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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
March 2002 Highlights
- Moving On: A Refuge
- Guyana, South America Missionary Trip
- Prescription For Hope Conference Report
- His Way Out Ministries Services
- How You Can Help
Dear Friends,
Recently, our Moving On Discipleship Support Group Series, for men struggling with same-gender attractions concluded. Several men entered the series last September 2001 and remained faithful to the weekly meetings over a five-month period. As well, the Holy Spirit was more than faithful and present each time we gathered, as we turned our attention to a God of New Beginnings and a God of Restoration. Beginning with this months newsletter and continuing over the next several months, we will be sharing the personal testimonies of those that participated in Moving On. The testimonies speak for themselves. To God be all the glory!
Pastor Phillip Lee
A Refuge
In many ways this group has helped me get over mountains on wings like eagles. I thank God for the support group and Pastor Phillip Lee who has been a great encouragement. I have faced and confronted issues that were always suppressed under shame and guilt. I've learned a little more about grace.
When I came to the group, it was a big step towards healing that I so desperately needed. I had great encouragement from Pastor Phillip and not in any way was I forced to spill my inner most self until I was ready. The group became a refuge and I began to look forward to going to let out all I had been suppressing inside. I found understanding, then support for very fragile emotions. After this, I would go deeper and found solutions to the problems I faced which was very important.
One monumental issue I overcame with just a few words said by a friend in the group was...My feelings don't make who I am. Just because I felt a certain way didn't mean I had to stand in guilt and label myself a failure.
Pastor Phillip really blessed me when he said, God does not condemn us because of our feelings, nor when we fall. Believe it or not, I actually opened up to God more and began to be more truthful with Him and realize...Hey, we all have bad days. God honors honesty.
I learned how to trust and run to God instead of running from Him and that He is my source of strength and acceptance that I need from a Father and friend. I learned how to find my refuge in Christ.
During the meetings personal insecurities began to fade as I learned how to overcome old habits and to look at roots to my emotions. I received a lot of healing, due to letting go and letting out of my own heart.
With the Holy Spirits guidance, my openness in the group, and Pastor Phillips guidance and wisdom, I have experienced inner healing and security. I know I have hope and will grow further, but this has been an amazing several months.
Thank you, my loving Father and His Way Out Ministries.
Your Friend and Brother,
John Paul Gonzales
Return To Highlights
Guyana, South America Missionary Trip
On Sunday, June 2, 2002, myself and Darren Thompson, a ministry intern with His Way Out Ministries, will be departing for Guyana, South America. Responding to an invitation to teach bible students at the World Harvest Bible School in Georgetown, Guyana, Darren and I will also be speaking in churches, conducting personal evangelism, and visiting the Alpha Children's Home, an orphanage for abandoned children, in the village of New Amsterdam.
In preparation for our trip, His Way Out Ministries will be having a Missions Yard Sale on Saturday, April 13, 2002, from 7AM to Noon. This fund-raising event will help finance our trip and enable His Way Out Ministries to...build bridges, develop people, train Christians, send them to accomplish their ministry in the world, and exalt Gods Name in the process.
We need your stuff! Any and all donations for our Missions Yard Sale would be greatly appreciated. Clean out those closets, cupboards, garages, etc. It's not too early to start donating.
All donations and proceeds will help finance our mission trip to Guyana.
Return To Highlights
Prescription For Hope Conference Report
The evidence of how our world has changed since September 11th, was dramatically displayed at the Bakersfield Airport. Upon entering the terminal, I became immediately aware of National Guardsmen with rifles, increased police officials and numerous security check-in personnel. Detailed screening of passengers occurred every few feet...or so it seemed. And, yes, I did have to remove my shoes to clear security. An added security precaution at the Phoenix Airport (my connection city to Washington DC), was the requirement to check-in at one gate and depart from another. Needless to say, everyone was checking each other out. Me too.
Once on board the aircraft and comfortably seated, I became overwhelmed with the reality that I was going to our nations capital to attend an historic Christian event. The truth and reality that God was using my HIV positive status for good, was once again, an undeniable fact. Indeed, every single area of my life that the enemy meant for death and destruction, God has turned each one around for good.
So...here I am, 37,000 feet in the air and on my way to Washington DC to attend the Prescription For Hope conference on HIV/AIDS. What an awesome privilege and honor.
Never before has the worldwide church been so focused on the global challenge of HIV/AIDS. At the same time, government leaders and AIDS experts are increasingly coming to realize the vital role Christians play in turning back the tide of this pandemic. In this moment, God has called us to respond.
To see dedicated Christians from front-line ministries in more than 80 countries meeting with medical experts, church leaders, and government representatives is an incredible realization of vision. The conference was specifically designed to encourage Christian organizations working with those affected and to mobilize the response by denominations and churches worldwide.
All of us who attended the conference believed that God had brought us together. We were not there by chance, but by His appointment, and we wanted to be open to His leadership and to all that He wanted to accomplish through us.
During the days of the event, I met old friends and made new acquaintances, we prayed and rededicated ourselves to use all the resources God gives us to minister in Christ's name to all who are affected by HIV/AIDS and to share with all the good news of the Gospel. Daily workshops included: The Challenge and the Churches Response to HIV/AIDS, Education and Prevention, Community Support for Those in Need, AIDS Education in the School System, Developing A Church-Based Community Health Program, Developing Proper Attitudes Toward PLWAs (People Living With AIDS), and much, much more.
The Prescription For Hope conference was the vision of Rev. Franklin Graham, Chairman and President of Samaritans Purse. I had the wonderful opportunity of speaking with Rev. Graham and several members of both Samaritans Purse and the Billy Graham Association. We all agreed that God has given us Biblical principles to halt the HIV infections and to bring hope to those whose lives have been devastated by this deadly disease. Jesus Christ has shown us how to teach, minister, lead, and live, and offers the sick and suffering eternal hope through the Gospel. With the Lords help, we can accomplish what the world considers impossible.
I left the Prescription For Hope conference encouraged and better equipped for the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is my hope and prayer that when the history of the 21st century is written, may it be said of Christians that we showed the love of Christ by leading the way in defeating HIV/AIDS.
The Prescription For Hope conference was a significant milestone in my life.
Prayerfully yours,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
Return To Highlights
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.
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Or send a contribution to:
His Way Out Ministries, 10700 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312
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