Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

March 2007 Highlights

What Does My Obedience Cost? By Pastor Phillip Lee

"As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus" - (Luke 23:26).

How have we, the Christian community, met the challenge of homosexuality? For many, the whole subject matter of homosexuality remains a very uncomfortable and difficult issue to be discussed. Maybe you have noticed. The subject has not and is not just going to go away. And for good reason - this is not about an issue - it's about people.

If we (Christians) are going to obey God it is ultimately going to cost other people more than it costs us. Following the teachings of Christ and being purposed to reach men and women struggling with same-gender attraction may inflict a tremendous personal challenge, if not a very high price. However, if we are truly in love with Jesus, our willingness and obedience to go in His Name does not really cost us anything, it is a joy. But, it just might cost those who do not know Him or refuse to follow Him a great deal.

Over and over again, I have found that teaching and testifying about a God that saves and delivers from the snare of homosexuality causes many people to have their plans for life upset. The world and its effects have worn away the faith of many. While it is continued to be taught and preached that God can do the impossible, do we still believe that? Especially, when it comes to the issue of homosexuality, the Church has become fractured and viewpoints can differ from church to church, denomination to denomination, believer to believer.

While some say - God created some men and women homosexual; acting out sexually doesn't matter, you are saved by faith and not works; homosexuals were created to be lost; God accepts you where you are and no change is necessary - each and every one of these misguided false statements flies in the face of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have even tragically heard it said "the very best a homosexual can hope for is celibacy" when it comes to change. Is it any wonder the man or woman struggling with homosexuality is often completely confused about the Christian viewpoint? Too often, the individual trying to follow and be obedient to the full Gospel of Christ encounters someone who is there to tell him he doesn't have to change his life, just change churches. You know, it's far easier to change churches than it is to be obedient and change your attitude and behavior.

As a Christian, I must be obedient and involved in the full purposes of God which will often cause many to be offended. However, being obedient to Jesus never brings dishonor to Him. The only thing that dishonors Him is not obeying Him. I believe an appropriate question for the Church today regarding homosexuality and related issues is - "Am I being loyal to the notions of Jesus, or loyal to Him?" Are we, His Church, remaining loyal to what He has clearly stated in His Word regarding homosexuality or are we trying to find compromises with conceptions which never came from Him?

Helping a man or woman to come out of homosexuality takes a tremendous amount of effort. Frankly, it is much, much easier to say that it simply can't be done than to embark on a journey that may last for a very long time. Tragically, many have counted the cost and ultimately made the decision that it simply wasn't worth the effort. However, that never has nor will it ever minimize God's power or His sovereignty.

Yes, God is more than able to change our life, but He requires our obedience and participation. Unfortunately, we live in a world today that seeks, if not demands, a simple and natural explanation for just about everything. Anytime we look to the world for definitive answers, we place ourselves on shifting sand.

When a person who was once controlled by his sin is now free from that sin and engaged in a new kind of life pattern, hasn't change occurred? Oswald Chambers states in My Utmost for His Highest - "A man is a slave for obeying unless behind his obedience there is recognition of a holy God." I find it remarkable that God never insists on our obedience, but when we truly know Him, we want to instantly obey Him and live according to His perfect will from sunup to sundown.

Indeed, obedience is much better than sacrifice. However, the wonderful hymn "I Surrender All" does not seem to be at the top of charts today. Today, like never before, God desires that all men and women surrender their sexuality to Him. When anyone is obedient and fully surrenders their life to Him, which includes their sexuality, life will take on new meaning, purpose and a relationship with God that many never thought possible, will become a reality. Why? Because God always blesses obedience.

"I tell you the truth...unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep if for eternal life." (John 12:24-25 NIV)

As Christians, may we never forget that while our obedience to the Great Commission may cost us personally, the good news of spiritual deliverance through Jesus Christ remains an important and vital resource that Christians must share.

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 you life.

