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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
February 2001 Highlights
- We're All Here and Moving Right Along
- From The Pastor's Pen...
- Answering Pro-Gay Theology
- Cure For Depression
- Living Stones Conference
- Nancy's Corner...
- Just For Fun
- Prayer Concerns
- Family Support Group Member Writes...
- HWOM Calendar of Events
- His Way Out Ministries Services
- How You Can Help
At the beginning of a New Year, it seems more than appropriate to reflect on the past, offer the present and look forward to what God will do through His ministry called His Way Out. From its conception, His Way Out Ministries was and remains, based on our concern regarding the issue of sexual brokenness. We have been and remain committed to lovingly communicate to the sexually broken that God's mercy and grace are sufficient for transformation, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
Being a very specialized Christian ministry that reaches into a very specific and vast mission field, His Way Out Ministries has evolved over the past several years by ministering to those within the church and the community at large, with the truth of Scripture, the power of testimony and the dialogue of issues. Without a doubt, it is the hands-on areas of ministry that has yielded an abundance of fruit both past, present and by God's faithfulness, the future.
There are a number of individuals that I personally consider to be the backbone of our ministry and most assuredly, without them, it just wouldn't happen. They have been and remain committed to effectively and compassionately communicating God's heart concerning sexual brokenness and wholeness, while boldly disputing the unchangeable nature of sexual orientation.
Nancy Schultz, my Administrative Assistant, not only runs our office like a fine tuned piano but also leads our "For Women Only" Advanced Level Support Group, assists me at the Bakersfield Rescue Mission in teaching our "Time Out" 17 Step Discipleship Series, delivers our monthly food donations for those impacted by AIDS, and consistently lends her creativity to perfecting every area of ministry at His Way Out.
Jim McArthur, a wonderful brother in Christ, leads our "Moving On" Advanced Level Support Group, which assists heterosexual men break free of sexual addictions. What God has done in Jim's own life is nothing short of miraculous and I am always blessed when Jim accompanies me to share his testimony at churches.
Pastors C.J. and Sylvia Wilson have partnered with and participated in many areas of ministry for several years at His Way Out. Their genuine care and concern for each man and woman that attends our support groups, Leadership Training Series, and the Family Support Group, has been undeniable. I am the better for knowing them.
Mark Lamas, an incredibly gifted and anointed worship leader, has a heart as big as Texas. Mark has faithfully led worship and assisted me in our support groups that help men come out of homosexuality. He has consistently been a powerful witness to those bound by homosexuality and remains a constant source of encouragement to many.
Carla Cherry, blessed with an unbelievably beautiful singing voice, has blessed us abundantly and numerous times with her gift. Her earnest and heartfelt desire to see the ultimate birthing of Alpha Home, a home for those impacted by AIDS, is a true
blessing. Carla also assists with our support groups and has been instrumental in encouraging parents to make godly choices for spiritual growth in the lives of their children.
Pastor Lance Overstreet, a computer whiz, has repeatedly given his time, energy, and talents to maintain our office computer systems. There are those individuals that just by their presence bring a smile to your face. Pastor Lance is one of those people. I am constantly challenged by his hunger and thirst to reach the lost for Christ.
Cindy Kangles, a dear friend for many years, lends her beautiful gifting in leading worship for our "Time Out" and "Moving On" Support Groups. Cindy is a true missionary at heart and brings a willingness to be used of the Lord that is truly refreshing.
Indeed, the past has been glorious, the present is exciting, and the future looks
incredibly bright. But then, ministering with the people I have mentioned, how could it not be.
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From The Pastor's Pen...
Dear Friends,
Hopefully, you have noticed the words, "His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with Exodus International" at the bottom of each of our web pages. Recently, I wondered if you understood what it meant for His Way Out Ministries to be affiliated with Exodus International, or if you even knew who Exodus International was. So, just in case...
In 1976, sixty Christian men and woman gathered together, searching for ways to support church groups and individuals to reach homosexuals with the love of Jesus Christ. Since then, Exodus has grown to over 100 referral agencies around the world and has touched the lives of an estimated 200,000 individuals, including men and women seeking freedom from homosexuality, family and friends with gay loved ones, church leaders, professional therapists and lay counselors.
Exodus is a non-profit, interdenominational organization. It's mission is to equip and unite Christian agencies and individuals to effectively communicate the message of liberation from homosexuality, as well as support individuals facing the reality of a homosexual loved one.
Exodus sponsors missionary outreaches outside North America to spread the message of hope to other countries. Currently there are Exodus referral ministries in Europe, Latin America, South Pacific, South Africa, and parts of Asia.
There is much, much more I could say about Exodus, but I believe you now know why we at His Way Out Ministries count it a privilege to be associated with such a dedicated and effective organization. All of us at His Way Out Ministries, in partnership with Exodus International, remain dedicated to seeing the expansion of Christian ministries to men and women struggling with homosexuality. If we can further that goal by helping you, we will be delighted to do so.
Pastor Phillip Lee
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Answering Pro-Gay Theology
Argument: "The Bible teaches us that the main duty of man is to love God first and then to love his neighbor as himself. That's got nothing to do with our sex life."
