Homosexuality and The Supreme Court

Did anyone really think that it would come to this? I certainly didn't. I have been asked numerous times what I think of the Supreme Court's decision to legalize homosexuality throughout our nation. Frankly, I do have some things to say, but will probably say much less than expected. Why? Because His Way Out Ministries calling is not necessarily to the political arena. Maybe it's because I don't see many people making much progress toward a solution that would respect the rights of all concerned. Maybe it's because I'm sick to death of all the antagonistic rhetoric. Maybe I'm just too cynical about the media's coverage of the gay rights issue.

Admittedly, all of those reasons, and more, are in the picture somewhere, but they are not the main thing to I want to speak about. The main thing is that there are people, who call themselves gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, etc., who don't know that God loves them and has made provision for them. As Joel tell us, there are "multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision."

As activists and politicians fight over gay rights and the media dutifully report the carnage, people all over this country see a perverted view of what society (including the Christian community) has to offer them: status as a minority, with all the attendant civil rights privileges, or as the abominable scapegoat, carrying the burden of all of our country's sexual sins. Too often, those seem the only options available to the average person watching this whole tragic debate. No wonder some of them march and carry signs.

However, not all are marching and carrying signs. Some people drop out of the mainstream of society, sit in lonely apartments and work at jobs where they don't let anyone really know them. Many live lives of loneliness and isolation. It is my opinion that hurting people are the main issue. The call of Scripture is clear. "If you have done it not to the least of these, you have not done it not to me."

As long as we pour resources into political battles and ignore ministry to the lonely ones, we contradict the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It seems obvious to me that we must consider a third option over and above those, which are currently being offered.

What if people were to hear, instead of labels, an invitation to relationship? What if they were to hear, "We know you are a person. Come talk with us, let us know you, and we will let you know us. Let us grow in our understanding of one another and see how the Lord might use us in one another's lives."

I hope and pray that people who have been fighting over political issues will expand their awareness to the human need for relationship, which is a fueling agent of homosexuality. My desire is that the people who are called by God's name will humble themselves and pray, then open their hearts to men and women who need to know Jesus cares about them and their needs. Pray with us that God's people will look for ways to minister in truth and love in this area of sexual and relational brokenness.

Gratefully Redeemed,

Pastor Phillip Lee

Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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New Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"

HWOM is pleased to announce a major advancement in their ministry to the faith community and general populace. Our new video, Homosexuality and the Reality of Change, presents a biblical perspective on the homosexual behavior with honesty and compassion. The 50 minute video contains information on: Can Homosexuals Really Change?, Will the Person Become Heterosexual?, How Long Does Change Take?, Exposing the Roots of Homosexuality, HIV and AIDS, Biblical and Scientific Evidence for Change, and much, much more.

The video is an excellent resource for teachers, churches, pastors, support group leaders, or anyone desiring a clear, comprehensive understanding of homosexuality.

The Good News of Jesus Christ and His love, acceptance, and forgiveness, His power to heal and restore has brought hope to many struggling with homosexuality. If you know someone struggling with same-gender attractions, Homosexuality and the Reality of Change can help. To order your video...give us a call today.

Preview "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
2min 38sec, 1.3MB, QT.mov

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Coming Up...

L.I.F.E: "Admitting Our Wrongs"...Carrying "guilt" is a continual crushing weight. Guilt is epidemic in our culture and consequently a driving force in many people's lives. When we ignore the obedience of confession we can easily get stuck in the "if only" syndrome. It is only through confession and repentance that our imaginations can be cleansed and our hearts boundary lines can be rebuilt. By admitting our failures and defects of character we overcome the fear that if someone really knows us, we will be rejected, mocked or abandoned. This is a key for growth. The purpose of Admitting Our Wrongs is to realize God's forgiveness and the freedom that it brings.

L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times), is available to...those choosing to leave the homosexual lifestyle, spouses, family members and friends of those struggling with homosexuality, and those desiring to learn about the complexities of homosexuality. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, August 2nd, from 9am to 11am. Please make plans to join us as we turn our attention to...Admitting Our Wrongs.

"Moving On"...is a Christ-centered support group series for men seeking freedom from same-gender attractions and who desire wholeness and godliness in their sexuality and relationships. The goal of the discipleship series, which begins September 8th and concludes on December 29th, is to point men to the hope we have in Christ, regardless of how broken or hopeless they may feel. For more information regarding Moving On...please contact our office at 589-4262.

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"Thank You!" Pastor Bob Kuyper

From the very beginning of HWOM, Pastor Bob Kuyper, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church and Editor of Transforming Congregations, has been a significant member of His Way Out Ministries. Acting as Board Member and then ultimately as President of HWOM, Pastor Kuyper contributed greatly to the birthing, organizing, and facilitation of HWOM. Recently, Pastor Kuyper accepted a new pastoral position in Livingston, California. As a result, Pastor Kuyper will no longer be able to continue as President of HWOM. His presence and leadership will be missed greatly by all of us at HWOM. We wish him the very best at his new ministry position.

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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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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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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)

Copyright � His Way Out Ministries

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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

August 2003 Highlights