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January 2009 Highlights
- A Goal and a Vision
- We Need Your Help!
- Our Office and Support Groups Have Moved!
- 'Personal' Comment on Perfectionism
- Pastor Phillip Lee LIVE at UBC
- Dear His Way Out Ministries...
- Hope for Wives When Sexual Impurity Hits a Marriage
- Now on DVD: Homosexuality and the Reality of Change
- Answers to Common Pro-Gay Arguments
- Recommended Reading
- IT'S ABOUT LIFE: Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
- His Way Out Ministries Services
- How You Can Help
By Pastor Phillip Lee
Happy New Year! All of us at His Way Out Ministries are extremely excited as we embark on our fifteenth year in ministry to those who struggle with sexual and relational brokenness. Without a doubt, each year has brought and continues to bring awesome opportunities to partner with God and remain co-laborers with Him as He performs the miraculous right before our eyes.
His Way Out Ministries continues to receive new people making their way to us for ministry. Individuals that struggle with same-gender attraction, wives whose marriage has been impacted by sexual impurity, parents trying to come to terms with their child's declaration of same-gender attraction, ministry to those impacted with HIV/AIDS, and more and more invitations to teach and equip the Body of Christ in ministry to the sexually broken remain strong and on the increase. There are those times when it can be overwhelming and appear almost impossible, but that is when we must extend our faith beyond our capabilities into the realm of His possibilities and promises.
Recently, another young man came our way because of his struggle with homosexuality. Within the first few minutes of the meeting, he stated, "The gay lifestyle is a dead end, empty and holds no promise for the future." His sincerity and transparency was refreshing and appreciated. During the meeting, it became obvious that he felt like a total and complete failure, in spite of his undeniable intelligence, gifts, and talents. Ultimately, the course of our meeting turned to the importance of each person knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord. Not too surprising as our primary goal at His Way Out Ministries is to lead each person that comes our way into the very presence of Christ Himself and to teach them how to develop intimacy with Him. Or, as I have heard it said and agree fully, "We are not here to overcome anything, but to be overcome by Christ."
We are convinced that God the Father is leading His Way Out Ministries into new areas of ministry and into deeper depths of His Holy Presence. He is revealing His heart for this ministry and what He desires to do to penetrate the kingdom of darkness in our society concerning sexual brokenness - heterosexual, homosexual, male, female, family, adult, teenager, and the many related issues that accompany sexual and relational brokenness.
Please keep His Way Out Ministries in your prayers and consider partnering and becoming co-laborers with us as we lift high the Good News of God's saving grace.
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.
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
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We Need Your Help!
His Way Out Ministries is one of the few places people can go for sensitive help regarding same-gender attraction and related issues. Your financial support enables us to fight the good fight. Without a doubt, we at His Way Out Ministries need to be stronger than ever, ready to face the challenge of this generation with truth and integrity. We are more committed than ever to proclaiming the Lord's transforming power through our lives, and equipping the Church to authenticate that healing. Your support helps us to make known the relevance of Jesus and His Church to broken lives. Would you please prayerfully consider sending a donation?
Send your check to:
His Way Out Ministries, 1412 17th Street, Suite 313, Bakersfield, CA 93301
(Checks should be made payable to His Way Out Ministries)
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Our Office and Support Groups Have Moved!
New Office Location
We have moved! For some time, His Way Out Ministries has been in need of additional office space for the daily facilitation of our ministry and room to grow. As a result, we have relocated our office to downtown Bakersfield, the Haberfelde Building, 1412 17th Street, Suite 313, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Our new phone number is (661) 321-9551.
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All of us at His Way Out Ministries remain truly grateful to Brimhall Road Assembly of God for the many, many years of housing our ministry. The congregation's generosity and contributions have been and remain significant.
New Support Group Location
Beginning Saturday, November 1, 2008, all His Way Out Ministries support groups will meet at Chester Avenue Community Church located at 1509 South Chester Avenue (corner of Ming Avenue and South Chester Avenue). Chester Avenue Community Church has been an integral part of His Way Out Ministries from our beginning and has graciously offered their facilities for the expansion and facilitation of our support groups. We are very grateful!
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'Personal' Comment on Perfectionism
By Pastor Phillip Lee
Not long ago, it was communicated to me that if those of us in the area of ministry to the sexually and relationally broken are to be identified as successful, we must be totally, completely and undeniably 'perfect' in our sexuality. Whew! Frankly, that's a very tall order and knocks me right out of the picture. I am far from hitting the mark of 'perfect.' As I began to ponder the often communicated standard of perfectionism regarding human sexuality and more specifically, freedom from homosexuality, a number of considerations began to surface.
Is the actual goal of God the Father to make us perfect specimens of what He can do - or, is His greater goal to bring each and every one of us into perfect communion with Himself? Sometimes I think we have fallen into a bit of a trap, if not shot ourselves in the foot, by valuing only the outward manifestations of change and thereby sometimes placing ourselves on a mantle in God's museum. I mean, shouldn't our greater goal and desire be for God rather than the manifestations in our lives?
After twenty, yes, twenty years of freedom from homosexuality in my life, a few old demons began to surface. No one was more surprised if not down right shocked than myself. How could this be after such a long, long time? The whole battle of same-gender attraction for me was long dealt with, buried and never to be dug up again. Nonetheless, certain thoughts and temptations began to occur, culminating in this question - "Jesus, how could this be happening to me?" As sure as my middle name is Dewayne, I clearly heard the Holy Spirit say - "Why not you?" Had I possibly lapsed into the illusion and deception that it could never be God's will that I will have times in life of struggle, be sick, ride a never ending roller coaster of emotions on any number of subjects, slide back into unhealthy thought patterns culminating in living too much in the past and ultimately just taking His grace far too much for granted? If it was God's will, plan and purpose to send His only Son to the Cross and bruise Him, why should not we His followers also experience times in life when we are bruised? Hmmm!
Christian perfection has never been nor will it ever be human perfection. Christian perfection is that state of being in a real relationship with God which then manifests itself among the many twists and turns of life and certainly the many irrelevancies of life.
Have you ever noticed how it seems that many people (Christians) appear to be living perfectly consistent lives? Sometimes it is easy enough, or maybe just convenient, to think that God is somehow unnecessary, by human effort alone we all can reach the standard(s) that God wants. However, in a fallen world that can never be achieved as we will all bear the marks of this fallen age in which we live to some degree or another. All things considered, I am satisfied to strive for and ultimately live in a perfect relationship with God the Father, so that hopefully and prayerfully, my life will produce a desire and a longing for God in other lives - not admiration of what I may or may not have accomplished.
You know, sometimes I get downright tired of thoughts that focus on how God is out to perfect me into a specimen for His show-room. It's been twenty-three years since I surrendered my life to Christ. It has been a wonderful, wonderful journey; a journey that continues to this day. I'm satisfied God is getting me to the place where He can use me for His purposes. I think I'll just let Him do what He likes. Indeed, I am far from perfect. However, "His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:10).
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Pastor 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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Dear His Way Out Ministries...
"Thanks so very much for your message and witness before the Church body. Many people expressed their joy and need for your timely message" Rev. Jonathan Morgan, Height Street Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA.
"Several seminar participants remarked about your ability to be candid and transparent. The information shared, along with your personal story and the Truth of the Gospel made the presentation very empowering" Debbie Allen, River Lakes Community Church, Bakersfield, CA.
"Thank you so much for your participation in our Christian Counseling Ethics Symposium. So many people came up and said what a blessing and a help it was for them" Dr. Jeff Victor, Summit Bible College, Bakersfield, CA.
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Hope for Wives When Sexual Impurity Hits a Marriage
(A Support Group Series for Women)
Begins January 3, 2009
Wives, when you vowed, "I do," for better or worse you thought you knew what "worse" meant. Now, you realize it can actually mean the unimaginable. You have been betrayed and the effects can be devastating. Thankfully, there is hope if you are in this situation! While sexual impurity in a marriage certainly produces a crisis, it may be that with the "secret" becoming known, the marriage has opportunity to survive.
Has fierce loyalty to your spouse, as well as shame, insecurity and embarrassment kept you from sharing with family and friends? You are not alone! Please consider participating in this group where you can experience support in a safe environment with biblical guidance, prayer and encouragement for your healing journey. Grieving the Losses, Angry - But Not Stuck, Staying Sane, and Admitting Fears are just a few of the topics to be discussed. The series will be facilitated by Ginny Mitchell, a Board of Director's Member with His Way Out Ministries. For more information on this exciting series, please contact His Way Out Ministries at (661) 321-9551.
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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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Answers to Common Pro-Gay Arguments
(Pro-Gay Argument is Stated in Italics)
Romans 1:24-27
"The Apostle Paul's statements are 'culturally bound.' They are addressed to first-century Jews; they don't apply to us today." Under this reasoning, we can toss out the entire Bible. None of it was written to twenty-first century people. This argument implies that God's standards change from era to era. But here is what the Biblical writers said: "The Word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8) and "All you words are true; all righteous laws are eternal" (Psalm 119:160).
"Paul didn't understand the complexities of homosexuality as we do today. He never condemned permanent, loving homosexual relationships, just homosexual lust and promiscuity." Paul lived in a complex society, similar to our own in many ways. "New Testament authors could not have been ignorant of something so common as homosexuality in the Greco-Roman world," says Dr. J. Harold Greenlee, former professor of New Testament Greek at Asbury Theological Seminary. William Barclay, a well-known New Testament scholar, says that, although homosexuality permeated Greek society, "it was regarded as abnormal, and it was never legal." Paul could have easily drawn a distinction between various forms of homosexuality if appropriate, but he condemned all homosexual behavior, with no exceptions.
Ultimately, the Bible never speaks positively about homosexuality or any other sexual practices outside a lifelong heterosexual commitment. Difficult as this standard is to obey; it is the calling of Christ for all His followers, including those with same-gender attractions and desires.
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Recommended Reading
Pursuing Sexual Wholeness by Andy Comisky
This book is written by the founder of Desert Streams Ministry, who originated its Living Waters Sexual Redemption in Christ program. It provides Biblical and practical answers for overcoming homosexuality.
The Game Plan by Joe Dallas
A practical handbook for men who want to get serious about sexual purity. Joe's book is the tool that answers one of the most troubling problems in the church today, and it does so with compassion, clarity, and a sound biblical base.
Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson
Dr. Neil Anderson shows that we have the power to conquer the darkness, once we know who we are in Christ.
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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 in The Haberfelde Building in downtown Bakersfield, California; 1412 17th Street, Suite 313. 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) 321-9551. God Bless You for your giving.
His Way Out Ministries Services
How You Can Help His Way Out Ministries
- Ask your pastor to check out our 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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