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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
October 2002 Highlights
It was seventeen years in...and now...seventeen years out!
October 5, 1985, that was the day that Jesus came into my heart and my life was forever changed. The thirty-five years prior to my conversion had truly been governed by a life-style that meant only death. And worse than mortal death, the possibility of eternal separation from God forever more. Those years were consumed by trying to fill an empty heart with objects, people, travel, money, drugs, alcohol, and a particular life-style contrary to Gods Word.
From a small child, I sensed that something wasn't quite right. As my childhood rolled into my teens the difference I felt became an all too apparent reality. I was homosexual. Reflecting back over those dark years and all that transpired it is truly a miracle in itself that I am here to share this testimony. The number of situations and incidents that God by His grace and mercy delivered me from are far too many to state.
The amount of hard drugs and lust entanglements alone would stagger any imagination. I remember thinking so many times, "This is not the way I should be," and yet to the eye I was a successful person. I had beautiful clothes, the best of furnishings, travel to exotic places, "pretty people" friends and an income that supported the party life. All the while knowing that it was still not enough. But then, all of those "things" never are. Staying high on drugs sometimes for three to four days in a row and having seven major credit cards, each of them up to the maximum, which culminated in being in debt thousands of dollars, destroying my health and ultimately, isolating myself from friends and family. It astounds me that the homosexual life-style is referred to as "gay"...an ultimate contradiction. As was the case with so many of us, it took hitting rock bottom before I could look up.
It was evening as I sat in my apartment. I looked around at all the beautiful and costly items. I looked out the window at the new car, glanced at the closets full of clothes, the displayed artwork. All the things that were supposed to make a person fulfilled. With another glance came the realization of enormous debt, a body riddled with drugs, not a friend in sight, and the absence of any hope. Seated with my eyes closed, came the whispered words, "God, I am going down for the last count. If you are truly there and listening, please..." I remember a bright light that penetrated my tightly closed eyes and an embrace that brought peace and comfort. All of the entanglements that had me so bound seemed to drop to the floor. As I began to rise to my feet, I knew that God had heard me and had made His presence known. I was changed.
Immediately, I wanted to go to church. (That was certainly a major surprise.) Followed by the desire to read and read the Bible. I remember how beautiful the words were to me. As I read about Jesus, I found hope in His words. Even so, I saw the love I had looked for all my life. A love without conditions...love in the purest sense. All I wanted was to be the way He had intended me to be all along. "Lord, I am willing."
During the first six months of my "new life in Jesus," the Lord provided the finances to pay all of the credit card debts. I stopped doing all drugs and became totally removed from any association with homosexual activity. Miracle upon miracle abided.
Since October 5, 1985, there have been numerous victories. Yes, there have been mistakes as well. Through them all, I have grown, with much more growing to do. I had always been told...once a homosexual, always a homosexual. There was absolutely no way out. That is a lie! "All things are possible with God." (Matthew 19:26) It does, however, take total surrender to Him.
During the past several years I have been privileged to serve on the mission field here in America, as well as the Caribbean and South America. Gods Word says, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will speak." (Matthew 12:34) What God has done for me is a true miracle. I will have an eternity to praise Him. To praise Him for what He has done, but even more because of who He is.
The song say's, "People need the Lord." No truer words have been spoken. Certainly they are still pertinent. Only Jesus can satisfy and it is He who dries the tears that no one else sees. I have received an abundance of grace and mercy. Out of love and obedience I share this testimony to the glory of His Name. I could stop there knowing that when "His Word goes forth, it never returns void." (Isaiah 55:11) But there is yet another reason for sharing these truths. On January 4, 1993, I was diagnosed as having the AIDS virus. After so many years of celibacy, I truly thought I had escaped the possibility. I have never said, "Oh Lord, how did this happen?" Yes, there have been times of frustration and fear. But, ultimately, the virus has brought me closer to Him. I have great hope and continually stand at the door and knock. I share this, as well, out of obedience and the prayerful hope that many other people may realize their need for Jesus and to live by the Holy Scriptures. The Bible say's, "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) To die in body is inevitable, but to die without Jesus is eternal separation from God. Once of the greatest mysteries of life is...what will tomorrow bring? Tomorrow will take care of itself, if Jesus is in your today.
Every Christian has their personal favorite scripture. As for myself, there is a phrase that always penetrates my heart and rings loud and true in my spirit. It is found in Matthew 5:1. The first four words of the verse are, "And seeing the multitudes...." As Jesus positioned Himself on the mount top, He became as He still is today, a lighthouse to the world. There is a multitude that still needs to know Him. As He was on the mount, beckoning all to come, He is still calling today.
"Come as you are and I will give you rest." I will dry the tears that no one sees. Receive the blessed assurance that you will be with me throughout eternity because today is the day of salvation. Those who call upon me, I will receive and you will never be the same."
For myself...I remain looking unto Jesus and seeing the multitudes.
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Reaching Into The Closet
(How The Church Should Respond to the Homosexual Issue)
A one-day seminar from Wholeness Ministries and His Way Out Ministries, assisting Families, Pastors, Friends, and Lay Leaders to understand the complexities of homosexuality.FREE!
Get Answers to Tough Questions:
Is it genetic?
I don't think its right, so what should I do?
My child is homosexual. What can I do?
How should the Church respond?
How do I help my friend who's gay?
WHERE: Wholeness Ministries
4301 Stine Road, Suite H
New Life Center (Corner of Stine Rd. & White Lane)
DATE: Saturday, October 12, 2002
TIME: 8:00AM 4:00PM
SPEAKERS: Phillip Lee, His Way Out Ministries
Mike Evans, Wholeness Ministries
COST: FREE!
*Lunch and seminar material will be provided.
**There is no fee for the seminar, but registration is required.
Seminar Schedule
8:00AM to 8:30AM - Welcome/Coffee/Registration
8:30AM to 9:30AM - A Christian Response to the Homosexual Issue - Phillip Lee
9:30AM to 10:00AM - Video: Reaching Into The Closet
10:15AM to 11:30AM - Homosexuality and the Reality of Change Part One - Phillip Lee
11:30AM to 12:30PM - Lunch
12:30PM to 1:30PM - Freedom From Homosexuality - Mike Evans
1:45PM to 3:00PM - Homosexuality and the Reality of Change Part Two - Phillip Lee
3:15PM to 4:00PM Closing Session - Questions and Answers
To Register for the Seminar, Please Contact:
Wholeness Ministries (661) 833-2920
Or
His Way Out Ministries (661) 589-4262
**SEATING IS LIMITED**
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.
| 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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