Out of the Closet Kid's Books

It used to be that only small, lesser-known publishers would dare publish pro-gay children's books. Soon, several heavyweights will be stocking shelves with at least a dozen books telling kids it's OK to be gay. Simon & Schuster, Scholastic Books, and others are about to publish several gay-themed books aimed at children and teenagers. Titles such as, The Sissy Duckling, And Tango Makes Three, Rainbow High, A Really Nice Prom Mess, You're Different and That's Super, and King & King and Family, are all intended to tell young people that being gay is just another lifestyle. But perhaps the most damaging message contained in these books is that those who oppose this "Gay is OK" message are somehow society's real sickos. While not all the books condemn the critics and moralists, several suggest that anyone who challenges the pro-gay message is barbaric and intolerant.
Several concerns are raised: Since values are generally formed early, should the evangelical children's literature be tackling this issue from a different perspective? Following a review of current Sunday School and VBS material, one notices a great deal of creation lessons, Bible hero lessons, and the general "Be nice" lessons... but there is a total absence of teaching concerning the issue of tolerance or a Biblical view on sex and sexuality. Of course, it's hard to imagine a week of VBS with a Join the Happy Island of Biblical Sex theme, but should not writers and publishers by attempting to tackle these subjects in order to form counter values?
Further, should we be spending an increasing amount of time teaching our evangelical young people to be prepared to take counter-cultural views? If the prevailing mood is that it is wrong (or immoral, or mentally deficient) to challenge the "gay is just fine" mindset, then it will take increasing courage to take a moral stand. This seems to be a difficulty for quite a few adults, much less our young people.
Finally, we're required to continue to make our church communities places of healing and wholeness-seeking. Young teenagers will be assaulted with conflicting messages about sexuality and that can only increase the isolation and hurt. It's been our longstanding conviction that only the Gospel offers a solution for this. Somehow, we've got to offer this healing to people before they reach the apparent preferred target age of 45 in the average church.

Ragsdale/Ehrman on Mission

The just completed EC National Conference highlighted missions as John Ragsdale completed his task as Director of Global Ministries . His wife, Shirley, turned a candid phrase or two in giving a colorful account of life together "in the field". Missionaries were on hand to attest to his vision and fortitude as he mentored and assisted.
Jim Ehrman and Aiyana and family are ready to transition for this new episode and challenge together as they prepare to serve as DGM. Part of the initial serve will be to observe and understand. Then, comes the focus as prayers are always accepted in knowing God's lead.
The guest speakers (Phil Tuttle, Clive Calver) also spoke to the mission. These are times to "kick it up a notch". There is no blame to be cast elsewhere should we not follow through. There are opportunities that need to be recognized as the Holy Spirit guides. The mission field may not be getting easier. The mission field is everywhere.
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