GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Re-discovering Paradise

The last several weeks I have begun to re-discover Downtown Hollywood and the Lakes Neighborhood I live in. For some reason, the last two years have been a blur after hurricanes, sabbatical etc. I have lost touch with my neighborhood and the beauty. Its been a long time since I have been able to walk outside, since it got dark so early. But the last several weeks, Ive been able get back outside . I have loved it. I have a phenomenal neighborhood. Just a few blocks from the Intra Coastal Waterway, not far from the beach.   

There are so many cool Historical Homes in my neighborhood, (most within a few blocks of my home, mine is not one!!!!) I just love to walk and check them out. The beach is an awesome place to walk , with the new remodel of the Boardwalk. Our new Arts Park is awesome  on the circle.

I love my downtown neighborhood. I love the beach. Not to swim just to walk and enjoy. Forgive me but I have to share some photos of our neighborhood.  Today just before dark, Tonia and I went bike riding around the lakes. I believe it was the first time we've been on the bikes since two years ago when I left on Sabbatical in May. It was awesome. I'm doing it more this summer. 

If you live out west come on down and check us out at the beach and downtown. You'll fall in love with my neighborhood. That is how Tonia and I got here. We lived in Cooper City for 12 years. We would visit the beach and decided to just move here.  Now for those living in the Midwest, deep south and other less glamorous places, these pics are actually what I see everyday when I walk or ride my bike!!!!!! Ah!!! Paradise re-discovered.      

Weekly Newsletter/Politics,Going Green, Al Gore

For those who do not receive my weekly email on Thurs/Friday, I am attaching it here. There have been some who have mentioned recently, they have not been receiving them anymore, we think there may have been some spam problems with certain internet providers. If you would like to be put on our list to receive the weekly email, please send me your email address, at guym@visitoasis.org

Pastor's Email
Dear Guy, What a messed up world we are living in!!!!! Sorry to start off with such uplifting words, but it does seem to be such a messy place right now. Suicide Bombers, terrorist attacks daily, the Hurricane (cyclone) in Myanmar/Burma and now Earth Quakes in China killing thousands. What a sad week and I haven't even mentioned what's going on in our country. But if you want to have some Good News, Hurricane Season in South Florida doesn't begin for two more weeks!!!!!! Enjoy Paradise!!!!! It is for all the reasons above our Church is named Oasis Church. We really do want to be a "Refreshing Place" in a desert of troubles and problems. We all have troubles, we are going through Cyclones of our own. No doubt, that's the human condition. But I want our church to be that one place people can come in from the storm and experience some peace, albeit it for just an hour or two. That is why we offer 13 services, 3 campuses, that include 7 Nights of Worship each and every week. People literally come to church every night, just looking for some peace from the Tsunami they are experiencing. I meet them almost every night I attend. Sometimes I attend a night just because I have had a bad day and just want to worship with some other believers and hear from God. Have you ever come on a night just for that? That is why we offer our Kona Cafe. Soon we will have free WiFi in Kona. We want folks to come and be able to just hang out. Maybe with someone, or maybe just by yourself, with a book, a computer, iPod, or just to sit and have some coffee or a snack. I want our Church to be that "Third Place" you hear so many talk about. For many it's Starbucks. That's fine, but what's better than to have a Third place that has spiritual food, a hug, and some love???? At this point only our Pines campus has the 7 nights and Kona, but my vision is for all campuses to have an "Oasis"; a third place feel every night/day of the week. I can't wait until our Hollywood campus can open an Oasis in the middle of downtown Hollywood; my hope is on the Boulevard itself. My prayer is that Oasis church can be that "Spring of Living Water" that the bible speaks about. Water to the thirsty traveler, the weary Mom and the still water to those who need it. Have you invited anyone lately to the "Oasis"? Why not this weekend or next week on one of the Nights of Worship? A few things to remember this week. We are looking for some folks who are willing to step up and help our church continue to be an Oasis to those who come by leading or hosting a Community group. Pastor Pat Roberts is hosting an Orientation Meeting next week for those who are willing to just listen and consider. Our Women's Ministry is hosting a Mentoring Coffee this Sunday for those ladies who are interested in taking your Spiritual Life to the next level. This mentoring ministry is new but has had great first session results. If you are interested in attending the Orientation for this check out the article on our website. The Classics Continue this Weekend and 7NOW. We conclude this series with the Classic "Terminator" story!!! Samson, the Samsonator!! If you want to prepare yourself for the message, I suggest you click on BIBLE GATEWAY and read some of the passages we will be looking at in Judges 14-16. Next Week Begins our GOING GREEN SERIES, which leads me to some things I really want you to check out on my blog, this week. Most Important Request Yet!!! Go to my blog home page and sign up just under my picture to have my blog posts emailed to you when they're updated. That way you don't have to wonder if I have anything new and waste your time looking it up. I would love to have you on my blog email!! Thanks to Kevin McCord for fixing me up with this. Kevin is the smartest person I have ever known!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Politics, Hmm!!! Not Pleasant!!! Please read our Church's policy on this, with the Political season heating up!!!! Al Gore Where are you????? I'm Going Green  The Thunderbird Wow!!!! So much to share, along with Myanmar Disaster update, our Surge Prom Alternative, Text Messages of why we love our Moms and Mission to Haiti. After writing this I'm tired and also excited...can you be both at one time? I love serving Jesus. It is an exciting adventure. Every day is a new day, full of opportunities to make a difference!!!! Are you making a difference today, or just existing?! Lets go out and make a difference. I love you guys. I love serving with you. God bless and I cannot wait to see you this weekend or next week at 7NOW. Guy Melton, Pastor Oasis Church
Hollywood Campus Pines Campus Sermon Podcast Prayer Requests www.visitoasis.org

