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Welcome to His Way Out Ministries
October 2006 Highlights
- Disclosure By Pastor Phillip Lee
- Evaluating Our Attitude Toward Homosexuals By Darren Thompson
- Guyana Missions Fund-Raiser - October 21, 2006
- Argument/Answer
- Coming Up This Month!
- How You Can Help
- 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
- Support His Way Out
Disclosure By Pastor Phillip Lee
Without a doubt one of the most frequently posed questions I am asked is "Do I tell my family or Christian friends about my homosexual past?" My response is "Yes" and "No." Yes, it is extremely important to tell someone who is strong foundationally in the faith and who will not betray your confiding in them, and who is sensitive to the intense battle and struggle that all men and women face in transitioning from homosexuality to heterosexuality. Admittedly, it may take a very long time to find such a person, but every Christian needs at least one person to whom they can be completely honest, transparent and vulnerable (James 5:16).No, it is not advisable or necessary to just tell anyone and everyone. In terms of disclosing one's homosexuality to his or her church, it really depends on the level of maturity in the area of sexual sin that your particular church has reached. Even today, in far too many churches, people remain extremely judgmental and downright afraid of people that have been habitually practicing or deeply ingrained in sexual sin - particularly homosexuality.
In indiscriminately sharing a sorted past regarding homosexual involvement with just anyone, it is very likely the response will include suspicion and fear which will possibly enable the one disclosing to find themselves in a place of isolation. Tragically, and this has happened more than I care to state, such a scenario is that the former homosexual sometimes leaves a church in bitterness, thinking that God has also rejected them - that they are unforgivable and unredeemable.
Certainly, the flip side of the above mentioned scenario is the church where the congregation, at least for the most part, understands that they are all sinners redeemed by grace; who believe in the power of God to redeem and restore even the 'worst' of sinners to a place of wholeness. What a concept? This is the kind of church where the sharing of one's past, at the appropriate time, can be a significant aid to healing.
Oh, how well I remember! It was approximately fourteen years ago, when being on staff at a local American Baptist Church here in Bakersfield that my friend and Senior Pastor began to encourage me about sharing what God had done in my life. My initial response was "Get real!" In terms of my own past with homosexuality, it was a dead, ugly, a "don't want to talk about it" issue, that I did not want to revisit or certainly share publicly. However, through my Pastors encouragement and a whole lot of prompting by the Holy Spirit, I finally came around and agreed to go public. And, I mean public!
Ultimately, a Sunday morning service was selected for me to share my testimony. No advance announcement was given in terms of my sharing and certainly not what I would be disclosing. To this day I find it remarkable if not down right amusing that the sanctuary was packed. Wouldn't you know it? I remember very well saying to God - "Father, I know you have a sense of humor, but this is not funny!" So, there I was for the very first time spilling "it" in detail. Yes, you could have heard a pin drop. I remember stating to my pastor that if I was going to "tell all about it," then I was going to "tell all." Now, not the sordid, gory details - that never has any value.
After sharing my testimony, my pastor asked the congregation if they would be willing to come forward and pray for me. To my absolute delight and "Whew, it's going to be ok," the entire church began making their way to the altar where I was standing. It really was as though they couldn't get close enough. Frankly, I was overwhelmed.
There is something wonderful that God does when we are open and transparent about your shortcomings, when we expose the dark past and present our lives. In an atmosphere of honesty and vulnerability, it's as though the light of truth is able to shine on those formerly dark and hidden places, and the power of God can be unbelievably significant in bringing healing in just a very brief, short period of time.
So, if you have possibly emerged from a homosexual past, patiently wait for the Lord's signal that the time is right to share your past with an individual or church. Finally, as with the sharing of any and all testimonies, be careful to share it in such a way that God is glorified and not your colorful past.
From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries...
To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings, and prayers...we remain truly grateful. 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.
