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Confronting ‘gay’ with truth

Sep 10th, 2015 by

Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain
His Way Out Ministries – Restored Hope Network
Las Vegas, Nevada

“Remedying the many lies often associated with ‘gay’ by confronting them with truth.”

“We are apt to forget that a man is not only committed to Jesus Christ for salvation; he is committed to Jesus Christ’s view of God, of the world, of sin and of the devil, and this will mean that he must recognize the responsibility of being transformed by the renewing of his mind.” Oswald Chambers

It all began so simply. Jill Stacey Rodgers shared her hope, vision and passion with her pastors at Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain, about offering a class on freedom from same-sex attraction. Jill’s belief, along with her pastors, centered on “If we avail ourselves to the sexually broken and believe that God has the willingness and the omnipotence to empower results, we will be witness to,’The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.'” (1 John 3:8)

Ultimately, Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain saw no reason to ‘reinvent the wheel’ with regard to ex-gay ministry, and encouraged Jill to contact His Way Out Ministries about forming a ministry partnership and covering for the class. On August 3, 2015, Jill began facilitating the class at Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain which offers discipleship to those with unwanted same-sex attraction, challenges parents to make godly choices for spiritual growth in their own lives in response to the issue of homosexuality impacting their family, and also educates individuals desiring to be better equipped to minister to those with unwanted same-sex attraction. The class meets every Monday evening beginning at 6:00pm. Each time the class meets, a new person attends.

Jill shared this update regarding the class last Monday evening…
“Had another new person in the class from California. This person is going to attend once a month while he visits Las Vegas on a regular basis. God is moving that’s for sure!”

Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain, His Way Out Ministries and Restored Hope Network believes it is the responsibility of the Church to offer the message and discipleship that it is not helpful to the homosexual person to either endorse his sin or reject him (or her) as a person, rather the Church must provide the new way, the new lifestyle that will replace the old sinful lifestyle.

As a result, the Monday night class covers such topics as:

  • Did God Say? – Have you been tempted to think of homosexual practice as God-approved?
  • A ‘Decisive Decision’ – To what extent have you surrendered your will to the Lord?
  • Spiritual Warfare – How do you combat: loneliness, unbelief, boredom?
  • Correcting Our Image of God – How have you sought to know God and do you believe He wants the very best for you?
  • Correcting Our Image of Self – To what extent and in what way do you believe God can (will) change you?
  • Walking in the Light – Did you think freedom from temptation would be a permanent condition?
  • Steps Out of Homosexuality – What events led you to make the decision to leave homosexuality?

The entire content of the class focuses upon upholding God’s standard of righteousness and holiness which declares homosexual practice as sin, but also affirms that God’s love and redemptive power is able to bring wholeness and restoration to the entire individual, including his or her sexuality.

For more information, please contact His Way Out Ministries.

Posted in Answering The Culture, Mark Your Calendar, Ministry Updates | Comments Off

Mom/Dad: “I can’t believe this has happened. Yep. It is for this we have Jesus.”

Sep 2nd, 2015 by

Pastor Phillip Lee RHT05Ok, it’s Sunday morning and you are driving home from church having just heard a message which clearly shared, “There is no allowance whatsoever in Scripture for the practice of homosexuality in any form or to any degree.” The truth resonates in your mind, heart and spirit because you have not only heard the truth but you have seen with your own eyes in God’s Word that homosexual practice, not unlike numerous and various other behaviors, is not acceptable to God.

But now, YOU have the task if not the monumental challenge of facing the son or daughter that sees nothing wrong with homosexual practice and is involved in a same-sex relationship. YOU are now the one that gets to flesh out the truth you now know. How is that done? What do YOU do? What don’t YOU do? What does representing Christ Jesus in this matter look like?

First and foremost, let’s put even this crisis in it’s proper context. Embrace the promise of Romans 8:28 that God makes everything – even calamities – work for our good. Admittedly, it is often very excruciating to wait for the ‘good’ to work.

