Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

August 2007 Highlights

Overcoming Homosexuality By Pastor Phillip Lee

Is it possible to successfully overcome homosexuality? Frankly, the answer to that question will largely depend on what happens in your mind.

Even as Christians, we can have times in our lives when we struggle with unbelief and more specifically the stronghold of unbelief when it comes to certain areas of our lives. Without a doubt, each and every behavior that any man or woman might practice that runs contrary to the Word of God, always begins first and foremost in our thoughts. Before we ever touch "the forbidden fruit" we have already contemplated, processed and ultimately embraced the idea. That makes the mind the greatest single battlefield on which all of us (Christians) will ever fight.

In order to obey God, our thinking must change to align with His. However, that can be much easier said than done because over time, we have been introduced, if not bombarded with lies - many of which we have chosen to embrace and believe. Lies left unattended or addressed have the potential to develop into strongholds in our lives and also have the potential to become the foundation from which we form our identity which directly impacts our walk with Christ greatly.

Many men and women have experienced defeat for so long in this area they wonder if victory is even possible. I became a Christian very late in life, and as a result, I came to Christ with a whole lot of excess baggage. You know, stuff! Not unlike a multitude of others, I thought (at least to a degree), that a lot of my "stuff" would instantaneously just "poof" and disappear. It didn't occur to me that I did not arrive at some of my broken places in life overnight - therefore, not everything was going to be resolved and dealt with overnight. I had programmed deep into my thinking a whole truckload of experiences, activities and beliefs that were anything but what God had intended. And, nobody pushed the "clear button" when I became a believer. All of that stuff (lies) was recorded in my mind and enabled the establishing of strongholds which directly affected how I saw myself and others.

In Romans 12:2, Paul commands us, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." In other words: we must change our attitude and thinking in order to break free from the mindset and/or actions of homosexuality.

Life is a series of choices that lead us. We are the choosers - we have control over our choices and what we believe, though at times we may feel that we have no choice. This is exactly where many "lies" come into play and seize opportunity. Proverbs 23:7 tells us - "For as a man thinks in his heart, so he is." If I continue to see myself based on my past, my past addiction, my past behavior, my past identity - even allowing the things (today) that may sorely tempt me - I will remain stuck and bound.

Men and women that have exited homosexuality or lesbianism have to fight this battle on three main fronts:

Past memories. It is not at all unusual for ex-gay men to have had numerous past sexual encounters. Other ex-gay men and women have had longer-term relationships (however, this is normally the exception); a few have never had a single sexual experience but have indulged in homosexual related activities, such as pornographic movies and magazines. Regardless of our homosexual experiences being extensive or limited, we all have memories of the past which must be overcome. The best way to overcome memories is to ask God to give you a full, clear picture of the past, especially when you find yourself only remembering the positive aspects. Memories can and do fade with time. We can experience their hold on us by choosing not to dwell on them or seeking ways to reinforce them.

Unhealthy and distorted patterns of thought. Strongholds are those untrue things that we believe about God and ourselves. And before we can experience change or healing from any compulsive or addictive behavior, we must do some work on breaking those strongholds. In other words - we can't live in the truth unless we know what the truth is and choose to believe it in our hearts. Many men and women have bought into the distorted pattern of thinking that "God hates me because I'm gay." Another unhealthy thought and bottom line a lie is "I'll always be gay." Unless these thought patterns change, we will be continually defeated and constantly discouraged in the recovery, restoration process. The only remedy for a lie is to confront it with truth. God's Word is truth and when we come in contact with the Word of God and apply it, it changes us.

Fantasies. While our imagination should be viewed as a wonderful gift from God, it can also be our nemeses. Every single one of us is going to have thoughts which enter our mind and are ungodly. Come on! Often, the determining factor in just how much a man or woman has successfully overcome homosexuality is gauged by how they act in public. However, I would submit that a more accurate gauge is "what's going on when our mind is idle?" What fantasies are possibly surfacing? And, where are our fantasies taking us? Heaven knows, there is a wealth of Christian books suggesting various techniques to conquer lust. Practically and spiritually speaking, the best application I have ever found is - quote an appropriate Bible verse (out loud).

Now, while I would never minimize the importance of knowing and speaking God's Word, just speaking God's Word out loud or just praying more, may or may not fully resolve the matter since very often the individual must address and ultimately conquer ingrained thought patterns by dealing with the underlying emotional and spiritual needs that are feeding them.

Each and every Christian has the responsibility of taking every thought captive. II Corinthians tells us - "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Overcoming homosexuality is indeed a journey. And, yes, there will be times that the journey presents hard times. But it's all part of growing and maturing in Christ. The ultimate goal for any man or woman seeking to overcome an issue of same-gender attraction as it is with any individual seeking to resolve any area of brokenness is to remember God has called us to become whole and complete in every aspect of our being. Homosexuality is just one manifestation of being incomplete and broken. As we each mature and grow into God's image, we increasingly become the person He created us to be in all areas of life - quite the journey but worth every effort.

