Welcome to His Way Out Ministries

February 2009 Highlights

Jury Duty
By Ginny Mitchell

Recently, I had jury duty and it was a pleasant experience as I had an unexpected time of reflection to recall God's goodness in my life. Let me explain.

Seven years ago on a Sunday morning in August, after the church service my husband wanted to discuss something with me. How do I explain it? His delivery set me on edge. I knew intuitively that something was wrong and yet I did not have a clue for what was about to come.

I learned that day that our marriage of 18 years, in a traditional sense, was over for my husband disclosed to me that he was homosexual. In my years of marriage to him, he never mentioned his struggle. He was every good at keeping his skeleton hidden until this fateful Sunday. What followed was an avalanche of emotions for me. I was in shock and did not know where to put myself.

The next day quarantined in a room, I did my civic duty. Maybe someone else in this situation would have called the County Clerk and asked for a postponement. I did not know what I needed. My world had been turned upside down. Here I was honoring my jury summons.

I read the Bible that morning. By lunch, everyone cleared out of the building, save me. I made my way to the courtyard to eat my lunch. My physical condition quarantined me too. I was very ill with a chronic and progressive joint illness. Movement of any kind caused great pain.

In this place, and in my present state, I had nowhere to go. I recall looking up into the blue sky. I was drained and not thinking about anything in particular. I was just there. There was no running away. I was in this painfully difficult situation. Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me in much the same manner as the soft, warm breeze that gently moved in this outside area where I sat.

God took me back to Saturday, just two days before this jury duty day. I was making my way back to Bakersfield from a vacation in Philly. Three flights and twelve hours later would bring me back home. Unfortunately, with the first delayed flight, I was very concerned about meeting my connecting flight to Chicago. As the plane was descending into the airport, and I was nervous about what was going to happen next, I had an electrifying touch from God. It was not an audible voice that I heard but words in my head saying, "I will take care of you." With that message came a strong current of tingling that originated in the back of my head and traveled down my body. The hairs on the back of the nap of my neck felt like they were standing straight up. At the same time, I sensed brightness in me. I knew this was not a Moses' experience after he had been in the presence of the Lord on Mt. Sinai, but I wondered if people looking at me would see "light."

What followed was nothing short of astounding as I felt God's presence literally the rest of the day. There was no doubt in my mind as I moved along from one delayed flight to the next, that God was awesomely with me. My innards instinctively knew that getting back to Bakersfield was a done deal no matter what happened at the airports. My nervous mind could have been a roadblock to this reality, but God had taken care of that. So on this particular day in my life, I seemed to flow effortlessly with the Spirit of God.

Fast forward two days. God's spirit in the contained outside room where I sat brought to my remembrance His provision and presence for me on that day of flights. It was as if the Saturday experience was a forerunner for what God was going to do for me in a bigger sense. In spite of the state of devastation I was in, God was extending comfort and confirmation that He was with me in this situation. Amazingly, I felt like I was in His care. So, while I had pain, I also had His presence.

This past week, seven years later, I had been summoned for jury duty again. On this day, I relished the thought of relaxing from my usual hectic work schedule. As such, I indulged myself with a pleasure book all morning. Lunch was at noon, and as I was making my way for the door, my eye caught sight of the courtyard. Without thinking, my body veered from the path that would liberate me from this building and instead I went to the outside room. I recalled the very traumatic day in my life spent here years before. While the memory had not been erased, I had forgotten it. Even with anticipating jury duty this week, it never once crossed my mind to recall that time of pain and devastation. With just a tinge of apprehension, I decided that I needed to revisit that past. Maybe God could use this time to allow me to do a personal inventory. Where I had been and where I am now.

Since then, a lot has changed in my life. I was married and now I am single. I experienced quite a few difficult years. Coming home to an empty home and having physical pain as a constant companion - it was a bleak time for me. I seriously questioned if I could ever smile on the inside the way I smiled on the outside.

About four years into this journey, I finally started to sense an emotional equilibrium. I started to enjoy my home, car, and things around me. I found myself accepting what God had provided for me. I could be grateful. While my life had taken a turn I would not have chosen, I was feeling safe, blessed and secure in Him.

A lot has changed in my physical condition. It was not easy trying to keep myself from going down a dark pathway as I dealt with illness. As if the divorce itself was not enough turmoil for a person, but to add a sickness that has no cure and becomes increasingly more debilitating, this was too big for me to handle. I found myself dependent and desperate for God in my life. I knew I could not do this walk on my own and to be honest, I did not think I could do it without my former husband. For the longest time I felt like I was the Titanic. There was no hope for me. At least the people aboard the ship could hope they would get on a lifeboat, I was the damaged vessel and there is no rescue squad prepared to save a sinking ship.