I mean, when it seems that everything is literally coming apart at the seams, it’s hard to consider if anything good will really come out of misery.

  • My first encouragement is learn as much as you can about the causes of homosexuality. Simply knowing it is wrong is not even close to being enough.
  • Don’t run the matter into the ground every time you see your son or daughter. Often, there can be a good reason(s) for not dealing with a problem right now.
  • Do everything you can to keep the lines of communication open and maintain your relationship. If you feel you have been batting your head against the wall seeking resolution of ‘the problem,’ take a rest. It may not be God’s time to deal with the issue.
  • Make sure your son or daughter is aware of your belief and position regarding homosexual practice. Heaven knows, God can deal with and use our mistakes but He cannot deal with our inaction. Be clear and precise.
  • Do not argue about homosexuality. The very moment the conversation erupts into anger – drop it! Badgering will only produce pushing the individual the wrong direction. Many problems and issues in life are often solved very indirectly; not when we are consciously dealing with them, but when we are going about our normal lives.
  • It is imperative to distinguish between “acceptance and approval.” It is important to separate, both in our own minds and to our loved ones, their individual worth from the acts of homosexuality they may be committing.
  • Stay completely away from Christian cliches such as: “God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve” and “Love the sinner but hate the sin.” Christian cliches only reinforce the belief of many with same-sex attraction that the Christian community is unwilling to truly educate themselves on the complexities of same-sex attraction.
  • Do not hesitate to admit when and where the Church has been wrong with regard to men and women with same-sex attraction. We, the Church, have made mistakes and in some cases owe the gay community an apology.
  • Refrain from attacking the character of homosexuals when discussing homosexuality. Keep to the real issue: “The real issue is whether or not homosexual practice is, in and of itself, moral.”
  • Do not be discouraged if your conversations do not produce instant fruit. What we will answer to God for is speaking truth lovingly and plainly – not for how our loved one responds.
  • Be relentless in looking for every opportunity to share it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling presence of His Spirit which is the foundation needed to overcome same-sex attraction.
  • Release control. Let God decide how to bring freedom. God is the only One who can bring about change in the homosexual.
  • Let the son, daughter and everyone know that God has a reputation of transforming trapped people with damaged sexualities. “And such were some of you” applies to all Christians who had formerly participated in homosexuality. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
  • And, remember, those entangled in sin, of course, will have weak faith, so be merciful to those who doubt. (Jude 22)

Somewhere I read, “Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” When Jesus Christ is “there,” life has infinite possibilities.

“Yep. It is for this we have Jesus.”

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

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Last Saturday, at the Youth For Christ Ministry Fair…

Aug 31st, 2015 by

Pastor Phillip Lee RHT05“Two days ago, our son told us he believes he is gay. As Christians, what should be our initial response?”

“My son agrees with the Bible that homosexuality is wrong but still chooses to practice. What do I do?”

“As parents, is it our fault our daughter is gay?”

“Why are so many Christians buying into the lie that homosexuals are born that way?”

These are just a few of the questions posed by those in attendance at the Youth For Christ Ministry Fair last Saturday.

I remain grateful to Youth For Christ – Kern County for inviting me share at the Ministry Fair. Once again, after the presentation Youth and Homosexuality – A Crisis of Truth, a long line formed with each and every question largely centering around, “I want to be an Ambassador for Christ, a redemptive influence, but how do I show Christ’s love without appearing to condone homosexual practice?”

The Bible is abundantly clear that all faithful followers of Christ Jesus are to be light where there is darkness, rather than hiding our witness from those who need it. Today, there are still far too many Christians that believe you have to be an expert on all aspects of homosexuality before you can be a godly influence on a friend, relative or fellow brother or sister in Christ.

What is stopping so many today in defending the Authority of Scripture with regard to homosexual practice? Is it fear of being beaten in an argument? Fear of not knowing what to say? Fear of messing it all up? Such fears are groundless. Christians are not in the business of “winning the argument.” People are not argued into the Kingdom of God. What is eloquent and pierces a heart and soul is the personal testimony of someone whose life has been transformed by Christ. This is exactly what excites and captivates the imagination and interest. Not being well versed or educated on the subject of homosexuality is no excuse for remaining silent. We each have our own story to tell.

