Atlanta Pride Weekend, formerly known as Atlanta Gay Pride Weekend, has come and gone, but not without Georgia Baptists sharing the Gospel with those present for the festivities. Actually, Bill Adams of Revival-USA reached out to the Georgia Baptist Convention's Evangelism Department to help provide witnesses for what Mathew Hennie, editor of the gay newspaper Southern Voice, called a "party with a purpose."

The Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc, the group that produces the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered pride celebration, suggested that the event typically attracts between 250,000 and 300,000 visitors each year. Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who was the keynote speaker for event sponsors and donors, estimated that the Atlanta Pride celebration brings in more than $20 million in revenue to the city.

The festival, held June 24-26, attracted visitors from across the Southeast, making it one of Atlanta's largest outdoor events. The annual event started in 1970 to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which many believe to be a turning point in the struggle for homosexual equality. The Stonewall riots took place in New York's Greenwich Village when homosexuals fought back after police raided a gay bar.

The promoters of the weekend made a concerted effort to reach out to youth and children. A prom was held for teenagers who were expected to fill Magnolia Hall for their dance. Arts and crafts, face painting, sidewalk chalk drawing and a moonwalk bounce house were provided for children as the festival rolled out a rainbow carpet for youth.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution quoted Chattanooga resident Hulon Dunn as saying, "There were a lot of children in the park on Saturday. I think it's awesome how they are being exposed to this kind of thing." Another observer added, "I like the gay families with kids ... (they) don't know prejudice and they are going to learn to be open-minded."

Just prior to (Gay) Pride Weekend Hennie explained, "It is the strength we find in this Pride that will carry us through our civil rights battle - even in the dark, difficult days that lie ahead. As you approach Pride 2005, take time to party and to celebrate ... you need to enjoy the weekend's events, from somber reflections to over-the-top revelry."

Hennie continued, "But as you walk through this year's festival, take a look around you - at the leather dykes, gay dads and everyone in between. Imagine a time when every day will feel as free as this weekend, and commit - in whatever way you can - to help make that day a reality."

Southern Baptists have attempted to reach out to the homosexual community with the message of God's saving grace. Jimmy Draper, president of LifeWay Christian Resources, has said, "God loves all people, including those trapped in homosexuality, and he is looking for people who will reach them with his saving, healing love through Jesus Christ."

Southern Baptist's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission President Richard Land commented, "Homosexuality is neither the unpardonable sin, nor the worst possible sin, nor the sign of God's permanent rejection. In other words, through the spirit of God, homosexuals can find freedom from this sinful, destructive lifestyle. They can be redeemed, they can be liberated."

That is precisely what Bill Adams and those who witnessed with him at Pride Weekend attempted to do - represent God's love and grace to the homosexual community. In a rather difficult environment about 60 faithful souls dared to share their faith.

Among those sharing the gospel and passing out Christian literature was Leyta Jordan, a member of Peachtree Corners Baptist Church in Norcross. Jordan admitted, "It was a difficult assignment, but God never said it would be easy."

Jordan has witnessed with Revival-USA in Washington and New York after the terrorists' attack, at a heavyweight fight in Memphis, at a music event in midtown Atlanta and at Braves Games. She has also been on mission trips to the Olympic games in Salt Lake City and Athens, Greece with the Georgia Baptist Convention.

In addition to gospel tracts Jordan and others distributed information about the Exodus Freedom Conference to be held at LifeWay Ridgecrest Conference Center near Asheville, N.C., July 19-23. The conference provides God's answers to the issues surrounding biblical sexuality, healing from homosexuality, sexual addictions and the pursuit of His freedom.

Adams expresses gratitude for the 60 Christians and 11 churches that participated in witnessing at the Gay Pride Weekend and believes that God is awakening the church to action and to ministry in difficult environments. Next June Atlanta will host the 36th annual Gay Pride Weekend. Another 250,000 or 300,000 will be present for the festivities. Most Baptists will retreat from this cultural war, but some will be on the frontlines of battle. Where will you be?