed for continued healing and a great reminder that the process may be long and painful, but we will stay with it!
Participant, Louisiana
Wow…is pretty much the word of choice the last 5 days. The four of us are totally blown away, in all respects. My wife and I gained so much more info for our marriage and gave us tools and insight to walk with others who are going through this. Our mentor couple have been impacted in a life changing way. On the plane, none of us could talk, as we reflected with all the info, and the stories…of God’s restoration. What a picture of the cross…is all we could say.
We walked away realizing the gift that we received from our mentor couple (really it was a gift from Christ and their relationship with Christ). We don’t know to what extent God is going to use this weekend, but we knew going in that God is up to something. One thing we do know is that God really spoke to us about serving and to serve expecting nothing in return, but to trust and wait on our Lord to fill us and give to us all we need. As I think even on the fact that there was a storm on Thursday (Tornado and hail…close to Midland) and yet…God protected us. We could see the storm…we got the warnings, and yet the storm did not ruin or destroy us. I think of the marriages that we are all in, and the fact that the enemy hates that we are walking in the light, that we are walking in victory and in restoration. It is a picture of Christ and the cross, over and over again. Each marriage restored is a testimony…powerful and able to reach nations.
Participant, Canada
I can not to tell you how not only we were affected by EVERYTHING at the conference, but also our mentors. We are still processing what God is doing in our lives. From a guy who was raised up very legalistic under the old covenant and law, to a guy that has found truth through grace and unconditional love in Christ. I know I looked in and outside of my marriage for intimacy that only comes from Jesus. The closest thing I have seen to this is what we experienced with you and Stephanie, plus the church family. It was like a little bit of heaven on earth for us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys and the work you are doing there. Thank you so much.
Participant, Tennessee
Thanks so much for the love and kindness shown by yourselves and Stonegate’s volunteers. Everyone we met welcomed us and made us feel at home. It was a humbling experience for us. It was also a time of growth for the two of us. The brokenness of others that was openly communicated challenged us to be vulnerable in our own marriage. I’m certain that God is going to continue to do great things through CPM and Stonegate Fellowship. Spending time with friends we made was wonderful. Together found kindred spirits in each other (It’s wonderful how God works.). We are attempting to walk with each other in our journeys.
Participant, Gerald Johnson
The Conference, your Church and you two are amazing! Jim and I have been to a couple of Marriage Conferences before but this one was so applicable to us and our situation. One of my favorite parts was just being able to connect with other wives and couples. I loved being able to talk openly with others as well as listen to the testimonies of others who are on the same Journey.
Thank you also for talking about sex. We have only been married 3 years and it is so hard for Jim to talk about some of these issues. We received so much information about building Intimacy as well as both refocusing our eyes on our first love, Christ! Your Church and their love is also amazing. I was again brought to tears for the love you all poured out to us when we were leaving at the airport. A single dad was putting his son on a plane as an unaccompanied minor. Before his son left he had explained his situation and that he gets to see his son on weekends. Well, we had seen this single dad all weekend loving and serving us at our conference. I was just blown away! I sincerely thanked him for giving up his weekend with his son to serve.
Spouse Participant, Nevada
Words cannot express what I felt during the weekend at stonegate. I am just amazed that there are such wonderful, caring , thoughtful people as you all are. The love and attention that you gave can only be seen in individuals who have met with Jesus. I was most impressed when we learned that there were people who we did not even know us were praying for us.
Our time with you all was truly a blessing and for the first time in many years I know that I am not alone and I now have more HOPE than I have had for our marriage.
Spouse Participant, Florida
We are still amazed of the way you guys as a congregation has showed us the love of God during the weekend conference, It has been a big impact on my life not only for the content which it was really edifying and uplifting but the super friendly and loving way you all express yourselves;
We do not know if you do it with everyone but we are completely sure you have a lot of love and compassion and care for people like us; The last night at the banquet I felt overwhelmed, could not talk without crying so decided not to, The reason was an intense feeling of gratitude, I never felt so accepted and love by a group of people in general, Your unconditional love and acceptance needs to be shown in a congregation has raised the standards of what we ought to do with other people that may not be dealing with the same issues or struggles that we are and that somehow we may not relate too much, but we can always relate in our walk with God, therefore we need to love them just like God through you has done to us this weekend. My wife and I hope you keep on touching more lives as you have touched ours in a very profound way. Thank you, thank you very much for being true light and for your amazing love.
