            |
Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
November 2004 Highlights
- Celibacy By Pastor Phillip Lee
- Reaching Gay Youth By Darren Thompson
- On Politics & Education By Donna Castello
- "There's Something I Need to Tell You!"
- Coming Up in November!
- 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
Now there's a popular word in our society today. Whether you believe or agree that celibacy is a gift from God or not, just the mention of the word for many sends them into a state of gasping for air. I have this vision of numerous people (both men and women), exclaiming "Thank you very much but I don't want this gift!" Or, "Could you please point me to the gift exchange department?"
I believe that the role of celibacy is a very important one to stress in our very permissive society when many people are attempting to establish a "new morality." If any individual truly studies the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, it is abundantly clear that God has always had a divine intent for human sexuality, which includes some men and women remaining single (celibate).
While some Christians are married and some are single, it is abundantly clear that more are married than single. Apparently, this is the way God likes it. Men and women that are single have certain advantages though. The Apostle Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 7 that Christians who are single can actually serve the Lord better than those who are not because they do not have to worry about how to please their husband or wife or family. Frankly, I have found this true in my own life. When God says, "Go!" I go.
However, beyond the obvious advantages is the application and adherence to Scripture for the single person. When anyone male or female, homosexual or heterosexual, makes the conscious choice to stray beyond God's boundary lines, we bring terrible consequences upon ourselves by our rebellion and disobedience. Sexual sin causes an immediate dividing wall between our spirit and God's. God does not create the dividing wall, our sinful behavior does. I believe that one of the reasons God does not deliver us from particular sins that are a concern to us is that we remain unwilling to cooperate with Him in delivering us from other sins that He has already made known to us. God has called each of us to sexual purity and holiness across-the-board. And here is where the rubber meets the road.
In a world where homosexuality continues to be proclaimed as an acceptable, alternate lifestyle (at least by some misguided folks), we have arrived at the entire issue of homosexuality and related issues as no longer being just about the homosexual behavior. Now, what is under question and assault is the Lordship of Christ and the Authority of Scripture. How many times while teaching at a conference have I heard "Jesus didn't say anything about homosexuality!" While there is no record of Jesus using the word homosexual or specifically condemning homosexuality, He did implicitly address the behavior by affirming the Creator's options for sexual expression: marriage between a man and his wife or celibacy (Matthew 19:4-12).
And while I'm defining holy boundary lines, let me be thorough and fair. Any perversion beyond God's divine intent for human sexuality which includes adultery, prostitution, promiscuity, homosexuality, and much more, is thoroughly and repeatedly condemned in Scripture (1 Cor. 6:9; Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:19-21).
Therefore, in terms of the single man or woman, Jesus could not have been more clear in defining that if a person is not married the only acceptable option with God is celibacy. Why would a heavenly Father, who loves us, tell us to stay away from or not to do something? Because He wants to protect us from dangers that are unseen to us. The unfortunate reality for many is that while God will never interfere with our free-will choices in life, we do not get to choose the circumstances that may come our way as a result of our bad choices.
For the single person, celibacy is a good thing and should be our only choice if we want to live according to God's word and plan. While the world continues to encourage every and any type of sexual expression under the sun, I wonder, has remaining celibate become obsolete because we have become so enlightened in our understanding of human sexuality. I think not.
In closing, while many continue to preach "If it feels good, do it!" "Since everyone is doing it and doing it behind closed doors (well, some anyway), Go for it!" Let me wrap this up by stating that if you choose not to have sex "You won't blow up!"
In Closing....
From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries, Have a Safe and Blessed Thanksgiving!
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
Return To Highlights
Reaching Gay Youth By Darren Thompson
You have no idea what your friendship can mean to the homosexual struggler. A part of the healing process for men and women coming out of homosexuality is not just support groups, but connecting them with good friends of the same-sex, people that really care about them and won't reject them or use them. This is one of the most important things you can do to be of help. Being accepted by a female lady can be very healing for an ex-gay woman for example. Many lesbians and gay men struggle at the deepest core of their gender identity. Therefore, I think two elements are essential in preventing youth for settling for homosexuality: intervention and intercession.
Your intervening in a young person's life takes place in the form of friendship and prayer (which I'll write about at another time). True friendship is rare today. Someone, who is not quick to abandon, but ready to listen, love and keep confidence, is needed in everyone's life.
Jesus always showed a skill for treating each of the women with publicly recognized sin in this manner. Whether it was the woman caught in adultery, the one who jumped in and out of marriage, or the one with the "reputation," He showed that it is humanly possible to treat anyone with dignity and respect.
Evaluate your attitude toward homosexuals. Are you afraid or suppress hostility toward them? It is good to honestly examine the condition of your heart regarding this issue, as it will reflect on the way you respond and react to the young person looking for help. Ask yourself, "Do I deeply love the person that I want to lead to Christ (1 Peter 4:8)?" You see, many things will fail. Your words may fail. Your best efforts may fail. But, love never fails. Mother Theresa learned and taught, "It is not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters." A struggling young person needs unconditional love too. The gay community doesn't judge anyone within it, but fully accepts anyone that comes its way. However, a Christian and the Church should not only be recognized by our welcome of all people, but mostly by our love, which is a fruit of the Spirit of God. Your selfless love of the gay youth may clearly set you, as well as Christ, apart from many they will encounter in the gay lifestyle.
In case you are worried, accepting and loving a person without conditions has nothing to do with supporting their lifestyle. God loved the world by giving us a gift. Our gift of a concerned friendship is exactly what the young person needs and fulfills the command and calling of Christ on each one of us (Galatians 6:1-2). Be humble and consider others better than yourself. But friendship with gay youth does not require attending gay social events. It is one thing to hang out at edifying functions and it is something entirely different to participate in activities that promote homosexuality.
