(no title)

Demystifying Homosexuality: Questions and Answers

Dec 29th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

Saturday, January 30, 2016
Demystifying Homosexuality: Questions and Answers

Please join Pastor Phillip Lee on January 30, 2016 from 9:00am to 11:30am at the His Way Out Ministries office for Demystifying Homosexuality: Questions and Answers, an educational workshop designed to help clear up the misconceptions many have today about homosexuality.

The workshop offers biblical and compassionate responses to homosexuality for parents, pastors, co-workers, a neighbor, or maybe just a good friend.

“Pastor, help! The homosexuals are coming, the homosexuals are coming! Now what do we do?”
Why should sharing the Gospel to a gay person be approached differently than to anyone else?
“No, really. Can homosexuals really change and what does that look like?”
Is there both Biblical and Scientific evidence to support the reality of change?
“Our child just told us he is gay. As parents, where do we go to resign?”
Does it matter ‘why’ the person you love is homosexual?
“Why doesn’t God just go ‘Poof!’ and make it go away?”
Are we not all in the process of becoming more and more like Jesus?
“Scripturally speaking, just what do we know about homosexual practice?”
Is all homosexual activity strictly forbidden or just promiscuous relationships without love or commitment?
“So, how come just saying homosexuality is a sin (it’s wrong) isn’t good enough?”
Isn’t there a difference between ‘telling’ a person something is wrong versus ‘reaching’ to a person?
“Where do I put my concerns and fears about homosexuality when I say my prayers?” What does it really mean to let go?
Let’s get real. Don’t we all have a track record?

In this journey called ‘life,’ how about “hope equals endless possibilities?”

There is no fee for the workshop. However, since teaching materials will be provided, calling or emailing His Way Out Ministries to register your attendance is required.

Contact information and directions for His Way Out Ministries at this link or the “Contact” tab above.

Posted in Mark Your Calendar | Comments Off

Thinking About Making a New Year’s Resolution?

Dec 23rd, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

Before you do, please consider this question: “Are you free to be a witness for Christ?”

Today, many wonder whether they have “done too much” that is sinful for God to use them. The reality is that none of us deserve to be partners with God in ministry. But God has chosen to work through the redeemed. If there ever was a time to affirm the truth that Paul wrote:

“Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery.” (Ephesians 3:8-9)

The time is now for God’s people to operate and go forward in the authority of Christ Jesus. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He essentially left His ministry to His earliest disciples. Today, as followers of Christ Jesus, we have received the same power to bring about the fruition of the same mandate, which is to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, baptizing and teaching them.

In essence, discipleship is leading an individual to maturity in Christ, and as you mature, it is important to make other disciples. Intrinsic to making disciples is witnessing for Christ. But what does it mean to “witness”?

I am convinced if someone is completely and truly freed to witness, it will come naturally.

Jesus taught two principles that have guided me in being His witness. First, don’t put a shade over your lamp. (Luke 8) Second, “Out of the overflow of (a man’s) heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) In other words, to be Christ’s witness means simply not to conceal who God has called you to be, and to sincerely share what you have come to believe.

The Apostle Peter puts it this way: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect….” (1 Peter 3:15)

Making a disciple may include deliberately making friends with “those people” and inevitably and naturally being a witness for Christ in their life.

Today, we cannot assume anyone knows anything about the Gospel. Therefore, quote what Jesus said and what you have learned to be true. Also, don’t represent yourself a whole lot differently to non-believers than to Christians.

The world is in desperate need of Christians being genuine and consistent.

So, let me ask you once again, “Are you free to be a witness for Christ?” If not, acknowledge your need for deliverance by asking God to set you free.

Rather than making another empty New Year’s resolution, how about making a commitment, possibly a re-commitment, by embracing to mind, heart and spirit, followed by application and action, the words of the Prophet Isaiah:

Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble. Which of them foretold this and proclaimed to us the former things? Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right so that others may hear and say, “It is true.” “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you.

You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.” (Isaiah 43:8-12)

The greatest evil in the world today just may be indifference.

Truly, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth must speak.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

“If I profess with the loudest voice and clearest exposition every portion of the truth of God except precisely that little point which the world and the devil are at the moment attacking, the I am not confessing Christ, however boldly I may be professing Christ. Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is tested.” Martin Luther

Posted in by Pastor Phillip Lee | Comments Off

World AIDS Day, December 1, 2015

Nov 29th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

Thoughts and Reflections

In a world that remains starved for heroes and leaders, in a world that is saturated by debates and opinion polls, I remain comforted in knowing the Bible continues to point beyond “us” to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Today, the ultimate question remains not, “What is the answer?” It is “Who is the answer?”

