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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
January 2005 Highlights
- I was looking for something that I was never going to find. by Michael
- Guyana, South America Missions Update by Pastor Phillip Lee
- Reaching Gay Youth by Darren Thompson
- Dear His Way Out Ministries...(Darren & John)
- Coming Up in January!
- 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
I was looking for something that I was never going to find. by Michael
February 20, 2004 was the turning point in my life. I was lying in bed that night and surfing through the television channels for something to watch, when I came across It's Your Day on TBN. Little did I know that by 11PM that night my life would change and start heading in a positive direction.
After 21 years of struggling with homosexuality, I was finally free. I had attempted many times before to leave the lifestyle but never seemed to get too far away from it, but this time seemed very different. I had an urge to get to church and I could not wait for Sunday to arrive. Sunday finally arrived and I went to church...the same church where I went many other times and attempted to change my life. The Pastor began to give his sermon and it was about homosexuality and gay marriage. I knew at that moment God had planned for me to be there that morning. By the end of the service, I knew this time around was going to be different and that God had a totally different plan for my life.
In times past, I had never studied God's Word but this time I wanted to know more about Him and I started reading the Bible to get closer to Him. Prayer became an every hour thing. I found myself wanting to have more conversations with God. Not only did I read the Word, I also was going to the Christian bookstores to get information on coming out of homosexuality. I wanted to know what to expect in the coming days. As I read the books, God started to reveal to me some things that happened in my life that I had never dealt with. While I started to face those issues, I also recognized that I needed some guidance. I found His Way Out Ministries. What a blessing the ministry has been for me.
In less than a year I have come a long way and I know God is not finished with me yet. I took some practical steps that I knew I had to do. I started going through all my belongings (everything and anything that had some tie to homosexuality). Before I knew it, I had nothing left not even my car. Everything that reminded me of my old life was gone and it seemed some of the pain with it. I knew I had things in my life to deal with.
As a child, I felt rejected by every male that was close to me. I was very fearful of my Dad and Grandfather. I remember hurtful words like "sissy." As I got older, hurtful words started coming from kids in school like, "queer" and "fag". I didn't even know what those words meant for sometime. I had always looked up to my brother, but being older, he never wanted his little brother around bothering him. So, I felt rejected by him.
He and his friends had a thing of changing my name from a male name to a girl's name so they always called me Michelle. Then some acceptance finally came from another man by my being molested, but I never realized how wrong it was. All I could see and sense was that someone wanted me around and wanted something to do with me. That turned into my experimenting with friends and led into my first homosexual relationship...the first of many that I always thought, "This is the one."
After being in a few relationships that I never got a thing out of, I turned to sleeping around with anyone hoping for the comfort and acceptance that I have never felt. I found myself in relationships in which I was not faithful and looking for something that I was never going to find. Then one day I found out that I had a sexually transmitted disease. However, that did not stop me either. I figured that after going to the doctor and getting it taken care of that I would go ahead and keeping looking for Mr. Right. Then the day came I thought I found him (again), and after a relationship of three years and losing everything that I had worked for, I realized I needed to get away from him.
Even after filing for bankruptcy, loosing my house, truck, and feeling like I was worthless, I continued to see him on occasions. That went on all the way up to February 20, 2004 when my life changed. I went to see Pastor Lee with a problem I had. The problem pertained to talking to my Dad about the issues I had with him. I was unable to verbalize what I wanted to say to my Dad, therefore, Pastor Lee encouraged me to put my words on paper and tell him how I felt. So, I did. From that day until today, my relationship with my father has been restored and is getting better day by day.
I was always afraid to talk about my past due to a fear of rejection from others. However, that too would ultimately change. Eventually, I attended a Cleansing Streams Seminar. As I took the classes and went through the homework that was in our workbooks, I started to realize the many issues that I needed to address. One day at a Cleansing Streams class, the leader came up to me and asked if it would bother me if he gave me a hug. I was nervous about it because I had never received a hug from another male without an ulterior motive of sex behind it. That hug started something in me that was amazing. I realized I could trust men. They weren't out to hurt me or get anything out of me and from that day on I started to trust them and I am now in an all male Bible study group of ten men.
Finally, after all the years of wanting acceptance from men but also being afraid to talk to them about my past, it is now fully behind me. The enemy wanted me to be afraid to talk because he did not want me to break through the fear and bondage. Recently, I have met several people that are battling same-gender attraction and wanted to know how they could get help. I have encouraged each of them to contact His Way Out Ministries. Since February, my life has changed dramatically and I know the work continues to go on in my life. I thank God for what He is doing and what He is going to do in my life. I give all the glory to God.
