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October 2009 Highlights
- I don't expect this to go away. I'm here for you to help me control it.
- Problems vs. Opportunities
- Dear His Way Out Ministries...
- Challenge/Answer: Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-24
- LISTEN ONLINE Pastor Phillip Lee at Parkside Church
- Now on DVD: Homosexuality and the Reality of Change
- What's Coming Up?
- IT'S ABOUT LIFE: Food Ministry to Those Impacted by AIDS
- His Way Out Ministries Services
By Pastor Phillip Lee
The above quote reflects a statement I have been offered by many youth over the past several months. While I understand the statement and even on some level appreciate the sincerity and honesty, the statement also grieves me as it reflects the desperate crisis that we face with regard to youth struggling with and combating same-gender attraction. To compound the crisis, all of the youth are Christians, each having been raised in Church and reared in a Christian home. Once again, we find "the elephant" in the room that very, very few want to talk about.
When our path crosses with a struggling youth, we need to be open to partnering with the Lord to help turn the tide in his or her life. During adolescence most people determine the morals and personal identity they will embrace for the remainder of their life. Likewise, much confusion and challenges will take place before any semblance of clarity comes. This is all the more true for youth deciding their sexual identity. Studies have shown that vast numbers of youth entering adolescence are uncertain about their sexual orientation, but few exiting the teenage years remain ambiguous. Therefore, the teenage years are a crucial period for the Church of Jesus Christ to speak to youth tempted by homosexuality and educate each young person regarding the Truth of Scripture regarding the practice of homosexuality. Without a doubt, offering a right and true perspective will not only make a difference to a gay youth, it will distinguish Christians quite a bit from others he or she will encounter.
While it is true that the number of teens embracing homosexuality is alarming, that should not minimize nor dismiss the incredible opportunity we have to reach out to gay youth with the message of salvation and sexual redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ and most assuredly challenge the above quote with the Truth of Scripture.
Homosexuality is a symptom of a spiritual and relational problem. Therefore, simply stopping the behavior is not really getting to the root of what is making the person "feel different." For the Christian trying to minister to a gay youth, consider asking these questions: Does the young person experience a lot of rejection by others? Is the teen uncomfortable with his gender? Does he spurn others of the same sex, refusing to hang out with anyone other than a gay friend? Is the youth afraid of meeting new people, attending social gatherings, etc.? Is she overly critical or fearful of men? Is the teen envious of certain characteristics which others of the same-sex have that he does not? For many trying to reach or reason with a youth struggling with same-gender attraction, the question of "What if people think that I'm gay?" often surfaces. Three words, "Get over it!" Be concerned more with character rather than reputation.
As Christ-followers embracing the truth and totality of Scripture, don't ever think we have to defend or apologize for what Scripture has clearly said about purity nor must we be enticed to debate or argue with the individual. Recognize it is not really a struggle between "us and them," it is ultimately between them and the Word of God.
Today, a multitude struggling with various addictions, compulsive behaviors, and habits, are all asking the same question: How long will change take? For any individual, youth or adult struggling with homosexuality, the good news is that homosexual activity may stop as soon as the decision is made to no longer participate. But since homosexual feelings have become closely associated with the youth's unmet needs, whether real or perceived for emotional intimacy, God most likely will not take away the feelings because He does not take away our needs - instead He helps us meet our needs. The underlying issues that fuel same-gender attraction take time to work through. Herein lies, I believe, why so many youth have become influenced and bought into the notion that even homosexual feelings and desires cannot be resolved. Hence, "I'm just here for you to help me control and manage it," is often the expectation and attitude of the struggling young person.
It is imperative that we inspire faith in those to whom we minister. In my experience, the ones I have known who have successfully left homosexuality are those who have relinquished control of their lives to the Holy Spirit. Clearly, there is a level of surrender required to resolve any form of sexual and relational brokenness, including homosexuality that many are unwilling to offer. Only God can bring about the changes the youth desires.
While I have met and continue to meet with youth who are determined to resolve the issues of their sexuality, most feel too inadequate, lack motivation and do not have an individual structured in their life to help them through the process of healing and wholeness. Any Christian can emphasize to the hurting that there is hidden need within the heart of everyone that an intimate relationship with God can fill. Reaching gay youth is something we all can do and must do to help searching youth understand God's abundant plans for their lives and to counteract the pro-gay agenda that desires to ruin all hope for the youth. No one is doomed to be gay, and we may be the only person that will have the courage to share the Good News with a youth struggling with same-gender attraction.
While it is easy enough to become cynical about the times in which we live, remember when God is put in the equation of life, a hope that does not disappoint rises with us. It is true that the number of teens embracing homosexuality has become alarming, but we should trust God and reach out to gay youth with the message of salvation and sexual redemption available through the Lord Jesus Christ. I am grateful that Christians did that for me.