I have heard it said, “You never lighten any load until you feel the pressure in your own soul.”

It is an undeniable fact that AIDS has and will continue to force many to make hard choices, choices that will clearly reveal what kind of people we are choosing to be. Prayerfully, I continue to hope more and more people will pause and resolve to follow Jesus, who willingly took risks, crossed barriers, touched lepers, and met freely and frequently with the despised. Clearly, Jesus understands the human needs of understanding, acceptance, trust, compassion, forgiveness and touch.

Over these past 30 years of my new life in Christ, I have shared numerous times the heart-wrenching fact that all those I once ran with are now gone. To this day, their names, faces, their laughs, haunt me. I clearly and vividly remember a phone call with my closest and dearest friend just before he passed away with AIDS. He remained in San Francisco long after God had transported me back to Bakersfield in 1985 when and where everything in life changed. The last thing he said to me during a phone conversation was, “Phillip, we don’t understand what has happened to you, but whatever it is, keep it up.” I continue to be haunted by waters.

Pastor Phillip Lee sharing with His Excellency, Governor General of Jamaica, Dr. Patrick Allen.

Every person knows or will know at least one individual infected by HIV/AIDS. That means every church in the United States and around the world will come face-to-face with the on-going tragedy. It has been said, “Give me one good reason why I should care?” With regard to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, there are millions of reasons to care.

In my personal travels to churches of all denominations, when I share where we remain in the global crisis with regard to HIV/AIDS, those in attendance are shocked to hear present day facts. I, for one, will continue to hope and pray that Christians will play a more vital role in turning back the tide of this pandemic. I truly believe, in this moment, God has called us to respond. God has given us Biblical principles to halt HIV infections and to bring hope to those whose lives have been devastated by this deadly disease. The Church can be a powerful tool in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and ministering hope to those infected.

When I meet people with HIV/AIDS, it doesn’t matter to me how they got it. All that matters is that they are human beings whom God loves so much and asks us to love too. Ultimately, we must talk about HIV/AIDS. Why? Because this about people and not just an issue. In the name of decency, true compassion, humanity and the sanctity of life (all life), the truth cannot and must not be ignored or suppressed with what continues to unfold regarding HIV/AIDS. Peoples’ lives are not made better physically, psychologically, spiritually or socially – as a result of ignoring or unwillingness to talk about a real, true crisis of our time.

HIV/AIDS is a disease that impacts real people and their loved ones who must learn to face this together, because no one can face it alone. People facing HIV/AIDS do better when they know what to expect on the journey. They do best when they don’t have to find their way alone. The journey begins with “talking about it.”

Without fail, every individual and every family member I have ever met impacted by HIV/AIDS asks: “How do you get through this?” What they are really saying is, “I don’t know how I’m going to survive this.”

I pray that you will see “no one except Jesus” (Matthew 17:8), holding out His arms to assure you of His love and understanding. He alone can meet your needs, wipe away the tears, heal the wounds, comfort the hurts, and cleanse.

With HIV/AIDS comes the very real resolution of emotional issues such as anger, loneliness, guilt, humiliation and fear.

Therefore…

When you are afraid…”The Lord is my shepherd…” (Psalm 23)
When you need a reminder of God’s love…”For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)
When you need peace…”Peace I leave with you, My peace…” (John 14:27)
When you need hope…”Now hope does not disappoint…” (Romans 5:1-5)
When you’re wondering where is this headed…”And God will wipe away every tear…” (Revelation 21:4)

I believe in order to earn the right to tell people how to find God’s love; you have to model for them first what it is.

Are we, God’s people, not compelled to share His love with others? Personally, I can’t think of any group that needs to experience His love more than people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Jesus would listen to them, laugh with them, and weep with them. He would always be with them. Their fathers and mothers might forsake them, but He would never do that.

Outside the context of faith in a living God who shares our sorrows and carries us through them when we reach the end of ourselves, do we really have anything of substance to offer anyone? However, when we choose to keep walking by faith, we continue learning the truth of the Apostle Paul’s words, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Many, many years ago, long before my own diagnosis of being HIV positive in January 1993, I embraced and stood upon the above Scripture as I do today. When I was told I was HIV positive by my doctor, I was in no shape to drive home. Thankfully and gratefully, a dear friend picked me up and drove me home.

Today, I still remember clearly saying, “I don’t want to go through this.”