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Al Gore Where are You? Oasis Bulletin

Attached is the Oasis Church bulletin for the coming week. I wonder how many would print it off and not need to get one on Sunday or at one of our 7 Nights of Worship? We are talking "Going Green" the next couple of weeks. This would help the Enviroment!! Save Oasis some $$!!!! Al Gore would be so proud of us!! By the way, I'm still trying to get Al Gore to come visit us during the "Going Green" series. I can't get him to call me back. I would love to interview him for that Sunday and ask him how he SAVED the Planet. Now that would be an interview. Anyone know his cell phone number?  Inside track to get him. Assure him we will keep the Conservation up, and give him our normal fee for guests!!! 20 GREEN BACKS!!!!  That might buy one gallon of jet fuel for his private plane. But we will buy him a coach ticket, if he really wants to "Go Green" with us!!

Hey, see you this Week!! Last of the "CLASSICS" BEFORE "GOING GREEN"!!!!!

Download bulletin_may_1723_2008.pdf

   

Why We Love our Moms/Text Messages

Here are some of the Text Messages you have sent during our Church Service on Moms this past week. Enough said, Ill let you speak for yourselves!!! Completely unedited and Raw!!!! You guys are awesome!!!

I love my mom because she teaches me the importance of being a woman.

i love my mom because she always helps me and takes care of me

I Luv my mom because she makes many sacrafices for me and she makes the best fried chicken in all of florida

She has been through a lot in her life she is the strongest mom I know

I love my Mom because she never gave up on me, always pushed me to do my best, and pushed me to keep God in my life.

My mom is awesome because shes really patient and she never stops praying for me! Oh yea and she watches tv with me

Because she luvs me unconditionaly

I love my because  she's  the best.  Good  role  model and always  supportive.

i love my mom's patience, guidance, strength & love

my mom has single handedly walked by my side through thick and thin and always has open arms and a listening ear. she is my world i love her

I want to tell my godmom katie that she's like my second mom because she rocks at like everything!

She adopted me and showed me love doesnt have to come from birth

Our mom is such a fun, cool, responsible, and a caring person. She gives great advice and always supports us.

She keeps my secrets!

I love my mom because her kids mean the world to her and she is extremely dedicated to us and spoils is even though were adults!

I love my mom bcuz she is a great Godly example and is always there to comfort and encourage me and every1 around

I love mom a lot because she has 5 kids, 8 grandkids, and 3 greatgrandkids, and i am still her favorite.

Mom made best lasagna on planet & now makes in heaven..enjoy god

Mami Norma and my abuelita Rosa! Las quieros muchisimo y que dios me las bendiga! Sus nietos!

Although she is no longer with us she brought me to Christ she could have done nothing better than that.

She prays 4 me & my family!

My mom has always been the most sefless person i know

Her sacrifice

She is strong and everything i want to be when i became a mother!  I love you mom from your daughter Rosemary !!

She  is  the  best  nana 2  my son!

She is amazing because of her grace. Her patients and the greatness of how she raise us

She can cook, clean and care.

My mom is very caring and still takes care of me @ 25!!!!!!!! 