Response: "It has everything to do with our sex life. It has everything to do with every part of our life. The command to love God is not fulfilled just by feeling love and reverence for Him, but by expressing our love in very practical ways: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." (Mark 12:30) Body, soul, mind and strength...nothing else. If we are unwilling to conform to God's will in any of these areas, then we have no business saying that we love Him. The question isn't whether or not we claim to love God, but whether or not our actions are in harmony with His expressed will."
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by R.G.
Prozac and other types of medicinal drugs are prescribed to combat the effects of depression. Depression is an illness that afflicts just about everyone, to some degree, at some point in their life. Some people are only mildly afflicted with it, while others can be severely affected by depression. Besides prayer and medication, is there anything else that a sufferer can do to be cured from depression?
The answer is 'Yes.' One of the strongest cures for depression is doing something kind for someone else who has a need. Meeting someone else's need without expecting them to do anything in return is a strong medicine in itself for cure of depression. The apostle Paul writing to the church in Corinth said, "And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to HELP OTHERS, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues." (I Cor. 12:28 NIV)
You might ask, "How can I help others?" You can give rides to the elderly when they have a medical appointment. If you are mechanically skilled, you can help repair a lower income person's car. You can help people in need of financial assistance. Check with your pastor, he probably knows many needs that you can help someone with. One young man, who I went to church with in Washington, used to spend time helping disabled children at the Children's Orthopedics Hospital in Seattle. Helping others was his cure for depression.
If you are a depression sufferer, don't just do a random act of kindness; instead find a niche where you can help others on a regular basis. Helping others is an important ministry that God has ordained as a gift in the church. The apostle Paul ranked it higher than speaking in different kinds of tongues.
R.G.
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Living Stones Conference
"How the Christian Family Responds to Homosexuality"
Location: Grace Brethren Church
3601 Linden Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
Speakers: Joe Dallas, Barbara Johnson, Phillip Lee, Debbie Frederick, and Carol Wagstaff.
Registration Fees include all general sessions, workshop materials, as well as snacks and lunch.
Individuals: $ 30.00 Couples: $ 45.00
Walk-ins: $ 10.00 late fee per person.
More information is available by calling Living Stones Ministries Office (626) 963-6683.
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Nancy's Corner...
Lessons I've Learned From The Birds
It was a cold, stormy, Minnesota morning and I was sitting at the kitchen table at my parents home watching the birds. It had come to this ... there isn't a lot to do in MN on days like this, so my parents have become avid bird watchers.
The birds came to the feeder every morning. I asked Dad how they kept from freezing in the winter, to which he replied, "That's how God made them." Why didn't I think of that :).
This particular morning, the temperature was barely above zero and the snow was accumulating rapidly on the ground and in the trees. My parents keep food in the feeders and I have on occasion seen my mother with the broom chasing the squirrels away. To date, they have caught 48 of those bird food "stealers". There were about 15 little birds flying between the trees and the feeder and a couple of bluejays fighting in the tree. While watching them, I was reminded of the verses in the Bible about how much God cares for the birds, and how not one of them falls to the ground without His being aware of it. It was a vivid picture of His care. The temperature or the snow did not affect them, their food was provided for them, and they had been protected from the enemy.
Those verses go on to say that if He cares that much about the birds, how much more does He care about me. He knows all about me, the way He designed me to withstand the storms in my life and how He uses friends and family to provide for me when I am in need. He sees that I am fed and clothed and cared for in every way. He also protects me from my enemies.
Matthew 6: 25- 26 in the Amplified Bible says, "Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious) about your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater in quality than food and the body far above and more excellent than clothing. Look at the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? " Later on in the chapter and book it says, "Your heavenly Father knows full well that you need all these things ... But, seek Him and strive after first of all His kingdom and His righteousness. His way of doing and being right and then all these things taken together will be given to you besides...So do not worry or be anxious. Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave (consent) or notice - but even the hairs of your heard are numbered. Fear not then, you are of more value than the sparrows."
All those birds did that morning were show up. They didn't appear to be anxious as they went to the feeders as they had done every other day. Provision had been made for them. Our heavenly Father takes care of us in the same way. He has made all the arrangements for everything we will ever need in this life. All we need to do is show up. Let's take a lesson from the birds and stop being anxious and perpetually uneasy about our lives and let the One who knows us best and love us most take care of us. We are much more valuable than the birds.
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Just For Fun
Things You Don't Want to Hear During Surgery
- Bo! Bo! Come back with that! Bad dog!
- Hand me that, uh, that uh, thingie.
- Could you stop that thing from beating? It's throwing my concentration off.
- What's this doing here?
- I wish I hadn't forgotten my glasses.
- She's gonna blow! Everybody take cover!!!
- FIRE! FIRE! Everyone get out now!!
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Prayer Concerns
We thank God for:
- His strength, wisdom and creativity which enables His Way Out Ministries to continually evolve.
- A vehicle for Guenter Bloempott, our intern from Germany, who will be coming in March.