My friend asked, “Phillip, how will you use this for Jesus?”

“But I have AIDS, what can I do?”

“Phillip, AIDS does not and will not limit God.”

There is no doubt, no question, God has provided many opportunities for me to share my experience with others. He has taken the tragedy of an AIDS diagnosis and turned it completely around into a powerful tool of His grace and mercy. God has been and continues to be so good to me. Truly, I am the recipient of…”With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:16)

While HIV/AIDS is seen by many as a disease of death, it can also teach how to really live. Indeed, God is bigger than all of life’s problems and troubles. He is bigger than AIDS. HIV/AIDS has taught me that if I will submit my life, my frustrations, my problems, my worries and fears to God on a daily basis, He is faithful to meet all my needs and I am able to “boast about my sickness that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2 Corinthians 11:30)

I, for one, remain determined to continue raising visibility and openness about the disease as a way of reducing the stigma and calling the Church worldwide to a Christ-like response to the heartbreaking faces of AIDS. The need and the opportunity remains great for the Christian community to take the lead in responding to the HIV/AIDS crisis with conviction and compassion.

Christian, you are uniquely qualified to bear witness to the world that the One who defeated death offers us the principles and the power to defeat HIV/AIDS. Your prayers and your participation can make a difference in the lives and eternal destinies of millions of men, women and children.

Today, there remains a world crying out for hope.

Jesus continues to call His Church worldwide to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic through a message of Christian hope and compassion. HIV/AIDS is not the end.

Through faith in Christ – it can lead to a very new beginning.

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries…
To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, financial support, offerings and prayers, we remain truly grateful. Bless you for enabling us to speak His truth with love and integrity.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Posted in Answering The Culture, by Pastor Phillip Lee | Comments Off

Coming Up in December 2015

Nov 29th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

Monthly Events

Saturday December 5, 2015
For ‘Wives’ Only

When homosexuality or sexual impurity hits a marriage, it certainly produces a crisis. However, it may be that with the ‘secret’ becoming known, the marriage has opportunity to survive. For ‘Wives’ Only, facilitated by Ginny Mitchell, offers support in a safe environment with biblical guidance, prayer and encouragement for your healing journey. For ‘Wives’ Only meets on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00am to 11:00am at His Way Out Ministries Office.

December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2015
His Way Out, Las Vegas

Las Vegas Class with Jill Stacey Rodgers is a discipleship class designed to help both men and women with unwanted same-sex attraction. The class is held at Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain on Monday evening’s beginning at 6:00pm. Jill is the author of Cinderella Dream, a memoir about a shattered life restored.

For more information, please contact His Way Out Ministries.

Saturday December 19, 2015
Friends and Family

Friends and Family offers a relaxed, informal meeting that is available to anyone seeking to understand the complexities of homosexuality and become more effective in reaching those combating same-gender attraction. Facilitated by Craig and Karen Fulwyler, Friends and Family assists parents, friends, co-workers, a fellow brother and sister in Christ, a neighbor, face the complexity of emotions, actions and questions that will undoubtedly surface when learning of an individual’s homosexuality. Friends and Family meets on the fourth Saturday of each month from 9:00am to 11:00am at His Way Out Ministries Office.

Posted in Mark Your Calendar | Comments Off

When “Thanks” Are Simply Not Enough

Oct 28th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

The New Testament makes it abundantly clear that evangelism is in some way connected with the final return of Christ at the consummation of all history. Before the final coming of the Son of Man, “the gospel must first be preached to all nations.” (Mark 13:10)

Clearly, the greatest thing you and I can do for all people is to bring them face-to-face with the Christ who died for them.

Twenty-two years ago when God saw fit to birth His ministry called His Way Out Ministries, He could not have been more specific in defining our calling and mission.

The Church
Raise awareness, educate, equip, and encourage the Body of Christ to minister to those who struggle with homosexuality.

Individuals
Lovingly communicate to the sexually broken that God’s mercy and grace are sufficient for transformation. Restoration and wholeness, through competent ministry, prayer, and a caring Christian community is possible.

Community
Effectively and compassionately communicate God’s heart concerning sexual and relational brokenness, while disputing the unchangeable nature of sexual orientation.

Today, freedom from homosexuality in Christ Jesus does not enjoy a lot of good press. However, The Church, Peter reminds us, exists not least to “declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)

This Good News is for sharing and His Way Out Ministries is here to ensure it happens.

This 2-minute video gets to the heart of why God birthed His Way Out Ministries in 1994 and why His Way Out Ministries continues today.