Prayerfully Yours,

Pastor Phillip Lee

Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

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Time Out Men's Discipleship Support Group Series Begins Saturday, March 10th

"A Journey to Sexual and Relational Wholeness" for men struggling with same-gender attraction includes such topics as: Masculinity, Our Identity in Christ, Beyond the Ex-Gay Plateau, Safeguarding Our Souls, Envy, Marriage or Singleness, and much more begins Saturday, March 10th. For more information or to register your attendance for the series, please call our office at (661) 589-4262.

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In Appreciation...

Recently, at Grace Assembly of God and Chester Avenue Community Church in Bakersfield, CA, His Way Out Ministries had the wonderful opportunity to give an update on all that God continues to do through His ministry called His Way Out including a DVD presentation of our outreach and ministry in Guyana, South America. We were extremely grateful for the opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for each congregation's continued support and involvement in reaching men and women struggling with same-gender attraction. Together, we continue to make a difference!

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Cornerstone Baptist Church

On Sunday, February 25th, a message titled "A Christian Response to Homosexuality" was offered by Pastor Phillip Lee, Executive Director of His Way Out Ministries at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Bakersfield. By invitation of Pastor Tim Mattox, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church, Pastor Phillip had the privilege of ministering and sharing personal testimony in two Sunday morning services followed by an evening educational seminar titled "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change." At the request of Pastor Mattox, Pastor Phillip had the wonderful opportunity to educate church leadership and congregation members on the complexities of homosexuality, how to reach men and women struggling with same-gender attraction and challenge attendants with the most recent facts concerning HIV/AIDS in Bakersfield. Each service and the workshop was extremely well received and numerous individuals expressed their appreciation for being equipped with practical tools enabling them to be more effective in evangelizing those struggling with same-gender attraction.

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Changes for Upcoming L.I.F.E. Support Group On Saturday, April 7th

Location Change

On Saturday, April 7th from 9am to 11am, our L.I.F.E. Support Group will be meeting at Chester Avenue Community Church located at 1509 South Chester Avenue (corner of Ming Avenue and South Chester Avenue) in Bakersfield instead of meeting at the His Way Out Ministries office.

"New" Breakout Session

Beginning Saturday, April 7th, our L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times) will have a new breakout session for spouses whose marriage has been impacted by homosexuality. Inevitably, when homosexuality hits a marriage, the effects are devastating. Certainly, an appropriate question is - "Where do I go from here?" Ginny Mitchell, an HWOM Advisory Board Member and an individual that has personally traveled the road of recovery from having her own marriage impacted by homosexuality, will be facilitating the break out session. Oddly enough the discovery or becoming aware of homosexuality in a marriage, which certainly produces a crisis, also brings "the problem" into the light and opens the door for the marriage to have any hope of surviving. If homosexuality has come knocking on the front door of your marriage, please take advantage of this confidential, enlightening and encouraging group. L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.

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Welcome, Louis Steers!

We are very glad to share with you that Louis Steers has joined the staff of HWOM as Assistant to the Director. Louis comes our way after thirty-seven years with NASA, serving as a staff member at his home church in Lancaster and Chaplain. Louis has served on the mission field in Guyana twice and brings with him a wealth of expertise in office administration. Louis has been and remains a tremendous asset to HWOM and we are very, very glad to have him at HWOM.

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Coming Up This Month!

March 3rd - 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.

March 4th - Harvest Christian Church, Bakersfield, CA.
During the Sunday morning service at 10:30am, Pastor Phillip will have the opportunity to thank the congregation for their support and present a DVD presentation on our ministry in Guyana, South America.

March 10th - TIME OUT: Men's Discipleship Support Group
On Saturday, March 10th beginning at 9am, we will begin a new series designed to help men who struggle with same-gender attraction. While there is no fee for the series, registration is required and may be completed by calling our office: (661) 589-4262.

March 18th - University Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA - Mission Fair
At the Mission Fair, HWOM will be sharing in various Sunday School classes, presenting our DVD presentation on our ministry in Guyana, South America, giving an update to the congregation of everything that is going on at HWOM and thanking the congregation for their continued support.

March 24th - TIME OUT: Men's Discipleship Support Group
for men struggling with same-gender attraction. Time Out meets faithfully on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.

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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.

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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