- His powerful presence at the Living Stones Conference in Long Beach on February 17, 2001.
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Family Support Group Member Writes...
"To the Staff of His Way Out Ministries: I appreciate the ministry you provide in Bakersfield. Since learning of my spouse's homosexuality issue in August, I've been in a fog as thick and dense as the real stuff we have recently experienced. So, it is with a grateful heart that I attend the support group. Kudos for the great job as I especially appreciate the godly counsel and instruction that is given. Please be encouraged you're providing and awesome service. May God continue to impart supernatural favor to this ministry." G.M.
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| Date | Session / Topic | Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
| Every Tuesday 8:00 - 8:30 A.M. Prayer at HWOM Office | ||
| February 1, Thursday 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. |
Rescue Mission Begin "Time Out" 17-Step Discipleship Series |
Nancy Schultz Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 3, Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. |
Family Support Group & More Lesson 8: "What Goes Wrong" |
Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 5, Monday 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. |
"Moving On" Advanced Level Support Groups | Pastors C.J. & Sylvia Wilson Carla Cherry / Cindy Kangles Nancy Schultz / Mark Lamas Jim McArthur / Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 6, Tuesday 7:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. |
Chester Avenue Baptist Church Youth Ministry |
Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 12, Monday 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. |
"Moving On" Advanced Level Support Groups | Pastors C.J. & Sylvia Wilson Carla Cherry / Cindy Kangles Nancy Schultz / Mark Lamas Jim McArthur / Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 15, Thursday 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. |
Rescue Mission "Time Out" 17-Step Discipleship Series |
Nancy Schultz Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 17, Saturday 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. |
Family Support Group & More Lesson 9: "Is There A Way Out?" |
Pastors C.J. & Sylvia Wilson |
| February 17, Saturday 8:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. |
Grace Brethren Church / Long Beach, CA Living Stones Ministries Conference |
Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 19, Monday 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. |
"Moving On" Advanced Level Support Groups | Pastors C.J. & Sylvia Wilson Carla Cherry / Cindy Kangles Nancy Schultz / Mark Lamas Jim McArthur / Pastor Phillip Lee |
| February 26, Monday 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. |
"Moving On" Advanced Level Support Groups | Pastors C.J. & Sylvia Wilson Carla Cherry / Cindy Kangles Nancy Schultz / Mark Lamas Jim McArthur / Pastor Phillip Lee |
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His Way Out Ministries Services
- Consultations
- Family Support Group
- Individual Prayer Ministry
- "Time Out" Discipleship Series
- Ministry Support Network
- Speakers available to address Christian groups
- "Moving On" Advanced/Closed Support Groups
- "It's About Life" Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
IT'S ABOUT LIFE:
Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
AIDS profoundly impacts one's life whether that person has been infected by it or they are a family member or a friend of someone who has. The social stigmas, fears and especially the "aloneness" associated with AIDS makes it oppressive to live with. "IT'S ABOUT LIFE" is a crucial part of His Way Out Ministries. Because His Way Out Ministries is committed to compassionately communicating God's heart through a caring Christian community, His Way Out Ministries will be a receiving house for non-perishable food items. This will assist those with AIDS to maintain a balanced diet and good nutrition. Two major considerations in food donations for folks with AIDS are speed and ease of preparation. An appetite sometimes doesn't last long and the item has to be readily accessible and speedily prepared for the patient to be able to enjoy it.
We invite churches, companies, ministries, corporations, individuals, and the entire City of Bakersfield to join with us in caring. Offer your support by donating the below listed items.
| Canned tuna | Canned soups |
| Canned ravioli | Canned pasta products, e.g.Spaghettio's |
| Hamburger Helper | Peanut butter |
| Hamburger Helper | Peanut butter |
| Jams and jellies | Breakfast cereals |
| Breakfast bars | Fruit cocktail |
| Canned peaches | Top Ramen |
| Cup o' Noodle soups | Canned potatoes |
| Canned corn | Macaroni and cheese mixes |
| Rice 'o Roni type mixes | Chili beans |
| Tomato paste, Tomato sauce | Spaghetti sauce |
| Potted meats | Canned stews |
| Instant potato mixes, e.g., scalloped | Instant oatmeal variety packs |
| Kleenex | Paper towels |
| Toilet paper | Popsicles (not frozen) |
| Instant breakfast drinks | Spaghetti |
His Way Out Ministries is located at Brimhall Road Assembly of God. Items will be distributed in cooperation with other outreaches in our community. This is a continuous, on-going ministry. For further information, please call 661-589-4262. God Bless You for your giving.
Send a Donation to His Way Out
In your own church, and throughout this entire world, people are in need of God's clarity about their relationships and their sexuality. Participating in the work of H.W.O.M. is one way to acknowledge Christ's healing power for the sexually broken.
Through your financial support or volunteer involvement, you can add your voice to those who are speaking the truth of God with integrity.
His Way Out Ministries is a nonprofit, tax exempt Christian ministry associated with
Exodus International.
| You can donate using PayPal... |
Or send a contribution to:
His Way Out Ministries, 10700 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312
(Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)
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