Pat Lawrence will finish her second term as Executive Director of Exodus Global Alliance in May 2008. Pat has been the director of Exodus Global Alliance ever since it was formed in 1995. She has pioneered its development and been a significant leader in the growth of Exodus as a global ministry.
Willy Torresin, executive director of Exodus Brasil says, "Exodus Brasil owes a debt of gratitude to Pat Lawrence. Her encouragement and tireless efforts have been fundamental for the growth of this area of ministry. Pat came to Brazil several times to help establish ministries here. She also came at a time when Exodus Brasil was going through a very difficult "growing" phase. We believe Exodus Brasil would not exist today if she had not been always available to support, encourage and help us throughout these years. Pat, thank you very much, and may God bless you and continue to use your life as He has been doing until now."
Alan Chambers, executive director of Exodus International, North America says, "There are very few people like Pat Lawrence. Her strength, passion, dedication and heart have served to catapult Exodus from a handful of ethnocentric ministries into a united global outreach. Because of Pat Lawrence, we are now ministering the grace and truth of our Saviour in every corner of the world. Pat is my friend with whom I have laughed, fought for and with, ministered and served for the last 14 years. Despite the amazing rewards, working in this ministry is difficult and tiring. Pat has earned the well done of the Father and now she can rest. But, I cannot think of anyone who will be able to fill her shoes. I will miss her a great deal, but am incredibly grateful for her many sacrifices, leadership, encouragement and partnership over these many years. She is truly one of a kind."
Esly Regina de Carvalho, vice-president of Exodus Latinoamérica, says, “Pat was the first woman I ever heard get up in front of everyone and say that she was once a lesbian and that God had changed her. She was bold. She was compassionate. She was fearless and loving. No one had ever seen or heard anything like it before: a woman with the courage to give such a testimony. Many years have gone by and Pat has continued to be bold, fearless and compassionate. What the Lord has accomplished through her with Exodus Global Alliance is a tribute to her faithfulness and obedience to the calling He put on her life. With a vision for the world and for reaching out to those unreached by the good news of change, Pat has persistently worked with others in establishing the means for the good news to get out. Pat has taken an incipient international movement and transformed it into a global alliance. Over the years, she has traveled countless miles around the world, often in difficult environments to bring the proof of change even into hostile groups. Today, this alliance touches every continent and brings together many groups united in the same purpose. We salute Pat for all the hard work, the personal and family sacrifices that has gone into this ministry, honouring and celebrating her life and her accomplishments.”
Sy Rogers, former president of Exodus North America and international speaker, says, "Pat Lawrence is one of the most God-passionate and compassionate people I know. For more than two decades she has faithfully labored to make God's redemptive nature and principals known to those marginalized by sexual sin--and to those who would serve them in pastoral care. A true trailblazer, Pat has pioneered the message of sexual healing around the globe, investing insights that come from her personal journey and professional training. This effort has been well worth it too, as is evidenced in the countless changed lives and increased ministry effectiveness that result from her ministry. Certainly this has not been an easy path, especially considering the attitudes of church and society on matters of sexuality. Still, Pat's inspired vision and heart for those in need, have enabled her to persevere in making a significant, redemptive difference in our world. I am blessed to know her as a friend and colleague!"
Pat Lawrence encourages people regarding these changes, saying, “God doesn't change, but He's constantly changing methods, modes and tactics and even people! Sometimes change is smooth, gradual and beautiful, like the changes of seasons. At other times it is abrupt and full of pain, like the birth of a child. Regardless of the type of change, when God initiates change, we have the assurance that it will work out according to His divine purposes. Pray for the changes in Exodus leadership being made at this time."