Where I am today is nothing short of miraculous. A lot has changed in my relationship with my former husband. Four years into my former husband's journey, he decided to leave the homosexual life - completely! Imagine my surprise and delight, not only was God providing for me in big ways, I was seeing God's hand in his life. Since then our paths have crossed repeatedly. We have forged a friendship, not without difficulties. Finally, we have come to a place of just enjoying each other's company with no expectations of romance. God continues to work His good purposes and healing touch in my former husband's life, as well as in my life. I cannot explain why things are the way they are or that I would have chosen the present status. It is what it is. I do not have answers for the future, but I sense in my spirit this too is in God's hands.

In the beginning of the crisis, I could not understand why my husband was doing what he was doing. I felt like he had the problem. With good intentions, I pursued knowledge in understanding what my husband was going through. I am not sure when the light finally dawned in my darkness that God had His hand on me for change. Since then I have continually been on a healing journey.

I am very thankful for God's sweet message to assure me that He was going to take care of me. The truth of the matter is that He has been taking care of me all my life. As hard as life has been at times these past seven years, I have been aware of God's provisions unlike any other time in my life. More often than not, I painfully learn as I let God be God in my life.

As I finished my jury duty day in the courtyard, I was amazed how God has brought me along to a point where I can honestly say I am enjoying life and I am thankful for the changes that have taken place in my life. As I fulfilled my time commitment that day, I was glad when the clerk announced we could check out. It was time for me to take my leave of this place. What a time it had been to look back and see all the good things God has done in my life.

Ginny Mitchell is a Board Member and Support Group Leader for His Way Out Ministries. Please see the enclosed flyer detailing the "Wives Group" Ginny facilitates.

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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Maintaining & Restoring Sexual Purity
(A Discipleship/Support Group Series)

Maintaining and Restoring Sexual Purity is available to men that struggle with sexual and relational brokenness (heterosexual and homosexual), wives whose marriage has been impacted by pornography, adultery, or homosexuality, parents rebounding from the shock and dismay of a child or loved one involved in homosexuality, and persons desiring to be equipped for ministry to the sexually broken.

All meetings are held at Chester Avenue Community Church, 1509 South Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA from 9am to 11am. Below are the topics and meeting dates for February 2009.

February 7th - "Grace vs. Performance" includes: The Cure to the Trap of Performing for God and How Do I Start Living Out of Grace?

February 21st - "God's Plan for Human Sexuality" addresses: Made in the Image of God, Faithful - Heterosexual Monogamy, and The Impact of Sexual Sin Upon Our Soul.

If you're tired of fighting the battle alone and you are ready to take some major steps toward sexual purity, make plans to join us for this exciting series.

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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...

"May God bless you richly in 2009 as you continue to bless others in His ministry." - Frank & Maile

"I just read your newsletter and I wanted to say you really have a talent for keeping it real and fresh. Your honesty, integrity and faithfulness to the ministry for 15 years is, well...amazing!" - Kevin

"We see you as a cheer leader or crowd motivator for God's Team and firmly believe your efforts to stir up enthusiasm for missions are reaping great benefits. Thank you for all your efforts to touch lives affected by AIDS." - Nick & Kathi

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Sexual Impurity in a Marriage
Hope for Wives When Sexual Impurity Hits a Marriage
Begins January 3, 2009

Sexual Impurity in a Marriage
Wives, when you vowed, "I do," for better or worse you thought you knew what "worse" meant. Now, you realize it can actually mean 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 know, 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 joining this group where you can experience support in a safe environment with biblical guidance, prayer and encouragement for your healing journey.

Beginning Saturday, January 3, 2009, meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 9am to 11am. Topics/teachings and group discussion include: Grieving the Losses, Angry - But Not Stuck, Dynamics of Disclosure, Staying Sane, Admitting Fears, and much, much more!

All meetings will be held at Chester Avenue Community Church, 1509 S. Chester Avenue (corner of S. Chester Avenue and Ming Avenue), Bakersfield, CA (Chapel).

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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Answering Pro-Gay Theology
The Destruction of Sodom - Genesis 19:4-9

Pro-Gay Argument
Sodom was destroyed because of the inhospitality of its citizens, not because of homosexuality.

Many pro-gay supporters promote this view basing it on two assumptions: (1) Lot was violating Sodom's custom by entertaining guests without the permission of the city's elders, thus prompting the demand to bring the men out "so we may know them"; and (2) the words, "to know" do not necessarily have a sexual connotation. The Hebrew word 'yada' appears 943 times in the Old Testament. It carries a sexual meaning perhaps ten of the 943 times. The argument, then, is that the men of Sodom had no sexual intentions toward Lot's visitors.

Response

This argument makes no sense in light of Lot's responses. His first response - "Do not so wickedly, my brethren" - could hardly apply to a simple request to "get to know" his guests. His second response is especially telling: He answered their demands by offering his two virgin daughters, another senseless gesture if the men only wanted a social knowledge of his guests. And why, if these men had innocent intentions, was the city destroyed for inhospitality? Whose rudeness was being judged - Lot's, or Sodom's citizens? This theory raises more questions than it answers. Inhospitality alone cannot account for the severity of Lot's response to the men, or for the judgment that followed.

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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.

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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 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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