Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

March 2008 Highlights

Burnout By Frank Worthen

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18)

There comes a time in all of our lives when we are tired and feel unable to continue on, a time when we say: "I've had enough, I can't take it anymore." We become tired of "fighting the good fight." We often get tired doing the same old things, saying to ourselves: "Nothing is changing, so why am I doing this?" For the person struggling with homosexual temptation, the enemy of us all whispers in the ear: "It's inevitable, just go ahead and do it and find some relief from all this tension." We often fall for this, thinking: "Well, if it's going to happen anyway, I just might as well get it over with, maybe then I can get some peace and quiet."

It is at a time like this that the people around us become the most influential, for good or for evil. What we seldom realize is that the devil does use people to do his dirty work, even Christians. Gay friends will say: "You're just no fun anymore; Christianity has made you unhappy and robbed you of all the fun you used to have. Come join us at the gay bar, party, etc." Christians might say: "Well, I am not sure that there really is anything wrong with being gay, especially if you are in a committed relationship..." Too often we are encouraged to give up and give in. This is a time we need strong Christian brothers and sisters who understand our struggle and will stand with us against satanic suggestions. Too often we fail to cultivate these supportive relationships, isolating and being fearful of reaching out to others. It is in the good times that we need to build godly relationships so that they will be there during times of temptation!

Webster defines burnout this way: "Exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation as a result of prolonged stress or frustration." A detailed and accurate definition of burnout! I want to talk here about the "prolonged" part of burnout. It is a process which begins innocently enough with a feeling of mild pressure. At this point, some rest and relaxation can wipe away the stress and we are restored to new motivation and energy. Thus we need to address even light stress in our lives and not allow stress to increase to unmanageable proportions. Some of the problems in early detection are that others have expectations on us and so we feel if we take any time for ourselves we are letting them down, or they convey the message that we are not meeting their expectations. Our martyr and loyalty buttons are pressed, so we decide to press on and make everybody happy and push our stress into our subconscious.

Here are some helpful suggestions on reversing that downward spiral. First, talk to God. Tell Him what you are feeling: "I'm angry that I am not appreciated," "I am feeling powerless; I know I am drifting toward sin and I can't seem to stop this process." Most of the time we know the right thing to do, but we just don't have the energy to do it. If we are torn between two things, we must turn to Scripture! Scripture can be very convicting, even to those of us who have been serving the Lord for many years. Yet, along with that conviction comes an ability to do what God is asking us to do. We find energy and motivation in the Scriptures, and one thing to remember, God will never contradict His Word. What is written there is God's will for us all; it is not negotiable.

Next, make a written list of al1 that God has done for you up to this point. God does not want us complaining or grumbling. We can develop a positive spirit by remembering all the good things that have come from God and thanking Him for those things. He desires us to have a grateful heart. Confess to Him that you haven't been all that thankful lately.

Next, clean house of everything that separates you from God or reinforces your negativity. This means physical things that bring up old memories of sinful times, and then clean up your emotions as well. Confess all the anger, resentment, bad feelings and self-pity. Simply ask God to cleanse you of all these things. Be honest with yourself; if one or more friends have contributed to your depression and burnout, separate from them. Do not allow the enemy to influence you through other people. Paul talks to us about putting off just these kind of feelings and putting on patience, forgiveness, king feelings and mercy (See Colossians chapter three). We have to take steps to help ourselves. If it is homosexuality that you are unable or unwilling to put behind you, ask yourself: "Am I engaged in voyeurism?" If so, you are keeping something alive that God wants to eradicate in your life. Romans 13:14 says: "Make no provision for indulging the flesh."

If you are saying that life is too hard, then listen to Jesus. He said we would have troubles in this life, but that He would overcome them all (John 10:33). Trust Him; He will do just that. Put worship back into your life. That can be listening to Christian music, making a sacrifice of praise, or whatever form worship means to you. Do something for someone else, even if you don't feel like it; it will make you less self-centered. Do the things all Christians are required to do: attend church, pray (alone and with others), read your Bible, fellowship with other believers, set some small reachable goals, forgive others and yourself, and wait on God. There is just one more thing I want to point out: serving God is the most rewarding and exciting thing you will ever do! For those who serve, Christianity is not boring, it is an adventure. When God's will becomes your will, you will seldom experience burnout.

