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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
October 2004 Highlights
- Dad, Mom...I'm Homosexual! By Pastor Phillip Lee
- Reaching Gay Youth By Darren Thompson
- Guyana Bound on November 20, 2004! By Rev. Steven Yeary
- Coming Up in October!
- 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
- Send a Donation to His Way Out Ministries
How well I remember having to make the above declaration to my parents. While my confession occurred many, many years ago, I recall, vividly, having to pick my mother up from the kitchen floor. Literally! The ironic truth is that while I felt an immediate sense of relief that "the problem" was now out, my parents, friends, and family members were instantly projected into a state of fear, bewilderment and consumed with a myriad of questions.
Picking up the pieces of life after declaring one is homosexual is a difficult task. Take a moment and remember the occasion when you first learned about your loved one's homosexuality. No doubt, many emotions were felt, with some of them tumbling over each other in rapid succession. Shock, anger, disbelief, guilt, depression, denial, sadness, and maybe, just maybe a sense of relief occurred because the truth was finally out. Heaven knows the responses vary with the personalities of the individuals involved.
For the past ten years, I have met and held hands with numerous people that have the same questions you have right now. Without a doubt, parents always search for what, if anything did they do wrong. Immediately, there is a driven purpose to discover what they might say or do to "change" their son or daughter. Husbands have come my way wondering if the woman they thought they knew was really just some stranger they had never known. And, I have had far too many tearful sessions with parents devastated by the tragic reality of learning of their child contracting AIDS.
Yes, this is personal! And, I can speak from personal experience having waded through years of healing, discipleship, study, and...surrender. The fact is when homosexuality hit my family, as it has a multitude of others, it brought indescribable pain and misunderstanding with it. Largely, if not entirely, because no one knew anything about the behavior. Frankly, about the only comment anyone could make who knew was..."It's wrong!" Today, just like way back then, "that's not good enough and completely unacceptable!"
Many, many people get angry when they learn about a loved one's homosexuality. That's not out of the ordinary. However, unless anger gets converted into something redemptive, it's useless. At His Way Out Ministries we want to help YOU better understand your homosexual loved one. To understand a person does not mean that you agree with them, but rather it enables the lines of communication to remain open.
Over the years, I have identified numerous facts that directly pertain to specific persons grappling with the homosexual behavior. Permit me to share just a few.
For the man/woman struggling with homosexuality: "Grief" is a given. Each man or woman will grieve not measuring up, rejection of society, peer pressure, being shunned by family and friends, and disappointing God.
For the parent: Grief will occur in their hopes and dreams becoming shattered, leaving them wondering..."What did I do wrong that caused this?" Grief will occur by the parent wondering what will the future bring if my child continues on the path of homosexuality?
For the spouse: There will be an instant and debilitating battle in the mind and heart of..."How do I combat this?" As a result, mourning and grieving will do their utmost to make themselves at home.
For the friend: Grief will accompany a truckload of frustrations resulting in..."I'm gonna get all the information available and lay it on him/her!"
I wonder, have you considered that God Himself grieves over anyone having to combat same-gender attraction because this behavior was never His plan or intention?
Yes, homosexuality is one of numerous behaviors that God commands every man and woman refrain from practicing. So, don't ever compromise your beliefs about homosexuality. Relationships can be preserved without compromise. Indeed, appropriate boundaries will need to be established and some negotiating with regard to mutual respect and patience. It is possible to be both honest and loving while remaining firm in our convictions.
When you come face-to-face with a loved one's homosexuality, I guarantee you become more aware than ever of your inability to face life's challenges apart from the grace of God. When homosexuality surfaces in your marriage, family, friendship, or church, in some respects life may never be quite the same again.
Please consider attending our L.I.F.E. meetings, which are held faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am. Our meetings are designed to come along side with compassion, encouragement and an understanding of the complexities of homosexuality. We offer education and group sharing for those choosing to leave the homosexual lifestyle, spouses, family members and friends of those struggling with homosexuality and those desiring to understand, to educate themselves regarding homosexuality. Help, guidance and comfort are available if YOU are in the midst of turmoil and disillusionment as a result of homosexuality hitting home.
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.
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Reaching Gay Youth By Darren Thompson
When the Lord brings a struggling teen into your life, be encouraged that the Lord may work along side you to turn the tide in their life. Keep in mind, too, that you don't have to be an expert on homosexuality to be of help. Your commitment to Jesus Christ and prayer and having a right perspective will not only make a difference to the gay youth, it will probably distinguish you quite a bit from others in their life.
