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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
May 2005 Highlights
- 1,000 and Counting! By Darren Thompson
- Reaching Gay Youth by Darren Thompson
- Missions Fund-Raiser for Guyana, South America
- A Symposium on Sexual Purity One-Day Conference
- Coming Up in May!
- 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
1,000 and Counting! By Darren Thompson
As you know, the number of youth embracing homosexuality is alarming. However, they can be reached and we can all partner with God to help bring that about.His Way Out Ministries for the past several months has taken steps to reach youth that struggle with homosexuality with the life-changing promises of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Obviously, we are limited in reaching each one so our strategy has been to participate in venues that allow us to mobilize and equip young Christians on how they can minister to their gay friends and peers and lead them to Christ. We offer to partner with them. If they will share the Gospel with fellow students and refer them to us, we will disciple the new Christian regarding God's divine intent for human sexuality.
Over the last several months, His Way Out representatives have spoken to over 1,000 youth, ages ranging from junior high through college. The following is a summary of some of the forums in which we've testified to young people:
| Colleges/Universities | High Schools | Youth Groups |
|---|---|---|
|
Azusa Pacific University Bakersfield College California State University, Bakersfield California State University, Humboldt |
Liberty High School Valley High School Western Christian High School |
Arcata First Baptist Bakersfield Community First Presbyterian Laurelglen Bible Riverlakes Community St. John's Lutheran Teen Challenge |
We give God praise and thanks for each of these opportunities. I can share story after story of remarkable favor that God gave to us as we went out proclaiming that He can set someone free from the snare of homosexuality. Praise God again!
I ask that you would pray that God would send the young Christians that we are training out with a heart of compassion and urgency into the schools and encourage gay youth to question homosexuality and consider the forgiveness and life that Christ died to provide them.
Recently, several young men (almost all teenagers) have made their way to us looking for answers and help. These referrals excite me the most because they have such great potential to prevent the havoc that will come upon them if they continue down the road of immorality. Unfortunately, by the time they contact us they are discouraged because they have fought for at least a few years alone in silence and have believed the lie of the great deceiver, "once gay, always gay." We have a curriculum designed just for youth that provide answers from the Bible for many of their questions that we can use to help walk with them during their journey and we are intending to develop further resources as well. Please pray that God would plant confidence in their hearts that He can indeed provide healing for them and they do not have to settle for homosexuality and its consequences.
As you can see, we are willing to speak and minister in and outside of the church if given the opportunity. I trust that more ministry times will arise. Personally, I would like to do more outreach in the communities surrounding Bakersfield as well. Please pray for continued provision, direction and inspiration for us. I want to thank John Gonzales for his faithful willingness to accompany me and share his story and for the many people that have encouraged and sponsored me. I am seeing the faces of those that are being changed!
"Thank you so much for coming. The teaching presentations were informative, encouraging and helpful."
The above quote was expressed numerous times by students and faculty at Azusa Pacific University for recent HWOM teaching presentations. This was the fourth time that HWOM had been invited to share testimony and practical application on how to reach those struggling with same-gender attraction. We give God praise for each and every opportunity. Special thanks to Professor Steven Wentland for his leadership, willingness, dedication and tenacity which has enabled HWOM to proclaim..."Freedom from homosexuality is possible when Jesus Christ is Lord of your life" on the campus of APU.
Darren Thompson
A Brief Note from Pastor Philip Lee....
To those of you who do support us prayerfully and financially, we continue to thank you. Your generosity continues to enable His Way Out Ministries to reach out to the many thousands of people that it does while greatly encouraging us also. I cannot begin to tell you the number of times that we have been told that HWOM is a life-line, not only to individuals but families and churches as well.
Today, confusion about sexuality, homosexuality in particular, is all too common. While some continue to say people are born gay, others say they are not. Thousands of people who were told they were homosexual have found the gay life to be less than satisfying. People desire and deserve godly answers to their questions. You make it possible for us to bring the healing power of Jesus Christ to the many seeking a way out of homosexuality. Will you help us to continue speaking His truth with love and integrity? Information on how to donate to His Way Out is located at the bottom of this page.
Prayerfully Yours,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Reaching Gay Youth by Darren Thompson
You won't have all the answers. You are not that individual's Savior so relax; refrain from the tendency to become a rescuer and solver of all their problems. Take ownership of your limitations. Listen to what the person is saying and do not let your mind go beyond what is being shared. Ask questions, pray and evaluate a response. What more can a person do? Keep in mind that referring to those who specialize in the youth's area of need is appropriate. Lead them to resources that will help. Dr. H. Norman Wright has stated, "referral is not a sign of weakness on our part, but it is a positive step in order to give the counselee in crisis a greater amount of help." Introduce your friends to Exodus or His Way Out Ministries and the many inspiring stories of men and women who have found freedom from homosexuality in Christ. Even if referral is an option, your involvement, although secondary, can still bring needed support.