With Great Appreciation to Our Friends and Partners
A special thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals and families that have and continue to cover His Way Out Ministries in prayer and for your frequent sacrificial giving. Since 1994, you have been the backbone of our ministry and we remain truly grateful.

It takes a team to reach around the world with the message of hope, healing and transformation in Christ Jesus. Therefore, to the ministries and churches we extend our sincere appreciation for your generosity, advocacy and support.

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

Operation Restoration, Guyana, South America
Living Stones Ministries, Glendora, CA.
Wholeness Ministries, Bakersfield, CA.
Family Community Fellowship, Bakersfield, CA.
Calvary Bible Church, Bakersfield, CA.
Chester Avenue Community Church, Bakersfield, CA.
First Baptist Church, Taft, CA.
Grace Assembly of God, Bakersfield, CA.
New Life Center, Bakersfield, CA.
First Presbyterian Church, Bakersfield, CA.
Northside Community Church, Bakersfield, CA.
Olive Knolls Nazarene Church, Bakersfield, CA
River Lakes Community Church, Bakersfield, CA.
Parkside Church, Bakersfield, CA.
Grace Baptist Church, Santa Clarita, CA.
The Power of Change Outreach International, Jamaica
Hospital Christian Fellowship, Trinidad and Tobago
Rock Harbor Church, Bakersfield, CA.
R&O Fishering Tools, Bakersfield, CA.
Mike Sampley & Associates, Bakersfield, CA.
First Baptist Church, Pomona, CA.
Harvest Christian Church, Bakersfield, CA.
Christian Assembly, Mt. Mesa, CA.
Grace Chapel, Lancaster, CA.
Fairfax Assembly of God, Bakersfield, CA.
Heritage Free Will Baptist Church, Greenfield, CA.
Exodus Global Alliance, Ontario, Canada
Hope Community Church, Pico Rivera, CA.
Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain, Las Vegas, NV.
Canyon Hills Assembly of God, Bakersfield, CA.
Height Street Baptist Church, Bakersfield, CA.

We wanted you all to know that we appreciate you. Your tireless service for the Lord is reflected in all you do. So we pray that you will know how special you are to us and to carry on the work of God, serving in His love.

From All of Us at His Way Out Ministries…
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. To each of you who continually bless us by your encouragement, ministry participation, monthly financial support, offerings and prayers…we remain truly grateful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Posted in by Pastor Phillip Lee | Comments Off

Gay Rights or Wrongs by Mike Mazzalongo

Oct 28th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

Gay Rights or Wrongs: A Christian’s Guide to Homosexual Issues and Ministry by Mike Mazzalongo is an honest, sincere, compassionate, and knowledgeable treatment of information on the problems involving homosexuality in today’s world.

Historical background, physical considerations, and – most of all – the role of the Church in addressing homosexuality, are confronted with directness and with courage.

A very useful update on an on-going and troubling issue for Christians.

Gay Rights or Wrongs: A Christian’s Guide to Homosexual Issues and Ministry by Mike Mazzalongo is available at Amazon.com.

Posted in Recommended Reading | Comments Off

Coming Up in November 2015

Oct 28th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

Mark Your Calendar

Sunday November 29, 2015
Rock Harbor Church, Bakersfield, CA

On Sunday, November 29th, Pastor Phillip Lee will have the privilege of sharing a His Way Out Ministries update with the congregation at Rock Harbor Church as well as a message titled, Homosexuality and the Church: Why has the issue of homosexuality been and remains so divisive to the Church? When the authority of the Bible is denigrated, the Church of Jesus Christ, the light of the world, is without clear guidance of her own. We cannot accept a theology or a way of life that flies in the face of God’s Word.

The Sunday morning service on November 29th begins at 10:30am. For more information, please visit: RockHarbor.net

Monthly Events

Saturday November 7, 2015
For ‘Wives’ Only

November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015
His Way Out, Las Vegas

For more information, please contact His Way Out Ministries.

Saturday November 28, 2015
Friends and Family

Posted in Mark Your Calendar | Comments Off

Trinidad and Tobago Ministry Trip Team Report 2015

Oct 8th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

September 28 – October 5, 2015

On September 28th, Rev. Michelle Smith, Carol Wagstaff, Dr.’s Earl and Sandy Wilson, Craig and Karen Fulwyler, and Pastor Phillip Lee began a host of week-long activities which ultimately culminated in the Marriage, Family Life and Sexual Health Conference held at the Radisson Hotel in Port of Spain, capital of Trinidad and Tobago.