Frank Worthen
New Hope Ministries

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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Men's "Time Out" Discipleship Series Begins March 8th

(For Men Struggling With Same-Gender Attraction)

Beginning on March 8th and ultimately concluding on July 26, 2008, His Way Out Ministries offers a specifically designed discipleship series to help men overcome homosexuality. While there is no fee for the series, registration is required and may be completed by calling our office: (661) 589-4262. Below, are just a few of the topics that will be addressed in the teaching, support group series.

Can Homosexuals Really Change? - What does change mean to you? How does the Bible describe change? Can both the homosexual behavior and desire be eradicated?

Biblical and Scientific Evidence for Change - How do we balance trust in God with unresolved feelings? Is heterosexuality the goal?, What about the pro-gay interpretations of Scripture?

Exposing the Roots - When did you first begin to question your sexual identity?, Homosexuality is acquired?, How have you been affected by family dynamics, peer pressure, or sexual abuse?

Change in Self-Identity - What do you think of giving up the homosexual identity?, Do you agree that everyone is born heterosexual?, Do you question your gender identity?

Breaking Addictive Patterns - Has pornography played any role in your struggle?, When does sexual temptation evolve into sin?, What are some of the strategies for dealing with sexual temptation?

Moving On - Giving yourself permission to be the unique person God made you to be.

The only requirement for attendance is a desire to be free, live free, and remain free from inappropriate heterosexual behavior, homosexuality, distorted identities, and destructive lifestyles. Call and register your attendance today!

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Exodus Regional Conference April 3-5, 2008

Fresno, California

This spring, Exodus International will be hosting the second Exodus Regional Conference from April 3rd through the 5th, 2008 at The Bridge Evangelical Free Church in Fresno, CA. The conference will begin with a free Pastor's and Ministry Leader's Breakfast starting at 8:00am Thursday morning. Thursday evening will be the official beginning of the conference with a General Session at 7:00pm and the weekend will conclude with a Saturday Evening Celebration Service.

Three days will be packed with powerful worship and messages from gifted teachers with a program of personalized workshops, discussion groups, and ministry. This year's theme is "A New Day." Keynote speakers this year will be Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International, Joe Dallas, author of numerous books on freedom from homosexuality including Desires in Conflict and A Strong Delusion and Don Schmierer, author of several books including What's A Father To Do?, An Ounce of Prevention and Healing Wounds of the Past.

The Exodus Regional Conference provides help to those who personally struggle with homosexuality and to those affected by a loved one who struggles or is gay identified.

Regardless of how you may be personally impacted by homosexuality, please make plans to attend this life-changing conference. For more information on the conference go to Exodus West Coast Regional Freedom Conference.

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ONLINE SPECIAL: Phillip Lee LIVE at UBC

On Sunday, October 10, 2007, Pastor Phillip Lee spoke to the congregation of University Baptist Church on the subject What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?

You can Listen LIVE to the 6.2 MB, 36min, MP3 at this link.

Give it a few moments to begin downloading and it will play. Windows 95/98 users make sure your Windows Media Player (or other MP3 software) is up to date. Right-click and choose "Save Target As..." to save it on your computer. (If Internet Explorer attempts to save as .mpga you can change it to an .mp3 file type.) You can then play it later or copy it to any MP3 portable player.

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Guyana, South America Missionary Trip Postponed

Due to recent tragedies centering around racial tensions in Guyana, the His Way Out Ministries Board of Directors and Advisory Board members considered it wise and prudent to postpone the trip schedule for last month. However, new dates for rescheduling the trip later this year are already being considered. Please keep Guyana in your prayers and pray for the safety, a swift resolution, peace and calm to prevail over this wonderful part of God's creation.

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Coming Up This Month!

March 1st - 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 to attend and learn about the complexities regarding homosexuality...this meeting is for you! L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am.

March 2nd - Pastor Phillip will begin a teaching series titled "A Christian Response to Homosexuality" at Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, CA. The series will conclude on Sunday, March 9, 2008.

March 8th - "Time Out" Men's Discipleship Series Begins. Can Homosexuals Really Change? will be our teaching and discussion topic. Time Out meets from 9am to 11am.

March 22nd - "Time Out" - A discipleship support group for men struggling with same-gender attraction meets from 9am to 11am. Our teaching and topic for discussion will be Biblical and Scientific Evidence for Change.

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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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