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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
March 2004 Highlights
- Did You Know...About Youth and Homosexuality?
- Darren's Update from Guyana
- Coming Up in March
- Now on DVD: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
- IT'S ABOUT LIFE: Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
- His Way Out Ministries Services
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Send a Donation to His Way Out Ministries |
* The gay subculture into which teenagers are directed has a high rate of depression, substance abuse, alcoholism, anonymous sex, and unsafe sex practices.
* The National Lesbian and Gay Health Association reports that gay men acquire sexually transmitted diseases...other than AIDS...at a rate 2.5 times higher than heterosexual men.
* Rather than affirming teens as gay, ministers and counselors should affirm "questioning" teens as individuals, but encourage them to wait to adulthood to make choices about sexuality.
* According to one estimate, by the age of thirty, 30% of gay men will be HIV-positive or dead of AIDS.
* Within the gay community there is actually great animosity against the ex-gay movement and the right of other homosexually-oriented people to receive therapy of either a secular or a religious type which is directed toward change.
His 16-year-old heart raced with anxiety and fear. The last thing he wanted to do was talk about his struggle with homosexuality. However, his conviction was incredibly strong and he wanted help. Mustering all the courage he could, he steps out. "Excuse me, do you have a minute to talk with me?" With his stomach in knots he confessed his struggle with homosexual temptations and thoughts.
Barely into his confession, he is suddenly interrupted. "Son, let's pray about that right now." The prayer binds "that foul demon of homosexuality" and commands Satan to flee. Victory is pronounced over the young man's battle with homosexuality. Concluding the prayer, the young man glibly receives a pat on the back.
What just happened here? The young man may be thinking to himself, "I don't feel a bit different." Indeed, he feels violated. He leaves somehow hoping his struggle with homosexuality will just disappear. It didn't and it won't just go away. Eventually, the young man believes it isn't safe to share his struggle with anyone. Ultimately, several years later, he finds himself involved in his first homosexual relationship.
Unfortunately, stories like this are all too common. Many people and especially young people, feel that they have no where to turn. Often when they finally muster up courage to finally seek help, their experience turns out to be a negative one. Secular influence, on the other hand, encourages them to embrace their homosexual identity. Numerous pro-gay groups scramble for their attention while far too many Christians emphatically deny homosexuality effects our children.
Anyone, who has been in Christian ministry, even for a short period of time, undoubtedly knows that homosexuality effects Christian young people. So what is a good approach to reach our kids? And what can you do to help?
First...some words that will hurt instead of help.
"I can't believe it. This is so unlike you."
"This is just a phase you're going through."
"Just try to be straight. I know this nice boy/girl you could date."
What to do?
Avoid using labels. A very unique aspect of working, especially with young people, is that homosexuality may not be the issue at all. While any number of negative influences may lay a foundation for homosexuality to develop, the greater issue may be poor family dynamics. Admiration for a same-gender teacher may be confused for homosexual attraction. It is quite possible, that a child may simply desire attention, encouragement and affirmation from an adult because he or she is not getting it at home. Some young people will assume that they are homosexual simply because they have engaged in experiments with someone of the same sex. These are common childhood experiences. A caution do not label a child based on his or her experiences or thoughts.
Avoid trite sayings. The young person confiding in you is sharing his or her deepest, darkest secret. If it is so important to them...make it important to you. Trivializing what is said only intensifies the problem.
Acknowledge what was said. "John, thank you for confiding in me. You must really be having a very difficult time with all of this going on in your mind"...is an excellent way of letting that person know you just heard what was said. Let the person know that what has been shared doesn't change your relationship.
Demonstrate your love. Do not hesitate or be afraid to touch the person who confesses their struggle. A tender hand on the shoulder or a hug speaks volumes. Consider confessing some of your own feelings of insecurity as an adult or perhaps recalling memories from childhood. This helps him/her to see that they're not alone.
Finally...BE THERE! The greatest ministry to young people struggling with sexual identity issues or not...is your time. They all want to know that you will be there for them, that they will be loved and accepted, and that they have security in your friendship. As Christians, we are Christ's ambassadors, called to reconcile a lost world to God (2 Cor. 5:20). It's up to us to teach today's youth with the truth about homosexuality, providing truth and a way of escape. You may feel unqualified and incapable of offering anything of value to a young person, but often times it only takes a willing heart and someone to just BE THERE!
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.
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Darren's Update from Guyana
Greetings from Guyana! Thankfully, I arrived with all my luggage and I have adjusted well to my new living conditions and mission. I have been much busier than I expected. The pastor that I serve and live with has a full calendar. He is responsible for ministering and preaching at various churches throughout Guyana. At times, we will travel three of four times per week and may travel over 100 miles to encourage and pray for believers.
It appears that there is a shortage of teachers in the country. I've had plenty of opportunities to teach and I am currently teaching a series on presenting the Gospel and defending the faith at our church in Stewartville. God-willing, next month, teams from our church will go door-to-door and have open-air meetings to share the Gospel.
The pastor and I have also had one-on-one discussions with Hindus, many Muslims and even a Budhist (nearly half of the country worships idols or follows the teachings of Mohammed). Praise God for the freedom to share the Gospel and for His faithfulness to me these past few weeks.
Please pray with me that our evangelistic effort will bear much fruit and advance the Kingdom of God in this corner of the world. Your partner in ministry, Darren.
Darren Thompson is His Way Out Ministries missionary to Guyana, South America. Please remember him in your prayers as he continues to serve in Guyana until June 2004.
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Coming Up in March!
*March 6th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times). The L.I.F.E. Support Group offers education and sharing for those choosing to leave the homosexual lifestyle, spouses, family members and friends of those struggling with homosexuality, and those desiring to understand the complexities of homosexuality. L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.
*March 12-13 - Christian Ministry Convention "United We Serve: Reaching the City Together"...held at Olive Drive Church in Bakersfield. Over 80 workshops for Pastors and Church Lay Leaders. His Way Out Ministries will be leading two workshops: A Christian Response to Homosexuality and Homosexuality and the Reality of Change.
*March 14th - Fairfax Assembly of God Church Missions Fair. His Way Out Ministries will be participating by presenting details and various aspects of our ministry.
*March 27th - "Time Out"...a discipleship support group for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
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Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change"
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.
This 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.
Videos are available on VHS or DVD at a cost of $20.00. To order your video...give us a call today.
We recently received, and watched, the video you sent us. It was excellent. We will be sharing it with other people at our church. One part that especially ministered to us was when Pastor Lee said from Philippians 1:6 that God is never going to give up His job of working in our life to conform us to the image of Christ. It helps makes sense of life's trials. Thank you for your ministry...Tom & Catherine
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.
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Or send a contribution to:
His Way Out Ministries, 10700 Brimhall Road, Bakersfield, CA 93312
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