Having the opportunity to talk with so many people last Saturday at the Ministry Fair, I could not help but ponder all weekend long the voice(s) that must continue to go out from the Christian community regarding homosexual practice is one that is absolutely unsparing in truth, will not compromise under challenging conditions and yet unsparing in love.

Heaven knows, the Church has always had the challenge of responding to the issues of its time. Therefore, it is always encouraging and strengthening to join together with friends and partners in ministry like Sheryl Giesbrecht who facilitated a workshop titled Hope for Hurting Hearts and Randy Martin who offered a workshop titled Mentoring Teens. The individual and collective message? “How you can make a difference.”

I believe the Youth For Christ Ministry Fair offered and emphasized a number of very important points.

  • See a person – not just a problem.
  • Be willing to listen.
  • Point everyone to Jesus.
  • You aren’t expected to have all the answers.

    • and…

  • Always, always give hope for something better.

I remain grateful for the opportunity to spend considerable time talking with Adam Capehart, Executive Director of Youth For Christ Kern County, Jerry Buzzell, Associate Director of Operations and Josh Heimiller, Associate Director of Ministry – Youth For Christ Kern County. Very special thanks to Sandra Millard, Associate Director of Staff and Program Development.

Today, it is easy enough to become cynical about the times in which we live, however, when God is put in the equation of life, a hope that does not disappoint rises within us.

It is true that the number of teens embracing homosexuality has become alarming, but we must trust God and reach out to youth with the message of salvation and sexual redemption available through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Clearly, Youth For Christ Kern Connty understands that change starts by one person loving another.

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

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Crisis in Ministry (A Wesleyan Response to the Gay Rights Movement) by Robert L. Kuyper

Aug 27th, 2015 by

rr-crisis-in-ministry-kuyperIn his book, Crisis in Ministry (A Wesleyan Response to the Gay Rights Movement), Robert Kuyper captures the essence of the Church’s dilemma over the issue of homosexuality. His thorough treatment of the subject is a breath of fresh air in the dark halls of controversy over gay rights, reparative therapy and the Christian’s responsibility to minister God’s grace and truth. He offers a strong challenge to the Church to wake up and take its rightful place as ambassadors for the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world of sexual sinners.

Robert L. Kuyper is the Founder of the Transforming Congregations Movement within the United Methodist Church, which began in 1988 and the first Executive Board President of His Way Out Ministries.

Out of print but available from Amazon resellers at Amazon.com.

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Marriage, Family and Sexual Health Conference, October 2015

Aug 27th, 2015 by

Carol Wagstaff, Earl & Sandy Wilson, Michelle Smith, and Craig & Karen Fulwyler

Carol Wagstaff, Earl & Sandy Wilson, Michelle Smith, and Craig & Karen Fulwyler

On Saturday, October 3, 2015, the Trinidad and Tobago Council of Evangelical Churches is sponsoring a one-day conference to be held at the Radisson Hotel in Port of Spain titled Marriage, Family and Sexual Health.

Organized by our ministry partners, Hospital Christian Fellowship, the event is offered to the public with Caribbean ministry leadership from Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago gathering to continue raising awareness, educate, equip and encourage the Body of Christ in the Caribbean to minister to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction.

Guest speakers include: Carol Wagstaff, Founder and Executive Director of Living Stones Ministries in Glendora, California; Dr.’s Earl and Sandy Wilson, Founders and Co-Directors of Tuff Stuff Ministries in Portland, Oregon; Michelle Smith, Founder and Executive Director of The Power of Change Outreach International and the author of From Lesbianism to Grace; Craig and Karen Fulwyler, leaders of the His Way Out Ministries Friends and Family Care Group and Pastor Phillip Lee, Executive Director of His Way Out Ministries.

