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Welcome to His Way Out MinistriesJanuary 2008 Highlights
Tired of All the Rhetoric and Confusion?Maybe the real question isn't, "Was I born gay?" but rather, "Does it really matter if I was or not?"For years you have kept your attraction to the same gender a secret. It's likely you have been thinking - "No one can completely understand what I'm going through." "Is it really possible for a person to change an attraction? Listen: a habit, an addiction, maybe...but an attraction?" What exactly do you mean by "freedom from homosexuality?" I would be able to withstand temptation for brief periods, but I would always go back to my old lifestyle. My sin provided me with fleeting pleasure and I used it in times of trouble and stress in my life. I had not yet learned to trust God to take care of my needs. My need was not for more of myself and personal strength, my need was to submit myself fully to my Lord Jesus Christ and let His strength and His victory be my strength and my victory. I had always tried to motivate myself through fear of God rather than be motivated by the love of God. I had a difficult time relating to God, the Father. Over time, I learned that my true nature is not that of a failed sinner, but of a loved child of the Most High God. The Holy Spirit moved this simple revelation from my head to my heart. My understanding of my relationship to God, the Father, bettered my fellowship with God - Jim. It wasn't until I got to the point of being sick and tired of my lifestyle that I sought help. Once I admitted to God, to my wife, and to myself that I was powerless over my struggles, I began to seek help. Help came in the form of an advertisement in the Bakersfield Californian newspaper about a ministry which helps people struggling with the issue of homosexuality. His Way Out Ministries became an oasis in a spiritual desert - a desert that I'd been hopelessly wandering in for too many years - Gary. So began a journey! We started attending a monthly Family Support meeting with His Way Out and let me tell you; those first few meetings were very tough emotionally with lots of tears. We were surrounded by a group of people who were going through the same difficulties and brokenness that we were going through. These loving people had been where I was and offered so much insight to the sexually broken and what worked for them, as well as, continually giving us hope - Steve & Alonna Through my new relationship with God and the knowledge of His Word, I understood why sexual sins seem to be worse than any other. Sexual sin not only involves my body, which is God's temple, but also my spirit. My broken relationship with God drove me to isolate from others, hide my feelings, and disguise my behavior. Today, I know that in my relationship with God I don't have to be perfect, and I don't have to be homosexual either - Jorge Ready for some more good news? You do not have to be alone in your fight and struggle against same-gender attraction! Many of us at His Way Out Ministries have "been there, done that!" There's simply nothing you could say or do that would make us think less of you. All of us at His Way Out Ministries would like to help you achieve the dreams you have envisioned for so long. We would like to offer you the support and encouragement you will need to attain those goals. No doubt, you have many questions - many of which are on a very, very personal level. You deserve truthful answers. That's why it is extremely important that you don't just read this newsletter, but follow through and give us a call. We want to help you move forward. Rest assured, your confidential call will be treated with the utmost respect and discretion. Homosexuality is a painful and confusing issue for any man or woman to live with. We believe that you can win the battle! We look forward to hearing from you and to help you find the freedom you've been looking for. From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries... Bless you for your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings and prayers. 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 Return To Highlights 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, 1412 17th Street, Suite 313, Bakersfield, CA 93301 (Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries) You can also send a secure offering using your VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card by using PayPal: Why use PayPal? It's free to send money and shop online. You can shop without sharing your financial information with merchants. Over 50,000 online merchants accept PayPal. Return To Highlights Marriage Been Impacted by Homosexuality?This is more common than many may imagine. On the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am, His Way Out Ministries offers a break out session for wives whose marriage has been impacted by homosexuality. The group creates a sense of community which can decrease the painful sense of shame, secrecy and isolation so many wives can feel. Through mutual support and understanding, group members are helped as they confront difficult issues in their lives. A variety of feelings, including shock, hurt, anger and confusion are addressed. The group meetings are facilitated by Ginny Mitchell, an Advisory Board member of His Way Out Ministries.Our spouse group offers support, resources and information in a safe and confidential setting. Return To Highlights TIME OUT(A Discipleship Series for Men Struggling with Same-Gender Attraction)March 8 - July 26, 2008 Meetings: 9:00am to 11:00am March 8 - Introduction: Can Homosexuals Really Change? What does change mean to you? How does the Bible describe change? To what extent do you believe change is possible from a homosexual background? March 22 - Biblical and Scientific Evidence for Change Coming to terms with the Bible's position on homosexuality. What about the pro-gay interpretations of Scripture? How do we balance trust in God with unresolved feelings? Is heterosexuality the goal? April 12 - The Dynamics of Change What does the "Lordship of Christ" mean to you? Have you been able to share with others about your homosexual struggles? Where are you in your Christian journey? What are some of the practical steps for change? April 26 - Exposing the Roots When did you first begin to question your sexual identity? How have you been affected by family dynamics, peer pressure, temperament or sexual abuse? Homosexuality is acquired? May 10 - Saying Goodby What factors motivated you to leave homosexuality behind? Have you experienced grief as a part of saying goodby? Describe some ways you've dealt with loneliness? May 24 - Breaking Addictive Patterns Has pornography played any role in your struggle? When do you believe sexual temptation evolves into sin? What are some effective strategies for dealing with sexual temptation? June 14 - What's On Your Mind? What triggers have you identified to sexual temptation? Our weapons of spiritual warfare, Getting proper support. June 28 - Change in Self-Identity What do you think of giving up the homosexual identity?, Do you agree that everyone is born heterosexual? How do you identity yourself in terms of gender identity? Which bible characters do you consider as role models? July 12 - Forming Healthy Friendships What character qualities do you look for in a friend? Emotional dependency and defensive attachment. What has been your greatest hindrance in forming healthy friendships? July 26 - Moving On Giving yourself permission to be the unique person God made you to be. Registration is required and may be completed by calling our office. (661) 589-4262 H i s W a y O u t M i n i s t r i e s , 1 4 1 2 1 7 t h S t r e e t , S u i t e 3 1 3 , B a k e r s f i e l d , C A 9 3 3 0 1 < |