A case in point, the Washington Post in September published a series of articles about a gay teen from Oklahoma (which they did not neglect to affectionately call the "Bible Belt"). A journalist followed a 17 year-old over a period of several months. On one particular evening the reporter accompanied the young man to his first dance at a gay teen club. But, the teen invited others to go with him. He brought his 16-year old cousin and her friend who agreed to go with the understanding that this was somehow not condoning the gay teen's choices. "My pastor said we shouldn't align ourselves with them but it's okay to be friends with them," she said. Something makes me think that a night of female impersonators and same-sex romance was not what her pastor had in mind.
So what does this friendship look like? It means that you will spend time with him/her. However, it does not require your talking about their sexuality 24/7. Spend time building relationship and talking about other subjects as well. Those close to us influence us the most. Typically, many gay people were the brunt of jokes and were rejected by others. They were hit by careless words that hurt as much as thrown stones. Words like "dyke" and "fag" and phrases like "that's so gay" and "you're a homo" need to be eradicated from the vocabulary of Christians. When these comments in church groups and schools came out, it often times isolated questioning and curious youths and eventually many absorbed those curses and accepted those labels. (This subject will be continued in our December newsletter).
Darren Thompson
Associate Director
His Way Out Ministries
Return To Highlights
On Politics & Education By Donna Castello
GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) has released a new document detailing their agenda for education, Institutionalized Heterosexism in Our Schools: A Guide to Understanding it and Undoing it. In this document it is stated that "Homosexuality is normal behavior, and anyone who disagrees is guilty of 'heterosexism.'" GLSEN defines heterosexism as "the belief that heterosexuality is better or normal, and that homosexuality is immoral." The term homophobia, which is used to describe those who do not agree with homosexuality as hateful and bigoted, is not replaced in this document; however, the new term heterosexism is used in a broader sense to describe "seemingly innocent thoughts and behavior based on the belief that heterosexuality is the norm."
Janet Folger, national director of the Center For Reclaiming America, said in response to this document, "The first step towards silencing a group is to label them. Using the term 'heterosexist' is GLSEN's way of silencing kids who disagree."
Unfortunately, this is already happening in California schools. In Arcata High School, students were asked, "Do you have religious beliefs that homosexuality is a sin and therefore wrong?" According to Brad Dacus, of the Pacific Justice Institute, those that responded "yes" were demeaned and put down. He also stated that programs like this are becoming the norm and that Christian youth are often subjected to being stigmatized and branded as socially undesirable.
"This is no longer about tolerance," said Folger. "This is openly teaching kids, who are already confused enough about their sexuality, to engage in homosexual sex. In addition, kids are taught that those who disagree are evil, and must not be tolerated."
Why discuss marriage and education in the political forum? God clearly stated His plan for marriage in Genesis. Jesus confirmed this plan in Matthew 19:4-6. We are at a point in this country where moral values seem like a distant memory. Children need and deserve to be protected. Politically, we have the duty to decide what children are taught in school. Do we want them to be taught that homosexuality is a healthy and acceptable way to live? The following quote speaks for itself:
At a 1999 GLSEN conference, their director of communications said: "If we do our jobs right, we will raise a whole generation of children who will reject the claims of the religious right." A representative from the National Education Association added: "The fear of the religious right is that the schools of today will be the governments of tomorrow. And you know, they're right."
Donna Castello
Advisory Board Member
His Way Out Ministries
Return To Highlights
"There's Something I Need to Tell You!" (When a Loved One Confesses They're Homosexual)
Please remember Pastor Phillip and Louis while they are in Guyana, South America (November 20-30, 2004), as they present the above teaching series to Christians from various churches and denominations. This particular trip will also include further discussion and planning for HWOM to birth a permanent branch of our ministry in Guyana. We remain truly grateful to Pastor Cameron, superintendent of the Wesleyan Methodist Churches of Guyana, for hosting the leadership training series and generously introducing Pastor Phillip and Louis to numerous church and denominational leaders of Guyana. If you would like to make a financial contribution to our on-going missionary work in Guyana, please do so by noting "Guyana" in the memo section of your check.
Return To Highlights
Coming Up In November!
November 6th L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship Even in Tough Times).
On Saturday, November 6th, our lesson and discussion centers on: while it is true that many men and women struggling with homosexual attractions do not know of a time in their lives when they have not had them, (thus giving rise to their belief that they were born that way), it is the conviction of transformation ministries as well as many psychologists that the condition and resulting behavior are learned, and therefore can be unlearned. 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 faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.
November 13th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
Our lesson and discussion focuses on: Throughout the Apostle Paul's writings, he constantly tells us to put certain things out of our lives and to replace those things with the attitudes and actions of the new lifestyle. If a person is trying to put homosexuality out of their life, what will be needed to fill its place?
"Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
November 27th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
Our lesson and discussion focuses on: Many times when a gay person comes to Jesus, he finds rest from his temptations. Some think this condition is going to last forever and become discouraged and disillusioned when temptations reappear after being absent for weeks or even months. Just how is the ex-gay person to react to renewed temptations?
"Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
For further information regarding any of the above dates and events...please contact our office at (661) 589-4262.
Return To Highlights
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
Return To Highlights
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)
Copyright © His Way Out Ministries
His Way Out Home | Our Mission, Our Position... | I'm Coming Out | Understanding Homosexuality | AIDS Education Guide | Support Groups | Workshops | Recommended Reading | Guyanese Ministry | Testimonies | Newsletter Archive