Sometimes we can get our perspective skewed when it comes to youth and sexuality. If, for example, a Christian wants to minister to a non-Christian gay person, their efforts shouldn't be to initially get them in a support group to resolve their same-gender attractions. When I meet homosexuals, first I want to know if they know Christ or not. Eternal direction holds higher value than sexual preference. If the individual is not a Christian, then we should look for opportunity to introduce them to Jesus, share the Gospel with them, give an invitation to a Bible study or a healthy social event. Be gentle, but persistent in your invitations. Gay youth may have various reasons (including being intimidated, ashamed, ambivalent, fearful) for their reluctance to join such a group. However, it is important for the gay youth to know and feel the love and social acceptance of young Christians, not just ex-gays. Additionally, the Gospel is sufficient to reach anyone for Christ regardless if they are a child, Muslim, teacher, or homosexual. In other words, you don't have to learn and present a different version of the Gospel. Once they are in a genuine relationship with our Heavenly Father, the Spirit will pursuant to His will and timing address and resolve the issues of the youth's sexuality. But do point them away from their destructive sexual sin and share how Jesus and the Church has helped your attempts at purity and provided a lifestyle and support network for you.
Keep the nature of the consequence of sin in context as well. It is good to reflect upon, that we, Joe and Jane Christian, have also fallen far short from the glory of God and are only able to name Jesus as Lord because of grace. Remember, approaching the youth from a position of humility and dependency on God will grant you greater influence than judgment ever would. Although theologically most of us Christians believe that all are sinners, let's face it, many believe that some sinners are worse than others. Clearly the men that selected the adulteress and not the man shared a similar view of sin not only, in their perspective, was she a more significant sinner than the man, but the soon to be executioners of the law considered themselves better than her and grabbed stones of condemnation to throw. Jesus disagreed and apparently in their hearts the men knew that Jesus was right so they dropped their rocks.
Whenever homosexuality is mentioned in some conversations, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and strong biblical verbiage like "abomination" are inevitably raised as cases in point of God's opinion on the matter. I believe that is fair and appropriate. However, keep in mind that if you study God's characterization of others sins in the Bible you will learn more ominous labels for behavior; God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), those who lie will not inherit the Kingdom of God (Revelation 21:8), greed is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5) and God's angel destroyed people for grumbling (1 Corinthians 10:10). My point for sharing these examples is not to make us feel bad, but appreciate the truth that our mistakes are ugly in God's view, separates us from Him and as Paul put it, results in death. Yet, the Good News is that in Christ we are without blame... regardless of our sin preference.
Darren Thompson
Associate Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Guyana Bound on November 20, 2004! By Rev. Steven Yeary
By invitation of Pastor Oswen Cameron, Superintendent of the Wesleyan Methodist Churches throughout Guyana, South America, Pastor Phillip will be returning to Guyana to continue training men and women regarding the complexities of homosexuality. Accompanying Pastor Phillip will be Louis Steers, a HWOM Advisory Board Member.
During this trip, November 20th to 30th, Pastor Phillip will facilitate a teaching series titled: When Your Loved One Confesses They're Homosexual. The series will include such topics as: Setting Family Boundaries, When Your Son/Daughter Confesses They're Homosexual, When Homosexuality Hits Your Marriage, and much more. The teaching series is specifically designed to educate and equip men and women that believe they are called to ex-gay ministry.
Also, Pastor Phillip and Louis will be attending the Georgetown Ministers Council Meeting where Pastor Cameron will be introducing them to numerous church and denominational leaders of Guyana. The meeting is extremely significant in that it will open doors of opportunity to spread the truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life.
Please pray for His Way Out Ministries trip to Guyana this November. An incredible possibility lies before His Way Out Ministries to prevent in Guyana what has tragically happened in America regarding homosexuality and related issues.
If you would like to make a financial contribution to this trip and our on-going missionary work in Guyana...please do so by noting "Guyana" in the memo section of your check. Your prayers and offerings are needed and greatly appreciated!
Rev. Steven Yeary
President
His Way Out Ministries
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Coming Up In October!
October 2nd - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship Even in Tough Times).
On Saturday, October 2nd, our lesson and discussion centers on exploring various theories regarding the origins of homosexuality. Do people choose to be gay or are they born gay? If you have chosen to leave homosexuality, or you are a spouse, family member or friend of someone struggling with homosexuality, or you just want to learn about the complexities of homosexuality...this group is for you! L.I.F.E. meets on first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.
October 9th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
Our lesson and discussion focuses on: Our deliverance hangs on our faithfulness, our willingness to believe deliverance is possible. To what extent do you believe God can (will) change you?"Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
October 15th - Lake Isabella, CA. - Kern River Veterans Senior Center - 6pm to 9pm
An evening training seminar titled: A Christian Response to Homosexuality.
October 17th - University Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA
His Way Out Ministries will be presenting during the Missions Fair.
October 19th & 20th - Azuza Pacific University, Azuza, CA.
Teaching, testimony and training will be offered to APU faculty and students.
October 23rd - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
Our lesson and discussion focuses on: A common denominator among those who seem solid is that they've settled the issue of Christ's Lordship in their lives. Do you find difficulty in submitting to the Lordship of Christ?"Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
October 27th to 31st - First Baptist Church, Eureka/Arcata, CA. & Humboldt State University
Numerous teachings will be offered at First Baptist Church and on the campus of Humboldt State University.
For further information regarding any of the above dates and events...please contact our office at (661) 589-4262.
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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.
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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