I love my mom bcuz she is awsum and i love her and she stays up late doing my laundry....i love her....for other reasons 2

My mom encourages me to pursue and accomplish all my goals and dreams.
Psalm 27:1-4

My mom is better than your mom!! I love you momma!!

She is awsome!!!  Loves me no matter what!  BEST MOM IN THE WORLD!!!    :)

My mom encourages me to pursue and accomplish all my goals and dreams.
Psalm 27:1-4

My mom thinks I am the grratest. She is my greatest fan and encourager. She helped my self confidence

I love my mom because she loves me and is awesome and is always there 4 me.....she also stays up till 10 o clock helping me on a history project

My mother is the best because she supports me and she is helping me raise my second child right after we finished the first one.

My Mom is in heaven. She was a wonderful Godly example.

My mom can cook, she works for hours. She loves to talk and take long
showers. A daughter of the Lord, and an idol of mine. She is the
greatest mother of all time.

My mom does the best 4 me . If i am kidnapped she track me and that person who kidnapped me

My mom is a great teacher

My mom is amazing. She concerns herself more about me and my siblings than she does about herself. I love you mom. :)

My moms the best because she's the strongest most beautiful woman I have
ever met! She's amazing!!

I love my mom because she loves me and takes me to church. =)

She is the most selfless person i know

My mom is very patient, social, and strong, with lots of love,

my mom's hugs are the best in the world.

My mom never lost her cool, no matter what

My mom is special because she helps me with all my problems, and cooks the best food.

My moms the best because she's the strongest most beautiful woman I have
ever met! She's amazing!!

My mom made the best cupcakes

Politics and the Church

With the Presidential Political Season heating up, and our nation starting into the home stretch of this Campaign, I am hearing more and more political questions, statements and opinions in and around Oasis Church. I feel it is important to go on the record at this time, of where we stand as a church.

I know there is one thing you should never go close to if you're a pastor or church...and that is Politics!  Yet, Pastors like anyone else are citizens and are entitled to their own opinions and political views. But in reality the church and pastors should be very careful when they discuss politics. I have strong political opinions but I have never from the pulpit, told anyone who to vote for or who I was voting for. I never will. While the IRS and Federal Laws do give the church some legitimate reasons to be involved in politics, I have made it off limits. (NOW IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO, AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN I AM PERSONALLY VOTING FOR, GO TO THIS POST)

If you attend Oasis Church, you need to understand that our Mission is Spiritual and we believe that the only real life change happens when Jesus Christ comes into a person's life and changes them radically. No politician, or party will ever do that!!! Our Mission...preach Jesus!!!

In our church if anyone takes advantage of their Community Group, or any other venue to push their candidate or political persuasion, they will be called on it. I would hope anyone in our church would know better, and not be divisive by talking politics whether in a service or in a Community Group.

For those who want to know what official stand our church takes on political involvement, I share with you this paragraph, from our Church's Constitution.

"ARTICLE X TAX-EXEMPT PROVISIONS SECTION 2 – POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT: No substantial part of the activities of the Church shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation. The Church shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office."

If you favor a candidate or party, please respect our Mission and our Constitution and not discuss it in a church setting, or in any church ministry setting. I believe God will honor this. We have an incredibly unified church, yet so diverse. We have every political persuasion, from every extreme. Let's stay focused on Jesus. For those who might wonder what our stand is on Politics and also what the Government allows and doesn't allow you can click on the FAQ's that are given by the Baptist Press in order to try to clarify what churches and pastors can and can't do.

HMMMM!!!!! Isn't this illegal?????????? See if this picture could get this church in trouble???????? Read the lawyer's views of churches getting involved with a candidate!!!!

ANALYSIS: Churches & Politics: A primer for following the law

Posted on Jul 26, 2004 | by Grange, King & Kao

McLEAN, Va. (BP)--For churches and other tax-exempt organizations, every four years the doctrine of election takes on a special meaning -- as the IRS warns of the dangers of involvement in elections.

Since the inception of the federal income tax in 1913, Congress has granted churches an exemption from paying this tax. However, in 1954, Congress enacted an additional condition for maintaining Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) exempt status: a prohibition from engaging in "any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office." This politicking prohibition was put forward by then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson to spank a Texas nonprofit that dared to oppose his political candidacy.

As we round the sharp turns leading to another presidential election this fall, and as churches seek to fulfill their biblical calling to engage our culture morally and socially, their understanding of the actual contours of this legal guardrail becomes increasingly important. Examining the permitted exits in the guardrails is vital as a growing number of evangelical leaders engage in renewed efforts to increase voter turnout. This article addresses in FAQ format questions commonly raised by churches concerning this issue.