Prayerfully Yours,
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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Reaching Gay Youth
Evaluating Our Attitude Toward Homosexuals By Darren Thompson
It is always necessary to examine the condition of our hearts and how we view youth engaged in or tempted by homosexuality as it will reflect on the way we respond or react to the young person looking for help. Ask, do I genuinely care about the person that I want to lead to Christ (1 Peter 4:8)? Do I suppress hostility and fear of homosexuals? Many things may fail in ministry. Our words may fail. Our best efforts may fail, but love never fails. Love is giving to others with their best interest at heart. Mother Teresa learned and taught, "It's not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters."
A struggling young person needs unconditional love. The Church should be recognized by our welcome of all people and our love for one another. If I happen to meet a youth's gay friends, as a Christian, I must show love and respect to them. The gay community is not judgmental, but is accepting toward any youth that is questioning their sexuality. In other words, our response to people participating in homosexuality should not be limited to righteous indignation. We should not transfer our aversion toward the behavior onto the person, but consider others better than ourselves. In fact, just our self-less love alone will set us apart from many he or she will meet in the gay community.
Jesus always treated 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.
Remember accepting and loving a teenager without conditions has nothing to do with condoning his lifestyle. God loved the world by giving us the gift of His Son. The gift of companionship is exactly what young people need and fulfills the command and calling of Christ on each one of us (Galatians 6:1-2). On the other hand, friendship with gay youth does not imply our attending gay social events. It is one thing to hangout at edifying functions, and it is something entirely different to participate in activities promoting homosexuality.
Our intervention in a young person's life takes place in the form of friendship and prayer. True friendship is rare today. Someone who is not quick to abandon but ready to listen, love and keep your confidence is needed in everyone's life. Lesbian and gay teens struggle at the deepest core of their gender identity and are starved for relationships with the same-sex. Consequently, a part of the healing process for youth coming out of homosexuality is not just support groups, but connecting with good friends of the same-sex, people who really care about them and will not reject or use the. Facilitating friendships with other youth that care for the gay teen is one of the most important things we can do to be of help.
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Guyana, South America Missions Fund-Raiser, Saturday - October 21, 2006
Consider yourself and donations for our yard sale fund-raiser invited! All proceeds from our missions fund-raiser will enable our continued evangelism, leadership trainings, conferences and facilitation of the Alpha Covenant Children's Home for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. Please stop by on Saturday, October 21st from 7am to Noon, at Brimhall Road Assembly of God, 10700 Brimhall Road and join in on the fellowship and great bargains. Your donations and purchases will be greatly appreciated!
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Argument/Answer
Argument: People are saved on the basis of their faith in Christ, not their sexuality, be it homosexual or heterosexual.
Answer: Affirming heterosexuality as the biblical norm is not an implication that heterosexuality saves people, any more than affirming the biblical injunctions against stealing does not imply honesty saves people. Salvation through Christ and sexual morality are two distinct issues that should be kept separate.
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Coming Up This Month!
October 7th - 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 would just like to attend and 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, October 9th, our lesson, sharing and discussion will focus on: Our God is a very jealous God. He shares His glory with no person. If we want Him to work in any situation, we must let Him do it His way. Teaching materials will be provided.
October 14th - TIME OUT - A discipleship support group for men struggling with same-gender attraction meets from 9am to 11am. On Saturday, October 14th we will turn our attention to The Root of Rejection. Our sexual struggles are partly the result of unmet genuine emotional needs. Our attempts to meet these needs apart from God have only led to a life of frustration and futility. God calls us to walk in honesty and integrity. Confession is key to living a victorious life.
October 17th - HWOM Board of Directors Meeting
October 21st - Missions Yard Sale Fund-Raiser for our continued outreach and ministry in Guyana, South America. Please stop by on Saturday, October 21st between 7am and Noon, at Brimhall Road Assembly of God, 10700 Brimhall Road in Bakersfield, for a great time of fellowship and bargains.
October 28th - TIME OUT - A discipleship support group for men struggling with same-gender attraction meets from 9am to 11am. On Saturday, October 28th we will be discussing Why Must We Forgive? We will look at why forgiveness is so important, and how e can specifically apply it to our own wounds and scars. We will see that choosing to forgive carries a high price, but it is one worth paying.
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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.
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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)
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