Participant, California
I really enjoyed the conference last weekend. Going in to the conference I really didn't know what to expect because it was in Midland of all places. Upon arriving we were greeted with many warm hellos from the volunteers. They all showed me what it looks like to be a true servant. It was awesome to see and talk with other couples that were once in the same spot we are in and to see that they did get through it. Hearing the testimonies was extremely powerful to me because it showed me that I am not alone in this. It was also great that all the teachings backed up what is taught at our church home. Through talking with the other couples, I realized how much Christ has blessed me by putting me in a church home that I can be open and honest and not have to worry how I will be viewed by others. I used to take that for granted because I thought that surely in 2009 that's how all churches are, but I was wrong. Anyways, we are already looking forward to next years conference and can't wait to see what Christ is going to continue doing in our marriage.
Participant, Texas
There were several aspects of last weekend that were important to me:
- The compassion and generosity of the folks at Stonegate was very moving and healing.
- The timing and focus of the conference was exactly what we needed. It was great to hear others' stories, and to get a more concrete sense of where we are in our journey.
- Patrick's session was particularly helpful for me, emphasizing the need to reclaim an accurate image of God and of myself.
- We connected with a couple that we knew from college (20 years ago), and also a couple from our metro area. We plan to stay in touch, and have dinner planned for this Friday.
- It gave me the opportunity to explain in fuller terms the struggle to my good friend on our church's Directional Team.
- I was touched by how very alone so many folks feel, and made me thankful again for the numerous good friends that have surrounded us.
- The big take-away ideas for me: Image, Truth, Initiative.
We were deeply touched by the willingness of Stonegate to financially sacrifice and spiritually lead on this issue, for only the benefit of strugglers and the kingdom.
Participant, Heilman
I want to thank you and Stonegate for making it possible for us to attend the conference. We were deeply touched by the generosity extended to us. For such a conference to even exist gives me courage to believe this is not a hopeless issue, and there is a sense of camaraderie in fighting the good fight together. We were like a group of cancer patients who have been told we aren't terminal. For you to express your hopefulness for us is encouraging because you have credibility in this.
I have been thinking all week about how I could express what impact the conference had on me. I am painfully aware of the spiritual battle surrounding this. It is not just about my husband and what he will or will not do, but I have really sensed spiritual opposition. I usually shy away from blaming things on Satan. I don't want to use him as a scapegoat for my sinfulness, but there is, obviously, spiritual opposition to victory over same sex attraction and codependency. God's power is demonstrated when lives are changed. I am growing in my dependence on God to fight the battle for me. When I discovered my husband’s pornography and I was struggling with hurt and fear I heard God say "You don't have to figure this out" (hard when you are analytical by nature) and "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord". I felt that at the conference we were a bunch of fragile, dependent people who were proclaiming our confidence in God and not ourselves.
As women sharing together I appreciated the emphasis on looking at our own issues, and not making our husband's issues the focus. We are trying to be more honest and direct about communicating our genuine feelings and not be distracted by surface issues and reactions. That is tough. Mark is really triggered by my intensity. I need to figure out what my triggers are. I am also impressed by the fact that intentional and earnest work on our relationship will be a life long process and I need to just get used to that fact. I think now I can be less fearful about the future knowing that God is more than enough for whatever challenges I may face. My situation is no more precarious than any other married woman. We have all made ourselves vulnerable by committing to another flawed human being for life. I need to review my notes carefully from the conference. There is so much there to ponder.