"My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, "Four months more and then the harvest? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" Jesus Christ.
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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Problems vs. Opportunities
Regularly we hear about, and converse with, numerous individuals in ministry about the times we are in as a Church and the challenges we face. Often, very often, conversation turns to the sad state of the Church and where we are sexually. Admittedly, many Christian men and women are fighting an intense battle against homosexuality and pornography. The men, women, and families who come to His Way Out Ministries must get painfully honest and learn how to be truly intimate with Christ and others. There simply is no other way. There are no shortcuts and no quick fixes. Transformation, healing, deliverance, and restoration is not packaged in a workbook or promised in twelve short weeks.
We get down deep in the stuff of the heart and the real transformation power of the Holy Spirit. That is why we view the current crisis in the Church as an opportunity rather than a problem. In order for people to change they must embrace a relational Christianity. For fifteen years, it has been our privilege at His Way Out Ministries to guide people into a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ.
So, while others may be wringing their hands, or denying the problem, we are knee-deep in broken people getting well by Jesus' power. We realize that His Way Out Ministries are not the only ones who do this, nor are we the best at it; we are only saying that Jesus has graced us with certain skills. We cannot do what we do, however, without your on-going support. Will you please give toward our work this month? Partnering together, we are able to do much inside and outside the Church. Thank you for the prayerful consideration of partnering with His Way Out Ministries.
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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Other ways you can help:
- Add His Way Out Ministries to your prayer list.
- Ask your pastor to check out our website.
- Tell your friends about His Way Out Ministries and encourage them to visit this web site.
- 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.
- Show our teaching DVD or Video: "Homosexuality and the Reality of Change" to your Sunday School class.
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Dear His Way Out Ministries...
"Thank you so much for the newsletter. This last one was just so good. The information you provide just helps so much. We appreciate all that you are doing in this much needed ministry" Judy
"Thanks so much for the newsletter articles. They are extremely helpful and informative. I appreciate your ministry" Pastor Scott Pearson
"Much would not be possible without your support and we just wanted you to know how much your spirit of compassion and unselfishness mean to us and the clients that we serve on a daily basis" Bakersfield AIDS Project
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Challenge/Answer
Genesis 1:27-28; 2:18-24
Challenge: The belief that God's intention for all human relationships to be limited to a heterosexual union between one man and one woman in marriage is shallow and homophobic. Since the Genesis account does not specifically forbid the practice of homosexuality, it can hardly be seen as a model for all couples. Are heterosexual couples in sin because they are unable to have sexual relations or have children?
Answer: Yes, it is true the Genesis passages do not specifically forbid homosexual practice or relationships - however, they do provide God's original divine intent and the primary model for human sexuality by which other forms of sexual expression must be judged. Within the totality of Scripture, a male-female union is the only model of sexual behavior consistently offered and praised in the both the Old and New Testaments. There is not a single positive mention or statement about homosexuality in all of Scripture.
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Pastor Phillip Lee at Parkside Church
Listen online to a presentation by Pastor Phillip Lee to the congregation of Parkside Church on the subject What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? You can Listen Online 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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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
His Way Out Ministries from Phillip Lee on Vimeo.
If you're having trouble viewing the video above. Try the link below:His Way Out Ministries Intro
2min 38sec, 1.3MB, QT.mov
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What's Coming Up?
Parkside Church "Mission Fair"
On Sunday, October 4th, His Way Out Ministries will once again have the privilege of participating in and presenting at the Parkside Church "Mission Fair" in Bakersfield, CA. Offering a DVD presentation of our continued ministry in Guyana, South America, sharing in various Sunday School classes, giving an update to the congregation of everything that is going on at HWOM and thanking the congregation for their many years of continued support of HWOM, details just some of the opportunities HWOM will have at the Mission Fair. For more information about Parkside Church, including service times, please visit Parkside Church.
Maintaining & Restoring Sexual Purity (Series) Continues in October!
On Saturday, October 3rd and October 17th, we will turn our attention to A Game Plan for Sexual Healing: Recognizing the Adversary, Renouncing Sin and Seeking God's Power Over It, Resisting Temptation, What About Relapse?, Forgiveness, and The Priority of Humility, are just a few of the teaching topics that will be offered for education and discussion.
Maintaining and Restoring Sexual Purity is available to men and women that struggle with sexual and relational brokenness (heterosexual and homosexual), wives who marriage has been impacted by pornography, adultery, or homosexuality, and parents rebounding from he shock and dismay of a child or loved one involved in homosexuality.
All meetings are held at Chester Avenue Community Church (Chapel), 1509 South Chester Avenue in Bakersfield, CA. Meetings begin at 9:00am and conclude at 11:00am. Teaching materials are provided and there is no fee for the series. If you're tired of fighting the battle alone and you are ready to take some major steps toward sexual purity, please make plans to join us.
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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
- 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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