Q: How much political campaign activity is permissible for a tax-exempt church? FAQ's On the Church and Politics   

I am voting for ..............!!!!!!!

Now this seems like a contradiction to my last post on Politics in the church. Let me explain a few things before I give my personal opinion here. I have been wrestling with this post for several weeks. If I am going to be true to my conscience and who I am, I have to speak out and give my personal opinion on the candidates running for President of the United States. My blog's name is "What were you thinking?" The sub title is "Guy Melton's Personal Thoughts on Life, Family, Church, and Ministry". If I held back my personal thoughts on life, then I would not be truthful or honest with the ones who read my blog and trust my word. Every one of you who read my blog on a regular basis, disagree with something I say...sometimes often. That's OK. This is just my opinion.

I pay for this Typepad Blog from my own money. I am writing this on my own time...it is now 10:39 p.m. This does not represent my church or my role as Pastor. While I comment on all of it, it is my life. This post is strictly my own opinion.

So, my take on this year's election for President. I have voted since I was 18 years old in 1974. The first person I voted for was Democratic Congressman, Larry McDonald from my Georgia district. I have NEVER missed a year to vote, from local to presidential races. I have made no bones about the responsibility of every citizen to vote, especially if you're a Christian. I believe it's our duty. I have told our church each year in elections, that you should vote your CONVICTIONS, YOUR MORALS, NOT A PARTY!!!  In the end, for a Christian, we have to always vote not our pocketbook or party affiliation, not looks, color, or gender. Every man is created equal. This is God's idea!!!! Long before Civil Rights!! In every election I have prayed and sought to be at peace with my conscience and convictions. Sometimes, I have to admit, I have voted holding my nose. Sometimes I've said the lessor of two evils. But I have voted in  every election. Now, let me offer some personal thoughts about this year.

How can a country of 300 million people end up with the 3 candidates we now have? Is this great country, really, this weak? Are these 3 really the best leaders we have??? God have mercy on us!!  

• I have always looked forward to voting for a candidate who was a female, a black man, or a war hero!!!! All three standing fit this bill. 

I hope before I die I get to see a black President, a woman, a war hero!!

But none of these candidates fit the bill for me!!!!!

Why??? I don't think one of them has the qualities or experience to be the President of the only Super Power in the World. Why? Not one has ever run a business! How do you run a government of millions of employees, trillions of dollars, and a country of 300 million people? They have no experience in managing outside their political careers. None of the 3.

Most presidents are governors, business people!!! Why, they have executive experience.

All three of these are legislators, law makers!!! Senators!!! Why? They legislate, but they don't know how to manage, or have any executive experience.  They make laws!!!! Who needs more laws?

The only example of a senator winning the presidency in my lifetime was JF Kennedy!!!! But let's be honest, while we revere him, since he was assassinated, he was only in office for two years. Hardly enough time to show if he would have been a decent President. Now for the record. I think he would have been a Great President!!! But we will never know.

Why won't I be voting for any one of the 3 of these candidates?  Simply, since I always vote my conscience and convictions as stated, none of them for me fulfills even close to my moral conscience or convictions. How can I violate my conscience, then preach integrity??!!!

My dilemma!!! I've always told my sons, you better vote or don't complain. You deserve what you get if you don't vote. This year two of my 3 sons have already made it clear who they're voting for. I'm proud of them, that they are engaged...and while different views from each other, they are voting. This has created much discomfort for me. I've had to say, "I don't think I can vote this year", (for the reasons above). One son has now preached the voting sermon to me!!!!! ugh!!!!!

I have never been more proud of being an independent!!!!! Both parties have sold out!!!! Now I know some of you are ready to clobber me with your comments. That is OK. I understand most reading this will vote for one of these 3 candidates. That's OK, if you're voting your conscience. I wish I could!!! Please don't be so blinded by your party loyalty or loyalty to your candidate to not be tolerant enough of me to at least allow me to share my heart. I really don't want to offend anyone. I have hundreds of friends and family who read this blog. I'm sorry If I have offended any one of you. I really don't mean to. I just had to be honest. That is what my Blog is all about. Isn't that what freedom of speech is?  It's what I believe and think. I am not trying to get you to agree with me. I just have to go on the record of why I can't vote for any of these candidates.