Spouse Participant, Heilman
I went into the conference not knowing what to expect. Part of me thought that I would be given tools and steps to help my husband overcome his struggle with same sex attraction. I thought it would be a weekend of facts and more insight in the struggle. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! From the first night when Skip began the conference on change, and read Romans ch. 7, I was convicted. The Lord wanted me there just as much as Jeremy to work on my sinful heart. My FIX the problem attitude. We all have a bent toward sin, we all glorify something more than we glorify our Lord. For me its my need to control EVERYTHING in my life and be the fixer. For my husband it is his battle with same sex attraction. The CPM conference to me was not a conference for those affected by same sex attraction, even though we all share that common bond, it was a weekend for those who need to find Christ and make him the center of their life and marriage. God took me out of my comfort zone and I was able to relate and share my story with other couples who I had never met before. Which, by the way would not have been possible if one of your volunteers hadn't forced us to join David and Barb's table the first night. God showed me how to love my husband the way he loves. Not by making a list of checks and balances on the path to healing. The Lord showed me what putting my hope in him looks like. The conference also began to open up communication between my husband and I. Before the weekend we were beginning to do that on some level, but we really began to see that take place during the weekend and it has filtered over into our life at home. Words cannot even express the gratitude I have for the Stonegate family, their love and compassion they showed us was amazing. Thank you for your prayers. Since we have been home, I have forgiven my husband for cheating on me and expressed that to him. We have also began talking to our church family and the leadership that is over us about starting the process of moving back into together. Also because of my forgiveness, my aunt has also forgiven my husband for what he did. Just from sharing our story with my dad about the weekend in Midland, he wants him and my mom to attend an Exodus conference. The Lord has great plans and I can't wait to see what he is going to do. I just have be patient and wait on his timing. Thank you. By the way, we can't wait to see everyone next year!!!
Spouse Participant, Texas
WOW! What a great experience we had at the conference. We had wanted to go last year, and this year we both wanted to go, but weren't sure we could afford it. We committed to praying about it for a week, and before the week was up, we realized how we could get the funds to go.
I have to admit, I personally felt like we were coming (mentor couple, too) and not really needing to be there that much. Our marriage is good, and our struggle is there, but not raging at us these days, so I felt honored to be included. What I realized, we both realized at the conference was how much of a part this struggle still plays out in our marriage, and we have settled in many ways the marriage is what it is and has intimacy on many levels, and maybe we should just be happy for what it is. God has more for us, we are both sure of that and happy to discover it together. Thanks so much for giving us tools to work with instead of just things to strive for. That has got to be the best! It has always been those areas of discontent that I have kept silent about that have caused me lots of problems, and I am so sure that is what could have happened if we just were happy with what was.
I am so anxious to get the audio of the conference. There was so much information and I know we will go over it again and again. I am so glad that you encouraged us and paid for our mentor couple. That really made it possible--we couldn't have paid for them, and we couldn't have asked them to come and then pay for themselves. What they learned was invaluable, they are so excited to share this with the church, or I should say help us to share it with our church. There will be a huge ripple effect.
The speakers were just great! Your church was great to us in many areas, but it showed so much love and acceptance to those of us who don't expect it when people know how we struggle. That spoke volumes to all of us. All 4 of us plan on coming back next year, but I cannot imagine it only being 4 of us....I know lots more who would love and do need this conference. Thanks so much for hosting it, Your church was God's love in skin to us.
Spouse participant, California
Thank you...Thank you....Thank you!!!!!!!!
The conference and the church body were just amazing. My husband wasn't but I was very nervous coming. Those fears were soon gone after we settled in. The speakers, testimonies, volunteers and participants were all instrumental this past weekend in showing God's love and hope. Honestly I didn't think I was going to stop crying. Good tears though. Tears of Hope. Tears of Godly conviction.
Stephanie, your teaching on Hope was probably the most powerful thing I learned this past week. Thank you. I am a visual person and the way God had you illustrate it with the spirals was dead on. I have put my hope in everything but God through this journey. My eyes were opened and my heart is learning to trust in God again. I hope you don't mind but I am going to share that with the ladies in our HIS ministry group tonight. I know there are others that are losing hope in this journey. I pray it penetrates them as it did me.
Mike, your compassion and sensitivity and then a blast of humor had me crying and laughing. Your heart is evident and God's light really shines. I would imagine that the volunteers see that in both you and Stephanie and want to be a part of something beyond themselves. Also a big big Thank you for your generous scholarship. If it wasn't for the extravagant gift we wouldn't have been able to come.
Patrick, the overwhelming bold statement you made that ties into the Hope is "Quit anticipating the finish line of your freedom, instead look for the face of your Savior!" Looking at the finish line causes loss of hope (at least it has for me). So looking into my Savior has been distracted by the despair and depression that has crept in. Refocusing my hope to God and not the finish line I have been striving for and miserably failing at I know will draw me closer to the face of my Savior. One that I know I desperately need. I really responded to your style of teaching....Boldness in love! I have put it into action and have started doing a daily devotion every morning, "My Utmost for His Highest" I bold teaching in love. Also the way you addressed your congregation on Sunday morning was.......actually I am still speechless on that. I laughed at myself later because I thought heck I wouldn't want to sit in the middle of church and confess to people I was a liar. Funny huh? Anyway, Thank you.