Michael
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Guyana, South America Missions Update by Pastor Phillip Lee
Last November, HWOM completed yet another journey to Guyana, South America. During the ten-day trip, approximately 50 people, from various churches and denominations, participated in a four-night teaching series specifically designed to help them become more effective in ministry to those struggling with same-gender attraction. The teaching focus was...What do you say when a loved one confesses they are homosexual. Through teaching, video presentation and seminar participant interaction, some of the areas covered were: Does it matter why the person you love is homosexual?, What do we know about homosexuality?, Can sexual violation contribute to homosexuality?, The impact of homosexuality on a marriage, Common pro-gay arguments, etc. Each person in attendance received workshop materials and extended their sincere appreciation to HWOM for the opportunity to educate themselves on such a critical issue.
A highlight of the trip was for Pastor Phillip Lee and Louis Steers to attend and speak at the Georgetown Ministers Council Meeting. With approximately 25 pastors of various denomina- tions in attendance, words of encouragement and challenge were presented to continue to combat the legalization of homosexuality in Guyana while offering a caution to seek a balance of offering ministry to those struggling with same-gender attraction as well. Numerous pastors acknowledged the need for more education and ministry regarding homosexuality in their country. Please continue to partner in prayer with HWOM as we seek a permanent extension of our ministry in Guyana. The need is overwhelming and fields are ripe for harvest.
From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...
Happy New Year!
Gratefully Redeemed,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Reaching Gay Youth by Darren Thompson
How to start a friendship/conversation with a gay youth...gifts are nice. I'm not trying to be funny either, okay maybe I am. But I recall a story about a lesbian with a "I'm never going to change" attitude. She hated this one particular coworker who was a Christian. He was always nice to her and she no doubt wanted him fired. However, he was very winsome and loved Jesus. One day he brought her a cup of coffee just as a gift. You know what her response was? Her hard heart melted. An act of kindness did more to begin the reconciling process than any prepared message...and by the way she is serving the Lord now and tries to help lesbians come to Christ.
Extending tangible evidence, life a gift, to someone that you sincerely want to know better is one way to strike up a friendship. The old axiom, "to get a friend, be a friend", holds a lot of truth. But the Bible also teaches us another useful principle, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up" (Proverbs 12:25). To let someone know that you like them you should tell them so. Our words can bring life to a person's day. This is all the more true for gay teens. It is not unusual for adolescents that struggle with their sexuality to also battle depression. What a witness it is for their need for encouragement to be met by a Christian. Ask how they are doing and try to get to know them better (this may require circumventing dating stories).
What if people think that I'm gay? I guess all I can suggest, is get over it! Worry less about your reputation as you do your character. If your heart is right, that is proof enough.
Darren Thompson
Associate Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Dear His Way Out Ministries...(Darren & John)
You did an excellent job this past Wednesday at Chapel and we thank you so much for coming. The presentation was appropriate, informative and challenging. Your calling is evident as you share your heart, mind and strength to the vision of bringing clarity to the Body of Christ about your ministry. John's testimony touched hearts as well as their minds. It is vital to enlarge the vision of the students to God's redemptive power and grace. I will continue to pray for the Lord to continue to lead you and guide you in your endeavors to reach not only Bakersfield, but the world! Speak the truth in love and keep informing us. God Bless You for coming.
A Note of Appreciation from Suzanne Gorman, Valley High School, Bakersfield, CA
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Coming Up In January!
L.I.F.E. Support Group "Date Change" for January
Please note that the L.I.F.E. Support Group, which normally meets on the first Saturday of each month, will be meeting on Saturday, January 15th, from 9am to 11am. The date change is for the month of January only and is due solely to the first Saturday in January falling on New Year's Day.January 8th - "Time Out" a discipleship support group series for men and women struggling with same-gender attraction.
On Saturday, January 8th, we will turn our attention to summarizing the steps out of homosexuality."Time Out" meets from 9am to 11am.
January 15th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship Even in Tough Times).
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.
On Saturday, January 15th, Pastor Phillip will be introducing a new series titled "There's Something I Need to Tell You" (When a Loved One Confesses They're Homosexual).
The teaching series offers practical application and answers to such topics as: Does it matter why the person you love is homosexual?, As Christians, what do we do with the avalanche of feelings and emotions that accompany learning of a loved one's homosexuality?, What do we really know about homosexuality?, Does sexual violation contribute to homosexuality?, What do you do when homosexuality impacts a marriage?, As a parent, did I cause my child's issue with same-gender attraction?, What are the common pro-gay arguments about homosexuality?, and much, much more. A teaching booklet will be provided for the series. All you need to do is attend with your Bible.
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?For further information regarding any of the above dates and events...please contact our office at (661) 589-4262.
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.
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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