We stand in amazement once again, humbled by the faithfulness of God. Much of the past month has been dedicated to planning and holding our spring fundraising event: the From Glory to Glory Gala. For 2026, we implemented a number of changes from previous years, trusting in God’s ability to provide “above and beyond all we could hope or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). And, wow, did He ever come through!
While the overall number of attendees was less this year, the banquet hall was still filled with joyful faces and encouraging words. Many animated conversations were heard during the social hour and dinner as people greeted old friends, made new connections, and bid on the assortment of silent auction items.
After dinner and some brief introductions, the evening’s program started off with a bang. Jacob shared his testimony of God freeing him from the bonds of transgender feelings through a powerful spoken word poem. The performance was a moving reminder of both the hurt present in our world today and the power of God to bring redemption and true healing into the lives of the hurting. We are so grateful for God’s work in Jacob’s life, and that Jacob could share his story with us.
For testimonies, we heard from Outpost staff members about what they see God doing in the ministry. Scott encouraged us with a story of a young man who has received healing to the point of “graduating” out of one-on-one meetings so he can integrate even more fully into his home church community. Mary Anna shared how her first year with us allowed her to focus on how God brings wholeness into our sexuality and relationships. Her own study prompted her to develop a class for other young women also seeking wholeness, which we were able to pilot in February and March. Later in the program, we heard from a parent who facilitates an Elijah Company group at his church. Paul spoke of his family’s story of walking with a son who struggled, and how God has worked to bring healing and wholeness to their family. He spoke of the importance of community found in places like Outpost, and how “not being alone” made such a difference for them. These stories were examples of what we do at Outpost to introduce people to the hope and healing available through relationship with Jesus.
During the keynote, my goal was to dive a little deeper into what we mean at Outpost when we say we are a “discipleship ministry.” I talked about how being a disciple of Jesus is akin to being an apprentice. The job of an apprentice is to spend time with the Master, so we can learn to think like the Master, and ultimately so we can do what the Master does. By helping people encounter God and learn the truth about their full self—body, soul, and spirit—we walk with all those impacted by sexual and relational brokenness. Whether those we help are themselves struggling with sexual identity or love those who struggle, our goal is the same. We exist to help people bring their wounds and sins to the cross and experience redemption, healing, and restoration through the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
We wrapped up the evening with songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. Joining our voices, we sang the words: “Lord, I’m amazed by You” and “You are lifted high, holy, holy forever!” Such precious words to conclude a precious night of sharing what God has done and is doing in the ministry of Outpost.
Of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without the fundraising, where God truly amazed us again. Even with many fewer people, God brought us almost $35,000 in donations and pledges through this event. That is an almost 55% increase over last year! Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of you who partnered with us this spring. These funds will provide for vital ministry activities, as well as add some fun extras to this fall’s 50th anniversary celebration.
As we went through all the giving slips this week, two gifts caught my attention. First, a donor who wanted to honor our 50th year of ministry by writing the check to include three “50”s: two before the decimal and one after. Second, an anonymous donor who included a note on their donation of two $5 bills: “I pray God multiplies my small gift.” Friends, thank you for the smiles that these gifts brought to our faces and hearts. God has honored and multiplied the small gifts as only He can, through the obedience of those who give at all levels. So we also honor all the gifts we received, no matter the size. It takes all the gifts, as it takes all the parts of the body of Christ, for us to continue in the work God has called us to do.
Once again, thank you for your partnership with us through prayers and finances during our spring fundraising season. We praise God for each and every one of you, and pray that your hearts would be strengthened and encouraged in this month of resurrection. Amen.
