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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
October 2003 Highlights
- Support Groups and Recovery
- Notes of Encouragement...
- L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times)
- Missions Fund-Raiser to Further God's Work in Guyana, S.A.
- In Closing...
- New Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
- IT'S ABOUT LIFE: Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
- His Way Out Ministries Services
- How You Can Help
Support groups have become a popular way to deal with problems of addiction in our culture. The reason that they have become popular is that they have had some success. Certainly, support groups are a vehicle for people to get honest in their lives.
There are patterns of addiction among practicing homosexuals. Often, the addictive patterns take the form of compulsive "acting out" on the one hand to emotional dependency on the other. For men and women struggling with same-gender attractions, support groups can be a great help in getting on with life.
The beginning step in any support group is...honest confession. Admitting there is a problem is always the first step. Frankly, this is what makes the movement in the Church to justify homosexual behavior so dangerous. If the Church says it is O.K. then it must be O.K.
But this stops people from ever taking the first step in recovery; it traps people in a sexually or emotionally addictive lifestyle. It prevents them from getting help. According to the Apostle Paul, real love never rejoices in a lie but always looks for and tells the truth.
It is not a loving thing for the Church to ignore the truth of Scripture and say that homosexual behavior is not a sin. Real love speaks the truth about sin so people can be given the option of repentance and faith. None of us need our sinful behaviors justified; we need them forgiven so we might be justified.
Many homosexual men that I have counseled have said, "I tried to stop but I couldn't." A key to recovery is to recognize that addiction means we are out of control and the addiction is in control.
At His Way Out Ministries, our support groups not only focus on relationship to God but they also focus on relationships with others and self. Forgiveness and reconciliation are at the center of learning to relate to other people. All of us have rough edges; all of us hurt others and are hurt by others. The only way to live sanely is by exercising forgiveness and by being willing to be reconciled with enemies. Making amends and making relationships right with honest and difficult communication is necessary for recovery.
Being honest about our character flaws, things like self-pity, resentment, anger and fear, brings healing. Bringing brokenness to the light of God's love and forgiveness opens us up to being changed. Frankly, it is the flaws in our character that we often want to keep hidden that drive us to despair and confusion.
Learning how to relate and be accountable is central to a support group. Support groups become a place of acceptance and love because no matter how many failures one has, they have a place to go and start again. Those in recovery do not judge because they know, "There, but for the grace of God, go I."
I am convinced that support groups offer the opportunity for honesty, repentance, faith, and forgiveness. The most helpful thing for someone struggling with homosexuality is to follow Jesus with the rest of God's people. To the extent that our churches reflect these biblical values they will be places of recovery for all kinds of strugglers including those trying to grow past homosexuality. When our churches become houses of legalistic judgment, or places of denial, or places where the world's values are taught more than Biblical values, they will not help people recover but will drive them deeper into their struggle and further away from God.
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Notes of Encouragement...
Just a note to let you know we are praying for you. Your newsletters are interesting and helpful. Thanks for all you are doing in your excellent ministry. Dr. Jack Bailey, Executive Minister (Retired), American Baptist Churches of the Pacific Southwest.
Your apostolic ministry is exciting and so vital to the crying needs of our world and culture. Thank you for your faithfulness and dedication to the challenge of the ministry. Rev. Gary Clark, National Chairman, Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries in American Baptist Churches.
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L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times)
Join us on Saturday, October 4th as we turn our attention to...Maturing in Our Relationships. If we are to mature in our relationships or even begin developing them in healthy ways, we must look at the barriers that inhibit us and begin dealing with them. What is the solution? It is affirming our manhood or womanhood through Jesus Christ, not sex or unhealthy relationships.
L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am. The support group 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.
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Missions Fund-Raiser to Further God's Work in Guyana, S.A.
Would you believe it is 'Missions Yard Sale' time once again? On Saturday, November 8, 2003, we will be having a Yard Sale to raise funds for our continued ministry in Guyana, South America. As numerous ministry opportunities continue to be offered to His Way Out Ministries in Guyana, we are purposed to step through each and every door that our Lord opens to us.
Hopefully, many of you had the opportunity to read our September newsletter, written by Darren Thompson (my Assistant). Darren has been extended an invitation and opportunity to serve on the mission-field in Guyana for six months (January - June 2004). We have prayed, waited, sought counsel and confirmation regarding his extended service to our Guyanese brothers and sisters. Serving a newly planted church in a community called Stewartville; Darren's duties will consist of assisting the pastor in the ministries of evangelism and helps. No doubt, there will be numerous opportunities for Darren to minister to those struggling with same-gender attractions as he has taught about the reality of change from homosexuality on our previous trips to Guyana. The journey will definitely be a challenge for him but I am convinced that it is the Lord's will that he accepts the invitation extended him.
God's Word promises that the fervent prayer of the righteous will have great results...James 5:16. Darren will need all of our prayers. Additionally, if you would like to participate further in this mission, please consider sending an offering that would help with the purchase of his airline ticket ($1,800.00). Please make your check payable to: His Way Out Ministries and note... "Darren/Guyana" in the memo section. All donations are tax deductible.
Our Mission Yard Sale on November 8th is for the sole purpose of funding Darren's trip. So get a jump on your spring-cleaning and clean out those cupboards, closets and garages. It's not too early to start donating. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated and you will enable God's work in the nation of Guyana, South America. Together, we have and can continue to make a difference!
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In Closing...
On October 30, 2003, I, myself, will be returning to Guyana, South America. It's hard to believe that this will be my eighth trip to a country that I have come to view as my second home. Once again, His Way Out Ministries will have numerous opportunities to share about the reality of change from homosexuality on television and in several churches. As well, we will be offering words of encouragement to new church plants in the communities of Stewartville and Canjie.
In my absence (October 30 to November 17, 2003), Darren Thompson will be supervising all His Way Out Ministries support groups and addressing our office/administrative needs. In other words...everything on the home front will continue as usual. I will look forward to sharing a full report of my trip with each of you upon my return. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.
And to each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings, and prayers...we remain truly grateful. Bless you for enabling us to speak His truth with integrity.
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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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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.
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
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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