Top Left: Craig Fulwyler, His Way Out Ministries; Earl Wilson, Tuff Stuff Ministries; Phillip Lee, His Way Out Ministries; Nicole Larsen, Christian Radio Isaac 98.1FM; Michelle Smith, The Power of Change Outreach International. Center Left: Karen Fulwyler, His Way Out Ministries; Sandy Wilson, Tuff Stuff Ministries; Carol Wagstaff, Living Stones Ministries. Lower Left: Dr. Judith Henry, Hospital Christian Fellowship – Trinidad and Tobago.

Christian Radio Isaac 98.1FM provided numerous wonderful opportunities to share about a God that remains in the business of transforming lives. Two programs in particular, “Women of Promise” and “Looking for Solutions” granted each of us the privilege of sharing our personal testimonies.

Dr. Earl Wilson and Pastor Phillip Lee received an invitation to be guests on the Trinity Communications Network television program which granted them opportunity to share about the importance of the Church being a safe place for all persons to receive the support, encouragement and discipleship needed for their journey out of all forms of sexual and relational brokenness.

A very productive meeting took place with numerous pastors of the Trinidad and Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches. The meeting gave all of us the opportunity to thank the Council for their willingness and generosity in hosting the Marriage, Family Life and Sexual Health Conference.

With approximately 300 in attendance for the one-day conference, we shared how Christian parents face the reality of a son’s admission of same-sex attraction, how a marriage survives the devastation and carnage of sexual addiction, how a wife picks up the pieces of life after her husband tells her he has AIDS, and what the journey is like for both men and women coming out of the brokenness of same-sex attraction. We also emphasized the importance and significance of the Church extending ministry to those who struggle with sexual brokenness.

The picture represents just a small representation of the many dedicated Christians affiliated with Hospital Christian Fellowship, the Trinidad and Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches, Tuff Stuff Ministries, The Power of Change Outreach International, Living Stones Ministries and His Way Out Ministries making the trip such a success. Our collective message was and shall remain…”God wants us to believe once again, that He is perfect; that He loves us; that His instructions and commands are meant for our good – to keep us from destroying His purpose for us. We must see the Body of Christ as the primary agent for any and all transformation. The ministry of hope, healing, wholeness and transformation takes place in the Body of Christ, The Church.”

This is all about people.

The Marriage, Family Life and Sexual Health Conference was extremely well received and enabled reason and logic, not just emotion, to understand what we, the Church, are truly facing with regard to the much needed healing of sexual brokenness in our own ranks.

It is undeniable fact the Church’s integrity has been compromised. When people claiming to follow Christ misrepresent Him through immorality, Christians need to speak up and present the truth. Sadly, society and a portion of the Church has abandoned a perspective given to us by the Bible of sexuality confined to a heterosexual covenant, to the embracing of nearly any form of consensual sexuality.

Today, the Church should insist as the Apostle Paul did in 2 Timothy 2:19, “The Lord knows them that are His. And, let everyone that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

It is imperative the Body of Christ stand against current trends in today’s society that have and continue to distort human sexuality as God intended and created it. When all is said and done, we, The Church, will be successful by extending a ministry solution to the undeniable crisis we face today with regard to sexual and relational brokenness. Every faithful follower of Christ Jesus is both individually and collectively part of God’s plan by offering the ministry of transformation while humbly realizing God has called us to partner with Him in His plan.

What a privilege. What an honor. What a responsibility.

Through the atonement of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, God has, is, and will be delivering men and women from the snare of sexual addiction and homosexual practice because “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

The ministry partnership of Hospital Christian Fellowship and His Way Out Ministries remains dedicated to raising awareness, educating, and encouraging the Body of Christ in Trinidad and Tobago to minister to those with unwanted same-sex attraction. Our intent is to extend compassionate Christian ministry for such persons believing that through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the healing power of the Holy Spirit, the sexually broken can experience transformation and restoration toward wholeness.

To God be the glory for the great things He has done.

Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries

Posted in by Pastor Phillip Lee, Ministry Updates | Comments Off

Victory Over the Darkness by Neil T. Anderson

Oct 5th, 2015 by His Way Out Ministries

Victory Over the Darkness (Realizing the Power of Your Identity in Christ) by Neil T. Anderson helps you understand and live by important truths from Scripture, making it possible for you to recognize and ward off Satan’s attacks while growing closer to Christ. Our identity in Christ is a fundamental truth that we believers need to understand, if we are to grow to Christian maturity. “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)