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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
May 2004 Highlights
- I've felt gay all my life, so I must have been born this way!
- Coming Up in May!
- 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 |
Without a doubt, one of the biggest lies and wave upon wave of false propaganda that people have been bombarded with is the statement that homosexuals are born that way. Therefore, let's turn our attention to the truth and the undeniable facts.
In 1973, Dr. Robert L Spitzer, Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, opposed the prevailing beliefs in his profession by leading the effort to remove homosexuality from the official list of psychiatric disorders. For this, liberals and the gay community respected him, even as it angered many of his psychiatric colleagues. He said then...as he says now...that homosexuals can live happy, fulfilled lives. If they claim to be comfortable as they are, they should not be accused of lying or of being in denial.
A couple of years ago, Dr. Spitzer set out to challenge himself and his beliefs. His challenge caused him to be perceived by many as an enemy of the gay community, and of many in the psychiatric and academic communities.
The assumption he challenged is this: that the desire for change in sexual orientation is always the result of societal pressure and never the product of a rational, self-directed goal. The belief claims that it is impossible for an individual who was predominantly homosexual for many years to change his sexual orientation...not only in his sexual behavior, but also in his attraction and fantasies...and to enjoy heterosexuality. Many professionals go so far as to hold that it is unethical for a mental-health professional, if requested, to attempt such psychotherapy.
A controversy erupted, when Dr. Spitzer reported the results of a study that asked an important scientific question: Is it really true that no one who was predominantly homosexual for many years could strongly diminish his homosexual feelings and substantially develop heterosexual potential?
What Dr. Spitzer found was that, in the unique sample he studied, many made substantial changes in sexual arousal and fantasies...and not merely in behavior. Even subjects who made a less substantial change believed it to be extremely beneficial.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Spitzer at the American Psychiatric Association Convention in May 2000 and at the Exodus Conference in San Diego. Frankly, Dr. Spitzer knows me quite a bit better than I know him. I was one of the 200 people Dr. Spitzer interviewed for his study. I appreciate Dr. Spitzer's work and the integrity in which he presents his findings. Ultimately, to hear a professional state...the notion that sexual orientation is invariably fixed for all people is false...is very refreshing.
On the issue of coming out of homosexuality, the world deserves to know the truth: freedom from homosexuality is a reality for many. Homosexual activists rightfully demand that we respect their right to define themselves as gay. So, what about the men and women who define themselves as ex-gay? Many homosexuals have found themselves dissatisfied with the gay option and seek spiritual and professional assistance. Don't they have the right to pursue their dream of heterosexual singleness or conventional marriage and family? Many have. And, many will continue to find freedom from same-gender attractions.
The Lord moves in different ways in each person's life. Some people are instantly delivered from the power of same-gender desires when they cry out to the Lord. Others are set free as they continue to follow Jesus, making right choices, allowing His power to release them from years of wrong thought patterns and actions.
If you're still wondering and questioning whether all of this is still possible, even the very first Christians knew the freedom that Jesus brought: "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked...Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions (sins), made us alive together with Christ." (Ephesians 2:15)
Born that way? Nonsense. Certainly, homosexuals have, can and will continue to change. Since homosexuality is an acquired behavior...it can be unacquired. The many that have exited from homosexuality span a wide variety of ages, personalities, occupations, and various church denominations. There is no identical plan of action for healing from homosexuality. Often, there is no quick fix or one-two-three formula. Ultimately and always, a person's deliverance from homosexuality comes from a Person, rather than a method or even program. That Person is, has always been and will always be, Jesus Christ.
Every person faces the decision of accepting or rejecting Christ's Lordship. Coming out of homosexuality requires deep emotional healing and a restructuring of one's whole identity. As our Creator, God, is the only One who knows exactly how to restore our personality. I remember so vividly, when coming to know Christ at the age of thirty-five, what it meant for the first time in my life to be a man. But more importantly, what it meant to be a godly man. I liked it then. I like it still. Or, as I have heard it sung in a wonderful old song..."I wouldn't take nothing for my journey now." That's a fact!
A Personal Word
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Coming Up In May!
May 1st - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times)
On May 1st we will continue our study on "Healing Relationships (Part Two)." We will deal with acceptance and what we should and should not accept, stress forgiveness and how to ask for it, define love and how to show it, and emphasize prayer and what to pray for. Our last lesson dealt with some destructive ways we cope in the family setting, and gave some suggestions for how to start understanding and improving our methods of interacting. In our next lesson we will add further positive ways we can bring about healing in our family relationships. 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. Please join us!
May 8th - "Time Out"...a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
On May 8th we will be discussing...gay theology exists and speaks with many voices. This only adds to the confusion of the honest seeker of truth struggling with homosexuality who is attempting to determine God's viewpoint on the subject. Therefore, what does Scripture truly say about homosexuality? "Time Out" is an open-style, drop-in support group and meets from 9am to 11am.
May 15th - His Way Out Ministries "Advisory Board" Meeting - 9am to 11am
May 22nd - "Time Out"...a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
On May 22nd we will be discussing...ambivalence is the barrier to change. As long as the option to return to homosexuality "if things don't work out" is held open, change won't occur. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin, and if the person receives this conviction deep in his heart, he will have the only enduring motivation to close the option forever. "Time Out" is an open-style, drop-in support group and meets from 9am to 11am.
Return To Highlights
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.
| 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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