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Caribbean Ministry Network 2015

Jul 29th, 2015 by

If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle.
(1 Corinthians 14:8)

Dr. Judith Henry, Hospital Christian Fellowship; Pastor Phillip Lee; and His Excellency, Anthony Carmona, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Dr. Judith Henry, Hospital Christian Fellowship; Pastor Phillip Lee; and His Excellency, Anthony Carmona, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

In geographical terms the Caribbean area includes the Caribbean Sea and all of the islands located to the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, east of Central America and Mexico, and to the north of South America. Some of its counted cay’s, islands, islets and inhabited reefs front the handful of countries that border the region. Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean two-island nation near the coast of South America.

Trinidad has the cultural energy and is environmentally rich too, as any naturalist will tell you. Tobago meanwhile is legendary for its peace and calm and its affection for the old-time ways. Surpassing the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago is the warmth and hospitality of its people. Guyana is often referred to as the bridge between South America and the Caribbean, bordering Brazil to its south, Venezuela to its west, Suriname to its east, the Atlantic Ocean on the north. A member of the Caribbean Community of nations, its history and heritage are shared with the former British West Indies and English its language.

Phillip Lee and Michelle Smith, The Power of Change Outreach International (Jamaica), at Christian Radio 98.1, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Phillip Lee and Michelle Smith, The Power of Change Outreach International (Jamaica), at Christian Radio 98.1, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

For many years now, each ministry trip to Trinidad and Tobago always includes a visit to Isaac Christian Radio 98.1FM which is the most widely listened to radio station in all of Trinidad and Tobago. Michelle Smith, Founder and Director of The Power of Change Outreach International in Jamaica and author of From Lesbianism to Grace and Pastor Phillip Lee have been given numerous opportunities to share with Trinidad and Tobago the important role of The Church in ministering to those with unwanted same-gender attraction. At the close of the each program, contact information for The Power of Change Outreach International and His Way Out Ministries is always shared. As a result and without fail, email inquiries from individuals, families and churches are always considerable providing undeniable and overwhelming evidence to the need of many to connect, dialog and receive ministry with regard to same-sex attraction.

Dr. Garthlyn Pilgrim (Hospital Christian Fellowship), Pastor Lee, Nicole Larson (Christian Radio 98.1FM), Dr. Judith Henry (Hospital Christian Fellowship), Michelle Smith (The Power of Change Outreach International).

Dr. Garthlyn Pilgrim (Hospital Christian Fellowship), Pastor Lee, Nicole Larson (Christian Radio 98.1FM), Dr. Judith Henry (Hospital Christian Fellowship), Michelle Smith (The Power of Change Outreach International).

The Caribbean Ministry Network is dedicated to raising awareness, educating and equipping the Body of Christ throughout the Caribbean to minister to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction.

Jamaica is an island in the West Indies, 90 miles south of Cuba and 100 miles west of Haiti. It is a little smaller than Connecticut. The island is made up of coastal lowlands, a limestone plateau, and the Blue Mountains, a group of volcanic hills, in the east.

The hour meeting with the Governor General enabled Pastor Lee to share testimony as well as the need and importance of ex-gay ministry in Jamaica.

Stokeley Marshall, President of Lawyers Christian Fellowship, Pastor Phillip Lee, His Excellency, Governor General of Jamaica, Dr. Patrick Allen.

Stokeley Marshall, President of Lawyers Christian Fellowship, Pastor Phillip Lee, His Excellency, Governor General of Jamaica, Dr. Patrick Allen.

Since 1999, His Way Out Ministries has been raising awareness, educating, and encouraging the Body of Christ in Guyana to minister transformingly to those struggling with same-sex attraction. Guyana is a tropical country on the northern shoulder of South America and is approximately the size of Great Britain or the combined size of the States of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and bordered by Venezuela, Brazil, Suriname, and the Atlantic Ocean.