Share your own life experiences. When you don't have the answers you can still connect with the other person by trying to relate. Many of the contributing causes of same-sex attraction are experienced by most people to some degree. For example, you can talk about your own battles and strategies at addressing depression, rejection, loneliness, pain and lust.
Avoid trite sayings. Be careful about assessing the youth's predicament as "just a phase". This makes the person feel like they can't even talk about their feelings or that you think their situation is less than agonizing. Another form of unhelpful advice is to state "well you know that God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and -----." That's patronizing and usually when it is used it is intended to incite laughter from its hearers rather than comfort. Another cause for distress for those that struggle with their sexuality/gender identity is when people start calling them names like "sissy" or "dyke" or worse. Many times these curses were hurled their way so early in childhood that the youth didn't even understand the implication. Be sure to discourage him/her from accepting or believing the labels now. But also don't allow any of your times with the youth to become a pity-party. Griping and complaining always have a depressing effect on a person's mood.
Prepare for falls. The youth's efforts to come out of homosexuality will more closely come by means of a process rather than a hard-thought/fought out decision. Avoid the temptation to cut the teenager off if he/she is not measuring up to the level of success that you expect. If they fall, they will need someone there to support them again and help them to get back up. If they become too disheartened they may just give up entirely at the result of one fall. Pray and give them reason to hope.
Never water down the Word of God. Do not think that you have to defend or apologize for what Scripture has clearly said about purity. Don't be enticed to debate or argue with the individual. Recognize that it isn't really a struggle between "us and them"; it is between them and the Word of God. We all have to make the decision as to whether we are going to conform to God's commandments or disregard them. Speaking and standing with God's Word takes you out of the debate altogether. Keep in mind, though, that the greater struggle is not between the teen and his/her sexuality, but their denial of the authority of Scripture and the Lordship of Christ.
Paul's last letter, written to a young timid-prone pastor named Timothy, advises how to approach and ultimately reach people who might resist us: The Lord's servant must not quarrel (II Timothy 2:24), those who oppose him must be gently instructed (v. 25) and proclaim the Word (4:2). Remember we don't condemn people for their sin. However, once the youth knows your biblical conviction regarding homosexuality, your sharing can be taken to another level. Again, relating your own struggles and victories regarding your personal attempts at purity may circumvent an impasse between the two of you if one should arise. Sharing personal struggles helps the young person maintain perspective about the pain that other's live through and provide hope that their own obstacles can be overcome.
Darren Thompson
Associate Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Missions Fund-Raiser for Guyana, South America
On Saturday, June 18th, from 7am until Noon, HWOM will be having a Missions Yard Sale. Proceeds from this event will enable our continued teachings, evangelism and outreach to Guyana, South America. We would truly appreciate any and all donations to make our fund-raiser a success. If you have not done so, please visit our Profile of Guyana page to view pictures of this wonderful part of God's creation. Once again, clean out those cupboards, garages, and closets. It's not too early to start donating! By the way...designated cash donations are also welcomed. Please write "Guyana" in the memo section of your check.
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A Symposium on Sexual Purity One-Day Conference
Please join us on Saturday, May 21st for a one-day conference at Grace Chapel in Lancaster, CA. Pastor Pat Tanner, Associate Pastor of Grace Chapel, and Pastor Phillip Lee, Executive Director of His Way Out Ministries, will be speaking and facilitating workshops specifically designed to help people with issues of sexual and relational brokenness (heterosexual and homosexual). Conference registration is between 7:30 am and 8:00 am, with the conference concluding at 2:00pm. The cost is $10 per person which includes lunch. Registration may be completed by calling Grace Chapel at (661) 948-0855. Hope to see you there!
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Coming Up In May!
May 7th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times). On May 7th, we will be turning our attention to..."Going on as a Parent." Take a moment and remember the occasion when you first learned about your child's homosexuality. What were your feelings at the time? Our L.I.F.E. lesson and discussion will focus on helping parents understand and face the complexity of emotions, actions and questions that all parents have upon learning of a child's homosexuality. 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. Teaching materials are provided.
May 10th to 15th - Darren Thompson will be representing HWOM at the Exodus Global Alliance Conference in Toronto, Canada.
May 14th - "Time Out" in Bakersfield and Lancaster - A discipleship support group which meets from 9am to 11am is available to men struggling with same-gender attraction. In Bakersfield "Time Out" meets at the HWOM Office and in Lancaster at Grace Chapel Church.
May 21st - "A Symposium on Sexual Purity" Conference held at Grace Chapel in Lancaster, CA. (See A Symposium on Sexual Purity One-Day Conference above.)
May 24th - His Way Out Ministries "Board of Directors" Meeting
May 28th - "Time Out" in Bakersfield and Lancaster - A discipleship support group which meets from 9 am to 11 am is available to men struggling with same-gender attraction. In Bakersfield "Time Out" meets at the HWOM Office and in Lancaster at Grace Chapel Church.
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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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