Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

October 2008 Highlights

Spreading the Good News in Guyana, South America!
By Paul Mitchell

Pastor Phillip had asked me to write about our experience in Guyana. I'm sure that in his writing he will tell you about the conference, the support group training and our visits of encouragement with local pastors - I could see God's hand in all of it! Since he'll cover all of that, I am going to tell you about one of my personal highlights of this ministry trip.

One of the conference attendees was a University student named Mark. Our teaching and sharing of our personal journeys at the conference must have engaged him as a few days later he asked if we could meet to dialogue more about the subject of homosexuality and what the reality of change really was. Mark is a very intelligent and articulate young man. He knows Christ as his Lord and Savior and believes in the authority of Scripture. Mark also has same-sex attractions and acts upon them; but I could see that he struggles with these desires in conflict (desire for Christ and for physical/emotional intimacy with men).

Mark asked great questions: Why would God allow me to have this attraction for men? Did God really say that this kind of intimacy between men is wrong? Can I just be emotionally attached to a man? Doesn't God want me to be happy? Is change really possible?

I felt that God had specifically sent me to Guyana to have this conversation with Mark - it just shows the great lengths our Lord will go to express his love to even just one specific individual. While I shared my understanding of Scripture regarding sexual expression, I conveyed that I felt that while God was interested in our sexuality he is even more interested in our heart. As Pastor Phillip often teaches, the journey isn't one from homosexuality to heterosexuality but is a journey towards holiness. And I explained to Mark that the reality of it is that the journey can often be a long process and we may not achieve "wholeness" (heterosexuality) until we go home to be with our Creator.

I shared my own ongoing struggle with same-sex attraction thoughts and feelings and my "imperfect" walk and failings. But I also shared my hope in that I have to believe that God has our best interests at heart - even though it doesn't look that way to us. We must continue on in our walk with the Lord. I wasn't trying to disillusion him but wanted him to consider that our human quest for happiness may not really be what our souls are seeking - instead maybe it is finding peace in the midst of turmoil and in the midst of our desires in conflict. And peace has a name - Jesus Christ.

Our conversation was long and deep and we were very transparent with each other. Mark gave a lot of thought to what we were talking about and I think a lot of this was new to him and really got him thinking as he told me "you're weird - but in a nice way!" And I know that I was blessed in having met him - it made me think too.

I am glad that at the end of our conversation I was able to point him to local support that he could access via the ministry of Operation Restoration ("OR"). I told him that I didn't think God expected us to struggle alone and "OR" could be a great help in his journey.

I know that this newsletter will make its way to Guyana. I hope that Mark will see it and know that God loves him very much and loves him in and through his struggle. God's peace, Mark....Paul

For some time now, His Way Out Ministries has enjoyed a wonderful ministry partnership with Operation Restoration, a Guyanese ministry dedicated to equipping leaders with the requisite knowledge and skills to impart God's perspective on human sexuality; and to empower youth, through educational and cultural programs, and to become role models in the way they manage their sexuality. As a result, the message of Operation Restoration and His Way Out Ministries has been and remains a perfect fit in reaching those in Guyana that struggle with same-gender attraction.

Recently, His Way Out Ministries returned from yet another journey throughout several parts of Guyana teaching, equipping, sharing testimony and training Christian leaders on how to facilitate support groups for those combating unwanted same-gender attractions. Even before our departure from the States we knew we would hit the ground running. Indeed, all of our anticipations and expectations were justified.

The first morning of our itinerary offered a wonderful opportunity to share teaching and testimony about a God who delivers and restores from homosexuality on a television program. During the half hour program, the truth of Scripture as it relates to sexual purity and homosexuality being just one behavior that God has clearly states as inappropriate sexual expression was presented. As well, we had the opportunity to promote a two-day conference that was held in Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, titled Homosexuality and the Reality of Change. The conference was extremely well attended and received with Christian leaders and pastors of various churches and denominations in attendance.

Undeniably, a highlight of the conference occurred when individuals from an organization called SASOD (Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination) found opportunity to express their opposing views and objections regarding the "civil rights" of homosexual persons and same-gender marriage. The presence of SASOD was no surprise as His Way Out Ministries paid their conference registration fees so they could attend. The challenging conversations were respectful and we ultimately found that we did agree that the practice of homosexuality is clearly defined in Scripture as unacceptable with God. It is expected that our conversations will probably continue via email.

Thankfully, one additional television program enabled us to continue spreading the Good News about freedom from homosexuality in Christ Jesus with the host of the program asking us excellent questions about our personal journeys out of homosexuality and educational questions to equip the viewing audience with practical tools on how to reach those struggling with same-gender attraction. Our media opportunities continued with our being invited to share on a radio program where we were interviewed at length and given considerable time to speak to the Church in Guyana about the wonderful privilege and responsibility the Church has in reaching the vast and virtually untouched mission field of those struggling with homosexuality in Guyana. It was awesome! To God be the glory!

