I have been actively involved with SDA Kinship since the late 1980's. I am proud of the work and accomplishments that SDA Kinship has made over the years. Pointing out hypocrisy of "change ministries", educating church leaders what it means to be LGBTQ, showing the difference between gender and orientation and that neither is a choice. SDA Kinship is the only Adventist related organization that provides a community for those who are current and former SDAs and are dealing with their orientation or gender being on the margins of the mainstream teachings of the SDA Church. SDA Kinship is all inclusive and unconditionally accepts everyone just where they are. Please join me in your support of SDA Kinship, join us to continue the work, pray for us to have the wisdom to share God's love and remember SDA Kinship in your charitable giving to spread the good news that God's love is unconditional for ALL.
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Growing up I thought I was the only Seventh-day Adventist who was "different" than my other Adventist friends. Later I learned that this "difference" was called homosexuality and I was gay. I thought that getting married would change all that, but after 6 years of trying to be heterosexual, it wasn't working. During the time of the divorce I looked for others who may be going through a similar experience and I found SDA Kinship listed in a local gay publication. I wasn't alone! There were others like me. SDA Kinship became a lifeline for me, helping me to realize that I am OK just like I am. I became involved as a volunteer and Board Member. SDA Kinship works to promote an affirming community around the world, letting them know they are not alone. A great trait of SDA Kinship is that it is not just for one particular group, but is open to diversity of all kinds, including allies who support this inclusivity.
Kinship has made an important impact in the Adventist community and has helped many people create support networks and build friendships. My hope is that more people get to know about this organization and benefit, as well as contribute to the cause, creating a safe space to grow spiritually and live out our lives authentically and honestly.
The people in Kinship just seem to care so much about anyone who is hurting. They were there for me when I most needed them. Their love and dedication is simply amazing.
I heard about Kinship when I was in college but didn't connect to it until 1995. I've been involved with Kinship since then because from the first moment I attended my first Kampmeeting I knew I was "home". Kinship gave me the place where I could be myself and reconcile my sexuality and my spirituality...something very difficult to do coming from a fundamentalist religious background. I continue to offer my time and financial assistance to this organization because I believe in the mission of Kinship. Because it had such a profound impact on me, I want to make sure the love and support I found in Kinship continues to be available to others. Seventh-day Adventist Kinship is a wonderful organization for everyone...former or current SDA members...all are welcome. I feel blessed to be a part of this organization and to have formed awesome friendships that I'm sure I'll have for the rest of my life.
I first joined in 2001, I was at an Adventist campus and feeling like the only gay man there. Once, I joined, I had a network of others like me. I attended my first Kampmeeting soon after and forged many long time friendships. I am continually grateful for the work Kinship does and decided to give back by serving on its Board of Directors. I cannot thank Kinship enough for being a major part of my life.