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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We Need Your Support!

Through your donations, God enables us to minister Christ's healing to the sexually broken around the world. All of us at His Way Out Ministries remember that God has provided financially for the needs of this ministry and a growing staff for more than thirteen years, and we thank Him for it. We rely on your help, and pray God will keep His Way Out Ministries on your heart. Thank you for your faithfulness, especially during the lean summer months.

You can send a offering 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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Love Won Out Conference

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Focus on the Family is pleased to bring the Love Won Out conference to the Irvine, CA area on October 13, 2007. Since its inception in 1998, the Love Won Out ministry has reached more than 90,000 people. This unique conference offers personal testimonies and biblically grounded information that helps attendees navigate through the mass of misinformation surrounding the issue of homosexuality. You'll be equipped to minister in truth and compassion to a loved one who deals with same-sex attractions, respond to misinformation in our culture and defend biblical beliefs with grace and understanding. But more than that you'll be encouraged by the power of God's love and His desire to transform the lives of those impacted by homosexuality and lead people into freedom in Christ. For more information about Love Won Out conference, please visit LoveWonOut.com

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Dear His Way Out Ministries...

Being associated with His Way Out Ministries has made a profound difference in my new found faith. Your work of faith and labor of love for others continues to inspire me and give me a hope for a bright future. May your light shine bright as God continues to use His Way Out Ministries, touching the hearts and lives of countless souls for many years to come! Kevin

With hearts full of love and appreciation for all that you do to seek the lost, serve the needy, and shepherd His people, we wanted you to know we pray for you constantly. Don and Michelle

The recent L.I.F.E. meeting was excellent! We gained numerous biblical truths about homosexuality and combating pro-gay theology. Also, the sharing time was extremely insightful and encouraging. Chon and Irene

The articles in the June and July newsletters were especially helpful in ministering to others. Thank you for the wisdom and guidance. Tom and Catherine

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Argument/Answer

Argument: "You're using Bible verses to condemn me whenever you talk about homosexuality."

Answer: "I believe God's Word, the Bible, should be the final authority in all matters of life. Therefore, doesn't that mean we should take our moral guidance from Scripture? Therefore, when I quote Scriptures on homosexuality, I'm only doing so to back my belief that homosexuality is a sin."

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Workshops, Support Groups, Recommended Reading

Have you explored our web site lately? In addition to our monthly newsletter you will find a wealth of information on His Way Out Ministries including details on a variety of Educational Workshops and various Support Groups offered by His Way Out Ministries. Also, our Recommended Reading offers a list of recommended books written by various authors that are excellent to help you better understand the complexities of same-gender attraction and related issues.

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Coming Up This Month!

August 4th - L.I.F.E. (Living in Fellowship...Even in Tough Times). Pro-Gay Theology/Arguments (Part One) will be our topic for teaching and discussion as we continue our series titled Confronting Pro-Gay Theology: A Balance of Truth and Grace. For homosexuality to be seen and accepted as a gift from God, the traditional understanding of it had to be discredited by the pro-gay and gay Christian movements. Have you ever wondered how gays attempt to get around the many passages in the Bible that condemn homosexual conduct as sin? On Saturday, August 4th, we will look at relevant biblical texts and also look at what pro-homosexual interpreters have made of them, showing the weaknesses in their arguments and explaining why the traditional understanding is true.

If you have chosen to leave homosexuality, or you are a spouse, family member or friend of someone struggling with 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.

A breakout session is offered at our L.I.F.E. Support Group meetings for wives whose marriage has been impacted by homosexuality

August 11th - "TIME OUT" Men' Discipleship Support Group - The homosexual struggle is not just a behavioral problem. At the root of the behavior is a longing to be fulfilled. One of the greatest needs is that of security in who we are - our identity. If we allows wrong things to define us (such as job, friends, accomplishments or sexual preference), this will be reflected in our actions and thinking as well. Ultimately, we must look to God for identity, and willingly accept what He says about us as truth. "Our Identity in Christ" will be our focus of discussion at TIME OUT Saturday, August 11th. Time Out meets from 9am to 11am.

August 21st - His Way Out Ministries "Board of Directors Meeting."

August 25th - "TIME OUT" Men's Discipleship Support Group - Problems begin when we compare ourselves with others. Since God did not create any two people alike, there is no suitable comparison for anyone. That is why Christ is the standard we measure our self against, not others. On Saturday, August 25th, we will discuss the roots of "Envy" and learn what causes us to envy others and not appreciate what we have. Only when we have repented of envy can we go on to develop a right self-image. Tim Out meets 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)

Copyright © His Way Out Ministries

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