For many years now, His Way Out Ministries has enjoyed a strong ministry partnership and friendship with Operation Restoration, a local Guyanese ministry. Operation Restoration equips leaders with the requisite knowledge and skills to impart God’s perspective on human sexuality, and t empower youth, through educational and cultural programs, to become role models in the way they manage their sexuality.

Operation Restoration (Guyana) - Jennifer Flatts, Hazel David-Longe, Pastor Lee, Phyllis Jordan, Donna Collier.

Operation Restoration (Guyana) – Jennifer Flatts, Hazel David-Longe, Pastor Lee, Phyllis Jordan, Donna Collier.

Of all the challenges that we face as the Church in today’s society, whether in America or in the Caribbean, sexuality is undoubtedly one of the greatest.

If we, as Christ-followers, being fully and unconditionally committed to the entire Word of God, and valuing our call to be the salt and light of society, then we must come to terms with the rapidly changing scene around us and, in particular, the cries of individuals, families churches seeking help with regard to same-gender attraction and related issues.

Linden Assembly of God Church

Linden Assembly of God Church

God offers new life to all who are willing to receive it. Getting energized to fight homosexuality as just an “issue” may seem worthy, but we shouldn’t let that become more important than praying for the souls of the lost and hurting – and doing something positive to help homosexuals who want out of their captive lifestyles.

The Holy Spirit is mightily on the move in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Guyana with other doors of ministry opportunity opening in the Caribbean. Truly, 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 homosexuality.

Caribbean Ministry Network

Trinidad and Tobago Email abundant.life.000@gmail.com
Guyana Email operationrestoration@yahoo.co.uk
Jamaica Email thepowerofchange@yahoo.com

  • Dedicated to raising awareness, educating, encouraging and equipping The Body of Christ throughout the Caribbean to minister to those who struggle with same-sex attraction.
  • Is based upon our concern regarding the issue of homosexuality and we seek to minister to those within the Church and Islands throughout the Caribbean, with the truth of Scripture, the power of testimony and the dialog of issues.
  • Is committed to effectively and compassionately communicating God’s heart concerning sexual brokenness and wholeness, while disputing the unchangeable nature of sexual orientation.
  • Affirms that all persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggle for sexual wholeness, and we commit ourselves to that end. Our position rests on the Authority of Scripture versus the interpretations of some of the social sciences.
  • All ministry services are centered on the biblical foundations of compassion, integrity, and dependence on God.
  • Believes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the healing power of the Holy Spirit, often mediated by extended and competent ministry, prayer, and a caring Christian community, the sexually broken can experience transformation towards wholeness.

All of us at His Way Out Ministries truly covet your prayers. You make it possible for His Way Out Ministries to reach around the world with a message of hope in Christ Jesus. Today, the need remains great but too often the resources are few.

We desperately need you to help us in this effort.

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

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Coming up in August 2015

Jul 29th, 2015 by

August 1, 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.

August 3, 2015
Las Vegas Classes with Jill Stacey

Classes begin which are designed to help both men and women with unwanted same-sex attraction. Facilitated by Jill Stacey, author of the book Cinderella Dream. Classes will be held at Calvary Chapel, Lone Mountain and will be held on Monday evening’s beginning at 6:00pm. For more information about these classes, please contact His Way Out Ministries.

August 22, 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.

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Coming Up in July 2015

Jun 28th, 2015 by

July 4, 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.

July 25, 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.

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Coming Up In June 2015

May 27th, 2015 by

June 6, 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.

June 27, 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.

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When Homosexuality Hits Home by Joe Dallas

May 27th, 2015 by

rr-whenhomosexuality-dallasIn this straightforward book, Christian author Joe Dallas offers practical, step-by-step advice on how to deal with the many conflicts and emotions experienced by parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family members when they learn of a loved one’s homosexuality.

Drawing from his own experience and from his many years of helping families work through this perplexing and unexpected situation, Joe offers scriptural and compassionate advice to the growing number of family members who are saying, “My loved one is a homosexual…what do I do now?”

For more information visit JoeDallas.com.

When Homosexuality Hits Home is available at Amazon.com

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