Causes I Believe In… The Marin Foundation

‘Tis the season to give to your favorite charities, causes and organizations.

During this time of the year our attention typically goes to giving to people we love and causes we believe in.

When considering who or where I’d like to give to this Christmas, I didn’t have to look too far.

Andrew Marin is a great friend of mine who I’ve mentioned on here before… he’s the founder of The Marin Foundation and author of the book Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community.

Andrew’s heart and passion is to build bridges between the church and the gay (GLBT) community.

Yeah, I know. Is he crazy?

It’s a controversial idea but one I believe is vital for the church to begin to embrace.

I would tell you Andrew’s story, but you just need to get a copy of his book.

Andrew has single-handedly run his organization on his own as a staff of one for the past few years… aside from speaking across the country and writing his book, he also holds classes for the church and the gay community, hosts a monthly gathering called “Living in the Tension” which brings together people on all sides of the issue; and he recently concluded one of the largest scientific research studies focusing on the gay community and their relationship with the church.

He’s been busy to say the least.

I’m so excited about what he’s doing and from knowing him on a personal level, can tell you that he’s legit… the real deal. He loves people, has no agenda, and is engaging in work that is difficult and desperately needed.

So why am I telling you all about him?

Well, for one, I to say I love and support him and his work.

I think all too often the church is known more what it’s against than what it’s for… and especially with this issue, tends to have burned a lot of bridges with MANY people. Andrew is right in the middle, working to re-build the bridges and help people on both sides understand and learn from each other.

And two, to encourage you to read more about what’s he’s doing and to consider joining me in giving to The Marin Foundation.

This week he’s doing a series of blog posts highlighting a tight financial spot that the Foundation is in and, for the first time in the life of his ministry, is asking for help.

I had dinner with Andrew last night and when he told me how much he needs to keep the Foundation running I was pretty confident he’ll have no problem hitting his goal.

I personally can’t give a million, but I can give what I can and share the need with the rest of you! If all of us partner together I’m sure we can help move this vital work moving forward and make an impact in the church and gay community.

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you ever can.”

- John Wesley

If You Liked This, Check Out...

• Mercy, Justice and the GLBT Community
• Love is an Orientation
• A Different Kind of Christian Demonstration at Gay Pride
• Engaging the Gay Community :: Andrew Marin