Setting the Matter Straight

Dear Friends,

In 1973, Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, opposed the prevailing beliefs in his profession by leading the effort to remove homosexuality from the official list of psychiatric disorders. For this, liberals and the gay community respected him, even as it angered many of his psychiatric colleagues. He said then...as he says now...that homosexuals can live happy, fulfilled lives. If they claim to be comfortable as they are, they should not be accused of lying or of being in denial.

Now, in 2001, he finds himself challenging a new belief. This challenge has caused him to be perceived as an enemy of the gay community, and of many in the psychiatric and academic communities.

The assumption he is now challenging is this: that the desire for change in sexual orientation is always the result of societal pressure and never the product of a rational, self-directed goal. This new belief claims that it is impossible for an individual who was predominantly homosexual for many years to change his sexual orientation...not only in his sexual behavior, but also in his attraction and fantasies...and to enjoy heterosexuality. Many professionals go so far as to hold that it is unethical for a mental-health professional, if requested, to attempt such psychotherapy.

A controversy erupted recently, when Dr. Spitzer reported the results of a study that asked an important scientific question: Is it really true that no one who was predominantly homosexual for many years could strongly diminish his homosexual feelings and substantially develop heterosexual potential?

What Dr. Spitzer found was that, in the unique sample he studied, many made substantial changes in sexual arousal and fantasy...and not merely in behavior. Even subjects who made a less substantial change believed it to be extremely beneficial.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Spitzer at the American Psychiatric Association Convention in Chicago in May 2000 and at the Exodus Conference in San Diego.

Actually, Dr. Spitzer knows me much better than I know him. You see, I was one of 200 people Dr. Spitzer interviewed for his study. Recently, I wrote Dr. Spitzer to express my sincere appreciation for his work and for the integrity in which he presented his findings. Truth...how refreshing it was to hear.

The notion that sexual orientation is invariably fixed for all people is false.

Gratefully Redeemed,

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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Someone I Love Is Gay

The book, Someone I Love Is Gay, by Anita Worthen and Bob Davies, is currently being used in our Family Support Group as a focus for group discussion. The book was written especially for parents, spouses and friends grappling with the homosexuality of a person close to them. But other family members, as well as pastors and counselors who minister to families facing this crisis, would find the book helpful.

Picking up the pieces of life after receiving disturbing news is a difficult task. Joining together with other people helps to see the need to face the reality of what has happened, let go of the person just at the time we feel we need to hang on harder, accept responsibility for our own actions as they relate to the situation, and grow spiritually through it all.

Pastors C.J. and Sylvia Wilson of Body of Christ Fellowship Church lead the group and bring a wealth of understanding and compassion to each meeting. Many testimonies have been shared with me regarding how much our Family Support Group has helped and made a difference in families. We thank God for using us to help parents understand and face the complexity of emotions, actions and questions that all parents have upon learning of a childs homosexuality.

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The Right Way To Confront

How you and I confront the homosexual community and the gay Christian movement is crucial. The Apostle Paul instructs us this way...Yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.

Pro-gay theology has seduced many and has become a custom-made suit for the Christian who struggles with homosexuality and is looking for a compromise. Tragically, those who call themselves gay Christians have been deceived into accepting their same-sex attractions while others may well be in simple rebellion. Frankly, I do not understand what compels them to believe a lie. I do know that they are very wrong.

Too often, I believe the Christian community is far too arrogant in their approach to the homosexual community and the gay Christian movement. There have been numerous scandals with the body of Christ in recent years. Scandals that have involved well known preachers, televangelists, and internationally know Christian musicians. Obviously, the body of Christ has not been immune to sexual sin.

However, that does not minimize our responsibility to confront the homosexual community and the gay Christian movement. Hopefully, all of us will exercise caution and seek to represent ourselves honestly. Our message to the homosexual should be: We love you. Come and struggle with us against sin. Don't give into it.

In Galatians 6:1, the Apostle Paul states...Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

You and I are not called to persuade, but to present. As ambassadors of truth, our job is to present truth lovingly, responsibly and clearly. When we stand before Christ, not one of us will be asked how many homosexuals we were able to persuade out of the homosexual community. But I am convinced that we will be asked how faithfully we presented the words of life and light weve been given and how lovingly yet boldly we presented them.

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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

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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.

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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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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries