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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
September 2004 Highlights
- I was taken by surprise! By Ginny Mitchell
- Reaching Gay Youth By Darren Thompson
- Just Back from Guyana, South America! by Pastor Phillip Lee
- Coming Up in September!
- How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
- 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 |
On Tuesday, July 20th, I was traveling with Pastor Phillip and Darren en route to the Exodus Conference at Azuza Pacific University in Glendora, California. It was back in April that I signed up for this event and remember thinking this would be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about ministering to people dealing with the issue of homosexuality. So at last, we were on our way!
Upon arrival that afternoon, we completed our registration. The evening started with a general session with great worship, and continued on with powerful testimonies, and an uplifting message from the President of Exodus North America. The conference was off to an awesome start.
The days that followed were fun and packed with a lot of activity. I attended general sessions and workshops and had plenty of time for fellowship between events. The daily schedule kept us busy well into the evening hours. As I reflect back on this week, I am reminded that I experienced many highlights.
It was during one of the workshops that I was learning about codependent tendencies. As the presenter spoke, I was taken aback by how she explained this behavior. It was as if I was hearing a description of myself. I was startled and yet fascinated all at the same time. I was seeing something about myself for the first time.
One way codependency will express itself is in a person's great need to keep the peace in relationships. They will sacrifice their feelings and thoughts to mesh with the other individual in order to avoid confrontation. It is the fear of rejection that motivates the codependent to respond in this way. In particular, I was painfully taken back to my married days. On an unconscious level, I avoided "rocking the boat" and in the process of keeping the peace, I lost myself. I could now see a glimmer of light on how unhealthy I was in my relationship with my husband. I knew I was not responsible for his homosexuality, but now four years since he walked out of the marriage, I realized as I sat in this workshop, I had an issue, too. I left this gathering stunned, with much to think about, but gratefully so.
With a lot on my mind, and it being the noon hour, I next ended up at the college cafeteria. I had lunch with a couple I had met at the previous workshop. Serving as a pastor/college professor and after twenty-two years of marriage, his wife learned through a phone call from the local police station that her husband had been picked up for committing a homosexual act with a minor. As they told their story, I sat there like a sponge soaking up every word they said.
My marriage did not work out. After eighteen years, my former husband went full force into homosexuality. I was shocked by his decision. It was as if an alien had taken possession of his body. I had no understanding. With this couple's testimony, it was if the Holy Spirit was soothing me with answers to the unknowns from the struggling husband's perspective. Now, years later, they have a strong, healthy marriage. After two hours of talking with them, I left feeling encouraged and in a state of awe as I had been in the company of someone who had been in bondage to homosexuality and now walked in the reality of change. In their powerful testimony, God was glorified and I was blessed!
The next day I attended a workshop about sexual addictions...there were a lot of men in this workshop. I have to confess that as I arrived at this session late and tried to sneak in the back entrance, many heads shot back my way as the door slammed shut behind me and I wondered, "do they think I have this issue?" The uncomfortableness did not last long. The psychologist took us on a journey showing us the sexual addiction cycle. I've heard the term "addiction" many times in my life and I had no formal idea what that entailed. I couldn't write fast enough to get all this information down. This was interesting, but before too long into this process it started to hurt. It was clear. All I had to do was take the word "sexual" out and plunk in my own issues for the cycle to apply to me. As I look back on this workshop, I think of the truth to the slogan... "knowledge is power." In my ignorance, God was gracious to bring clarity to another area of my life not yet understood.
In between the general sessions and workshops there was time to check out the bookstore, meet people on campus, or simply rest with a cup of coffee in a shaded seating area. Of course, there was a lot of enjoyment during meal times and socializing beyond the conference hours. Overall, it was a wonderful week in many ways!
Having experienced this conference, I confess my innocence and ignorance. I thought it was going to be more about the homosexual issue. I was taken by surprise as God kept pointing His finger at the wounds in my heart. I stopped seeing "those" people and just saw people. We were all there for the same reason, seeking God's restorative power in our lives.
Ginny Mitchell
Advisory Board Member
His Way Out Ministries
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Reaching Gay Youth By Darren Thompson
Sometimes we can become cynical about the times that we live in. However, when God is put in the equation of life, a hope that doesn't disappoint rises within us. My hope for youth involved in homosexuality was really strengthened after returning from the Exodus Freedom Conference in July.
Being 25, I was able to spend time at workshops and discussion groups with about 30 young men my age and younger that the Lord was leading out of homosexuality. Each of them were on different strata of the spectrum of healing and freedom, but most of them held a deep conviction that homosexuality was not for them, regardless of their conflicting feelings. For example, I remember a couple of guys that though they were clearly persuaded of the dysfunctional nature of their experiences with homosexuality they were reluctant to share their conclusion with their parents because their parents were not Christian and would support their homosexual orientation.
Many of these youth not only impressed me with a higher than normal level of spiritual maturity, but also willingness to be active and open about their testimony and about God's caring and powerful nature. Though many of the young men there were just inquiring, others were strong in their faith and believed that nothing is indeed too hard for God and they trust Him to help them with their struggle no matter what. I recall encouraging this one guy in particular that he was going to make it, and he assured me that I was right. I was so encouraged to meet young men, like myself, that the Lord had set free.
I report this to challenge your faith and also to introduce a new section of the His Way Out Ministries' newsletter that will hopefully offer you pointers on what gay youth are needing and in many respects looking for. This, I hope, will help you to understand how you can play a big role in helping a youth come out, not of the closet, but out of homosexuality altogether.
Though there will be many suggestions given in our newsletter throughout this year to you, I do want to recommend a book that any Christian with questions about homosexuality should buy. It is only about $12.00 and aptly entitled, 101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality by Mike Haley. It was published this year and is the best, most comprehensive resource that speaks from every angle of the subject...in my opinion.
Darren Thompson
Associate Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Just Back from Guyana, South America!
As many of you of are aware, HWOM has been in the process of establishing a permanent branch of our ministry in Guyana, South America. I have just recently returned from yet another incredible journey to Guyana and I am extremely excited to share that HWOM has been offered a site in Georgetown (the capital of Guyana) in which to operate our ministry. Pastor Oswen Cameron, Superintendent of both the Wesleyan Methodist Churches of Guyana, and Georgetown Ministers Council, has graciously offered his church as a location for HWOM to begin offering ministry to those struggling with homosexuality. During my most recent trip to Guyana (August 9th to 24th), leadership training sessions were conducted for men and women that believe they are specifically called to minister to those struggling with same-gender attraction. Initially, the anticipated training was to be for 10 persons. However, the training grew to 25 persons due to the overwhelming need in the country for our area of ministry. Now that the leadership training has been completed and a site to conduct ministry has been offered, it seems that HWOM will be off and running in Guyana in the very near future. To God be the glory! How exciting to ponder all that God has done and as we look forward to the days ahead, all that God will accomplish in Guyana. Who would have thought..."His Way Out Ministries North and South America?" Certainly, not myself. Your prayers, as we continue to seek our Lord's direction and provision for the numerous details regarding His ministries, would be greatly appreciated. On all fronts, His Way Out Ministries will continue to proclaim that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.
In Closing...
His Way Out Ministries is proclaiming to, educating and impacting the world with the biblical truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life. 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 love and integrity.
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Coming Up In September!
September 4th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship Even in Tough Times).
On Saturday, September 4th, we will turn our discussion and teaching on...What Does the Bible Have to Say About Homosexuality?Our lesson recognizes Scripture to be the infallible Word of God, unchanging in its message, relevant to modern issues of life, and authoritative on moral behavior. From this perspective we will seek to understand not only what the Bible says, but also how to answer the modern interpretations of some theologians. The L.I.F.E. 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 understand the complexities of homosexuality. L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.
September 11th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
On September 11th, our discussion will include: All humans need same-sex people in their lives and they need deep, intimate relationships with them. That is the part that is the truth. The lie is that within these relationships, the one-flesh union can be accomplished. This just isn't so; God made that possible only in a man/woman marriage situation. "Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
September 15th - Teen Challenge (Men's Ranch Bakersfield, CA).
On Wednesday, September 15th, Pastor Phillip and Darren will be teaching and sharing testimony about freedom from homosexuality.
September 18th HWOM Advisory Board Meeting at the HWOM office from 9am to11am.
September 25th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
On September 25th, we will turn our attention to... "Correcting Our Image of Self." The image we hold of ourselves is of vital importance to the change process. It is however interwoven with our image of God and of others. Until we have a personal relationship with God, loving and trusting Him, we can never relate well to others. "Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
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How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
- Ask your pastor to check out this website.
- Encourage your pastor to consider hosting a seminar or inviting His Way Out Ministries to speak at your church.
- Ask your church to consider adding His Way Out Ministries to its missions budget.
- Add His Way Out Ministries to your prayer list.
- Tell your friends about His Way Out Ministries and encourage them to visit this web site.
- Give to His Way Out Ministries, either a special one-time gift or on a monthly basis.
- Show our teaching DVD or Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change" to your Sunday School class.
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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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