Since His Way Out Ministries has been and shall remain dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and encouraging the Body of Christ to minister to those who struggle with homosexuality, two training days focusing on How to Facilitate Support Groups were held at the Operation Restoration office. With excellent attendance, numerous men and women availed themselves of specific, practical guidelines and tools designed to help them birth, organize and facilitate support groups for men, women and families impacted by homosexuality. Frankly, the interaction during both days of training was exhilarating. Those in attendance had excellent questions and repeatedly displayed their willingness and hearts to help those combating same-gender attraction. It is the hope of His Way Out Ministries that the training offered will now bear an abundance of fruit issuing many into the mission field of the sexually and relationally broken.

As many of you know, God saw fit some years ago for His ministry called His Way Out to partner with another Guyanese ministry called World Harvest Missions in birthing the first children's home in New Amsterdam, a village community in an area called Berbice, for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. While our time was short in New Amsterdam, we did have time to spend with the children and love on them. The majority of the children have either been abandoned by their parents or shunned by society due to their illness. Thankfully, God's people have stepped up to the plate, entirely by faith, and provide a home, meals, clothes, schooling, medications and much love to the little one's in such need. Each child becomes embedded in your heart and we found ourselves wanting to bring them all home with us.

Yes, we did have some time to just to go around and visit with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoy Guyanese culture, food and sights. Without a doubt, this particular trip was a highlight and extremely profitable considering the numerous trips made to Guyana. Now, we continue to look down the road in our partnerships with Operation Restoration and World Harvest Missions and remain hopeful and focused on the specific mission our Lord has called His Way Out Ministries to continue. All of us at His Way Out Ministries remain truly grateful to each of you that gave financially and prayerfully to our recent missionary trip thereby enabling this most recent journey to Guyana such a success. Our Lord richly bless and keep you!

Paul Mitchell

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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Growing Pains!

His Way Out Ministries is blessed to be a part of God's answer for adult men and women and teenagers struggling with same-gender attraction, and to families looking for hope and encouragement as they walk an emotional path of healing and understanding. Your trust in our counsel and care means a great deal to all of us.

May we ask for your kind consideration of a need? As HWOM continues to expand its ministry offerings to meet the needs of a growing list of people seeking counsel and hope, the administrative needs of HWOM continue to grow with ever-increasing requests for ministry. HWOM is underwritten by the gifts of love and monthly support of individuals and partner churches. If HWOM is not written into your personal or church missionary budget - would you kindly consider doing so from this point forward? Only eternity will show the effect of such commitment on all our parts.

Thank you for your time in reading this and may the Lord continue to richly bless you in your efforts to advance the Kingdom of God in this generation.

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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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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Coming Up This Month!

October 4, 2008 - L.I.F.E. Group
Why Maintaining Sexual Purity is Vital to the Life of a Christian

Many Christians prefer to avoid the topic of sexual purity because they are bound by guilt about past sins, or because they do not want to deal with current sexual temptations and sin in their lives. But God takes purity very seriously - and so must we.

On Saturday, October 4th, Pastor Phillip will be teaching on Why Maintaining Sexual Purity is Vital to the Life of a Christian. At His Way Out Ministries we believe God is calling His people to purity and holiness in these last days because the world is falling deeper and deeper into immorality and we are His witnesses.

While the primary objective of our L.I.F.E. Discipleship/Support Group is to educate and equip all Christians on the complexities of same-gender attraction thereby enabling the Body of Christ to be more effective in ministering to those bound by homosexuality, sexual purity applies across-the-board in the life of every follower of Christ. Therefore, please make plans to join us as we turn our attention to dealing with this issue properly by exposing the lies and excuses Satan uses to deceive people in this area. L.I.F.E. meets faithfully on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00am to 11:00am.

October 3-5, 2008 - Rivers of Grace - A family and friends retreat in beautiful Lakes Arrowhead. Offered by Living Stones Ministries based in Glendora, CA, enjoy a casual weekend of teaching, fellowship and fun with others who understand the issues of homosexuality. For additional information regarding the event, please contact Living Stones Ministries at (626) 963-6683, visit their web site.

October 10, 2008 - Pastor and Ministry Leader Training Breakfast - Sponsored by Exodus International, this event is for pastors and ministry leaders to learn more about how to bring hope and healing to a world impacted by homosexuality. Held at Cornerstone Church in Fresno, CA, for more information please visit the Exodus web site.

October 12, 2008 - Bakersfield AIDS Walk - On Sunday, October 12th, the AIDS Walk will begin and end at Ricky's Retreat, a home in Bakersfield for impacted by HIV/AIDS. Please consider participating in this wonderful fund-raising event. For more information about the Bakersfield AIDS Walk, please contact the Bakersfield AIDS Project at (661) 325-1227.

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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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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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How to 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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