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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
Decebmer 2004 Highlights
The "Born Gay" Theory by Darren Thompson
Many people today, especially youth, think that people are born gay. Those who are gay for the most part agree because they have always felt different from as early as they could remember.
Be prepared for the 'born gay' argument. This belief originated, for the most part, during the early 1990s as a result of the findings by three prominent scientists, along with their teams, pertaining to possible genetic and biological influences of sexual orientation. Each of the studies gained great headlines by suggesting that homosexuality was possibly inborn. It is interesting to note that each of these three scientists were also homosexual. Although we don't discount their findings just because they are homosexual, it may reveal a bias. At about the same time, in 1990, an international, collaborative research project began to set out to map and understand human genes. All our genes together are known as our "genome". The research program was named the Human Genome Project and was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Institute of Health.
In 1999, after nearly ten years of systematic learning by the Human Genome Project, Canadian scientists at the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences of the University of Western Ontario attempted to confirm if earlier theories of a genetic basis for sexual orientation were correct. Up until that point there had not been a duplication of any major study's finding on this area of study, including the 1993 report by Dr. Hamer of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland (We can just presume the NCI considered the identification of a theoretical 'gay gene' a better use of resources than looking for, let's say, a cure/treatment for cancer). Dr. Hamer had hypothesized that since there are a greater number of homosexual uncles and cousins on the mother's side that the mother was the one who carried the genetic markers of homosexuality on the X chromosome which she passed down to her children. He analyzed the DNA of forty families that produced two gay sons and concluded that 75% of the time the gay brothers shared certain genetic markers on the q28 region on the arm of the X chromosome. Dr. Hamer was hopeful that the Human Genome Project was likely to discover many genetic links to human sexual behavior. One significant problem with Dr. Hamer's study, though, was his failure to check whether the heterosexual brothers from those families shared the markers in question. The Canadian scientists, however, did study that variable and consequently came to a different conclusion than Dr. Hamer. Based on a greater number of families than had previously been examined and with a keener understanding of genes at the time, they established that the genetic markers on the region of the X chromosome in question had a causation effect of homosexuality 55% of the time. The Ontario team found that the gay brothers were no more likely to share the Xq28 markers than would be expected by chance. They disproved the validity of this earlier theory about a "gay gene."
Last year in 2003, the Human Genome Project finished reaching its objectives early, again, without finding scientific proof for a genetic predisposition of homosexuality. So in other words, if you
pulled ten random people out of a crowd and examined their DNA, scientists would be unable to classify who was homosexual. The only way that you would know who was gay or not was if they told you. The use of scientific inquiry is inadequate at identifying homosexual people.
In fact, those who know the science so well (pro-gay organizations), are aware of these findings. When I recently viewed the web sites of P-Flag, GLAAD, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, for example, I did not find even one reference by these advocacy groups to a single scientific study or scientist that substantiates that gay people are 'born gay.' What I found on their sites was a variety of answers to the question, why people are gay, which include: "No one really knows..." "Experts suggest there are biological, environmental and societal contributors" or "Why ask why?"
The reason this question can't be answered by scientists is that God is not in the business of making homosexuals. There is no scientific reason to continue the Nature versus Nurture debate.
Darren Thompson
Associate Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Lives Dramatically Changed by Pastor Phillip Lee
When I look back and realize that homosexuality didn't do me any good, I thank God that it was easier to submit to God's will and work on changing my life choices. I have had 19 years of faithful living in my walk with Jesus and sobriety from immoral sexuality. Heaven knows, I have benefited greatly from living for Him instead of living for myself.
More people are contacting us at His Way Out Ministries than EVER for help. All of our support groups and individual prayer ministry sessions are growing in number. Invitations to teach and train individuals and congregations, both locally and abroad, have increased dramatically. And, requests from colleges and universities to come and equip those desiring to learn about the complexities of homosexuality are mounting. Men and women are desperately hungry for freedom from same-gender attraction despite the increased acceptance of sexually sinful behavior.
It is my hope and prayer that as you read this that you can feel the excitement of what we see every day. God is at work, and along with us, you can be part of this encouraging work. Several of our Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members have told me that it is so exciting to be a part of His Way Out Ministries where we can see lives dramatically changed.
This is most definitely a time to celebrate! God is showing His people the way to freedom. The Holy Spirit is moving mightily in convicting people to get help outside of the cultural apathy.
Due to the significant and dramatic increase of people and invitations coming our way we are scrambling to find the ways to meet the needs. We are in need of managing new responsibilities - practically and financially. We are in need of and praying for an increased capacity computer system. We also need to increase Darren Thompson's hours at the office, thereby enabling our outreach to youth struggling with homosexuality. As invitations continue to pour into our office to travel out of the state and abroad, we need to increase our travel budget.
Yes, this all adds up to more dollars. We have never seen a more blessed season, but this comes with responsibility for us and you. All gifts given to this ministry help us manage our current client influx and lay a stronger foundation for the future. Certainly, God has been faithful to us over the past 10 years and I trust Him completely with our future. But at the moment we could use your help.