To all the volunteers, Thank you thank you thank you. The food was absolutely amazing. You really spoiled us all and it was delicious!!!!! And to all the drivers, what a stress reliever not to wonder how to get around. Not that Midland seems too difficult though. lol It really does remind us of parts of our state though, really!
Thank you for opening your hearts and church. It felt like home.
Participant, California
I do not say this lightly or half-heartedly, but you will never know what special meaning you have to my wife and me. As I stated Saturday night, the expression of this ministry to us was a true act of kindness and Christ's extravagance to us. We are not ones that are typically on the receiving end but on the giving end. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of this ministry and were truly blessed and greatly impacted. This was the first event for my wife to go to and it really put us on the ROAD together rather than separately. Thanks
Participant, Texas
Words escape me in expressing the heart felt gratitude I have for you, your organization and your church family. I guess there really is such a thing as "southern hospitality". It was felt, it felt good, and I knew it was genuine. Your conference staff each went out of their way to accommodate my every need. I felt guilty asking for anything more. in addition the substance of every topic discussed and presented hit home and captured my heart. There was not a dull moment, I think I took notes and wrote on every empty space in my booklet. No fluff - this conference was absolutely incredible. This was the sentiments of all the attendees
As I told you before my marriage is on its last tread but the knowledge gained will no doubt strengthen my marriage. I look forward to sharing our story and of the unmerited favors and straight of the only wise God.
I look forward with great enthusiasm to next year’s conference. I plan to book early because i know you will not have room for the crowd.
Participant, Florida
I’m sure that I am expressing the same sentiment that all the other couples expressed when I say that this weekend was an absolute blessing! Your opening comments about letting you love on us set the tone for the conference and helped us to relax and receive. We felt the love of God from the drivers to the workers to the speakers; everyone was anointed and the spirit of God permeated the entire conference.
Spouse Participant, Florida
The weekend for us was about two things;
Taking the risk of finding God at the conference. And....
Taking the risk to trust God to begin by making the choice together to go to Him to begin our healing. I am pleased to say that He did more than that. After a long day on Saturday, we returned to our hotel room sleepy and be-draggled. God had a different plan. Getting back to our hotel room we didn't sleep, but talked most of the night. I asked Nancy for her forgiveness for the hurt and shame that I had brought to our marriage, and that night the healing process began. That was just 3 weeks ago,so we EMPHASIZE that the healing has only begun. Now back in our "real world" we are fighting the good fight, looking to Jesus Christ, our Author of Life, and the Finisher of our faith.
Participant, Michigan
I am so thankful for the conference you so carefully planned and that Stonegate so graciously hosted. Everything about the weekend was instrumental in equipping us on this journey. The speakers were all fabulous, and I am so grateful for the hearts of the volunteers who loved us without judging us. I was most encouraged just to be around other believers who were honest about their own issues and see people at all different stages in the journey. I am encouraged and so appreciate the hope that you point us to when many people would tell us to just give it up.
Spouse Participant, Texas
I am not sure how I could express my gratitude for the opportunity to attend the Cross Power Ministries marriage weekend. There were so many aspects that encourage me and helped me take the next step in my journey of healing. In particular Patrick's "Distortion Cycle" brought clarity to issues of temptation in my life. When Stephanie shared that hope was a noun and something we could possess, I was greatly encouraged. Finally, the five stages of the journey articulated areas of my own personal journey. Being in a room filled with men struggling with the same things as me and seeing their wives by there side brought comfort and hope. Thank you for putting this conference together. The warmth and acceptance we felt from Stonegate family is beyond description. God willing we would like to attend next year’s conference!
Participant, Colorado
Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate everything you, Stephanie, Stonegate, and all the wonderful volunteers did for us this year at the conference. I hope your volunteers truly realize how much what they did for us means. I don't think words can express what we feel, it's a heart thing. To be loved, accepted, cared for in such a way as they did for us, shows me a heart for God. Our lives were changed last year because of what we experienced in Texas and it was awesome to come back being in such a different place with our healing this year. Please pass on to everyone involved how important what they did is. It gives a ray of hope in a very dark time. We have come to love you and Stephanie as well as the people that helped and also Stonegate. I commend Stonegate for the vision they have of loving God and loving people!
Participant, Florida