There are so many people to thank-friends, co-workers, entire organizations-who made this book a reality that I realized there would only be sufficient space to thanks those that had a direct involvement in helping produce the final product. To those of you not mentioned here, please know that my love, admiration, and unyielding gratitude lie within the pages of Prayer Warriors and, most importantly, in my heart.

First of all, this book is dedicated to Will Halm, whose love and support have shown me that I am part of a family.

To my various families: BOLD NEW WORLD, GLAAD, East West Players, Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, and Nashville CARES, thank you for all the years of friendship, support, and encouragement.

To my agent, Laura Gross, thank you for believing in this project from the beginning and for understanding that rewards come in many different packages.

To Trent Duffy, thank you for your help in getting me started with your incredible writing and editing skills. You helped me find the story that was inside all the time.

To my editor, Nancy Lamb, thank you for your compassionate insight and ability to make a Southern boy's long-winded story-telling into something worth reading.

To Greg Constant, Dan Cullinane, and the entire Alyson family, thank you for all your hard work and your belief that a book like this could sell. You help change the world everyday.

And finally, to Scott Brassart, what can I say except thank you for 18 years of extraordinary friendship. You were the first person to make me believe this was a story worth telling. Your editing, writing-and yes, even nagging-made it all possible.