"As you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7
Will you consider giving the most generous gift you can to help us out? I would greatly appreciate your prayerful consideration of this request.
From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...
Merry Christmas!
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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University Outreach
During the past couple months, the Lord has opened up more than a few opportunities to speak to college students. The following is a synopsis of our three visits to university campuses in October.
California State University Bakersfield
In a two-part visit off campus and in the Cal State Bakersfield dormitories, Darren Thompson and John Gonzales taught and shared testimony at a couple Bible studies led by the Runner Christian Fellowship Club. Topics discussed included: the "born gay" theory, hope and reality of change and reaching gay youth.
Azusa Pacific University
At the invitation of Steve Wentland, HWOM Advisory Board member and Azusa Pacific University (APU) professor, Pastor Lee and Darren spoke in a variety of college classes at APU and interacted primarily with future teachers. We were well received and the students were very interested in asking questions in order to equip themselves to minister to gay family members or friends. Along with Carol Wagstaff of Living Stones Ministries in Glendora, California, we also had the opportunity to meet with the APU Dean of Student Life and the Chapel Programs Director regarding their recent launching of support groups on campus to help college students resolve issues of their sexuality. We made ourselves available to assist in any way. Additionally, Pastor Lee and Darren shared and encouraged those at a Living Stones family support group.
Humboldt State University
HWOM had the privilege of teaching and sharing testimony at Humboldt State University (HSU) and First Baptist Church in Arcata, California. During our five-day journey, numerous teachings on freedom from homosexuality were presented to Christian leaders, pastors, students and faculty of HSU and First Baptist. A highlight of the trip was sharing testimony on the quad at HSU. With approximately 200 students in attendance, many asked valuable and pertinent questions regarding the complexities of homosexuality. Certainly, there were those in attendance that challenged our position and beliefs. However, at the end of the session, the leader of the gay and lesbian club on campus came forward to say..."We do not agree with your beliefs, but we do appreciate the manner and tone in which you express your beliefs. Therefore, we (the Gay and Lesbian Club), would like you to return to HSU, at our expense, in the spring to dialogue more on this issue." Now, that's incredible....stay tuned.
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Kern Valley Sun Article Covers Recent HWOM Seminar
"Rev. Phillip Lee, Executive Director of His Way Out Ministries, delivered a message of enlightenment and understanding with his presentation, "A Christian Response to Homosexuality" to a gathering of about 50 people Friday evening at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. The Kern Valley Pastor's Association sponsored the event.
The 55 year-old Lee described his ministry as a way of teaching Christians what they need to know about God's word concerning homosexuality. He reminded the gathering that despite their brothers and sisters being "trapped in same gender attractions, we are talking about people and their redemption."
He cited "a lack of understanding" within the church about the roots of homosexual behavior and its associated lifestyle. If we, as Christians, are to effectively reach out and minister to gays and lesbians, we must understand them, Lee said.
Lee also spoke frankly about his experiences within the gay community when lived in San Francisco in the early 1980s, a time when Lee began losing many friends to AIDS. "The Church does owe the gay community," said Lee. "The Church ran away from AIDS victims; it should have reached out to them."
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Coming Up In December!
December 4th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship Even in Tough Times).
"Strongholds" are concentrations of Satan's power. They may be located in political, social, or individual areas. Evidence of such strongholds in homosexuality may be seen in the powerful pro-gay political lobby, the social forces demanding acceptance of homosexuality as an alternate lifestyle, the increasing promotion of homosexuality in mainline denominations, and the domination of individual lives. On Saturday, December 4th, we will turn our attention to Spiritual Warfare. Our objective? To understand the enemy, including his origin, his intent, his power, and his limitations and to arm Christians for battle with the enemy, both defensively and offensively.
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.
December 11th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
Saturday, December 11th our lesson and discussion focuses on stopping everything and asking ourselves some very important questions when we are tempted. Such as...What am I doing?, Where will this lead?, What do I really want? In doing so, we will be less likely to make an unwise, impulsive decision that we will later regret.
"Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
There will be no "Time Out" meeting on Saturday, December 25th due to the Christmas holiday.
For further information regarding any of the above dates and events...please contact our office at (661) 589-4262.
Saturday, January 22, 2005 8:30am - 2:30pm
Canyon Hills Assembly of God, Bakersfield CA
Homosexuality and the Reality of Change, Training Seminar
My child just told me he is homosexual; what can I do? The evidence of sexual and relational brokenness is all around us. Men and women struggling with homosexuality must have answers to their questions. Who can ignore the cries of those who struggle with sexual fracture in our churches and community? Only Christ can meet the need of the hour. The question is, will we be prepared?
At the educational seminar, such questions as: Can homosexuals really change?, How long does change take?, Will the person become heterosexual?, and much, much more will be addressed. There is no fee for the seminar. However, registration is required and may be completed by calling Canyon Hills Assembly of God (661) 871-1150 or His Way Out Ministries (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.
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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.
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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
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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
(Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)
Copyright © His Way Out Ministries
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