I am embarrassed at our country and the primary process that has shown the dirty side of prejudice!!! I actually thought our country had moved beyond the black and white division I grew up with as a kid. I guess since our church of 70 nations and many colors is so loving and so united that I mistakenly thought our country had risen above the prejudice I am seeing on both sides. It's sad. We must pray that God will heal the hearts of our countrymen who are still so prejudiced and who still harbor such hatred and anger toward each other. Even some won't vote for a woman because she is a woman!!!! How sad!!!

Before you judge me, thinking I won't vote for a man since he is black, or a woman, or a man who is old enough to be on Social Security and retired for 5 years prior to even being elected, I would love to vote for a black man. I think it would be a tribute to our country and our color-blindness. I think we have a number of black politicians I could vote for right now. I could vote for any number of women who are excellent politicians and I have voted for several presidents old enough to be on social security. So, it's not about that with me. I can't vote for these 3, because none of them represent the American values and convictions I have. If they represent who you are and what you want for America, then I encourage you to vote for them, and proclaim it from the house top. (Just not in our church, see my previous post)

Now!! What do I do???? I've preached voting. OK!!!! This is what I am doing!!!! I'm voting for ME!!!!! Can't I write my name in on the Ballot??? Maybe I'll run as a Green Candidate, since our Church is Going Green soon!!!!!!! Do they need a candidate????? Maybe I'll run on the socialist party ticket!!!! No, the 3 running are carrying their water!!!! Oops!!! just kidding...come on Democrats and Republicans, lighten up, can't you take a joke!!!!!! Maybe I'll start my own party!!!!  HMMMMMM!!!!

OK, I will need some campaign staff!!!!!!!! Who's volunteering to be my treasurer? If your name is Judas, you need not apply!!! Need a campaign chairperson (p.c.). V.P., lets see, what else? Any volunteers!!!!!

So, now you know who I'm voting for!!!!!!!

 

Disaster in Myanmar

You have already heard about the Crisis in Myanmar.

I received an email this weekend, from a high school and college friend who is the C.O.O. of Samaritan's Purse. This is the Missions Ministry Franklin Graham leads. We have partnered with them in Shoe Boxes at Christmas for kids around the world. I do not normally recommend folks going to Missions sites since many will never let you go, and inundate you with emails and mail forever. Well, in the Crisis times, we must do things differently. I want to make sure we have a way to participate in helping these poor folks. This country is not open to the USA.  Samaritan's Purse has found favor with many countries closed to the Western World. Note below they have planes and supplies ready to go in. If you can help, I recommend sending an offering through Samaritan's Purse. You'll find their link below.

Please be praying for the physical and spiritual survival of this country. We have no families on record from there. If you know someone let us know. 

REPORT                         

Cyclone Nargis – 9 May 2008

BACKGROUND

As reports indicate that the number of dead has likely risen to 100,000 or more, and as aid workers continue to seek access to the country, the situation on the ground is growing more desperate.

HOW SAMARITAN’S PURSE IS RESPONDING

The Incident Management Team is currently coordinating with Affiliate Offices in Canada, the UK, and Australia as well as field offices in the area to determine the most effective response. In addition, we are in contact with U.S. and foreign government agencies to seek access to the area. Our preparations currently include:

► We have a tentative agreement with the government of Myanmar to airlift a 747 cargo plane loaded with 12 WMI water filter systems and 4,000 rolls of heavy-duty plastic from Charlotte to Yangon.

► PuR sachets and kits are expected to arrive in Bangkok from Dubai today. We will try to forward these into Yangon as soon as possible.

► One staff member from Canada will be traveling into Myanmar Saturday morning.

► The Canadian office has had a water-purification team on the ground in Yangon. They confirmed that clean water is a top priority. Salt water pushed inland by the cyclone flooded local wells. Wells need to be pumped out and allowed to refill with fresh water.

► We have been told there is a need for chainsaws to clear fallen trees, generators, and pumps to help remove salt water from wells. The WMI filter systems have generators and are capable of pumping contaminated water from wells.

► The Water Missions International filter systems from S.C. and the heavy-duty plastic from our warehouse in N. Wilkesboro will be sent to Charlotte as soon as the airlift is confirmed.

► There are audio reports posted on the Samaritan’s Purse Web site.

► A media release was distributed Tuesday.

► SP staff from six countries have been mobilized and are en route to Bangkok and Myanmar. The team will include our Livestock and Agriculture Advisor and our Food Advisor.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Pray:

·        For the victims of this disaster.

·        For favor with the government so that we will be allowed access into the country.

·        For wisdom as the Incident Management Team determines the best way to help the people of Myanmar.

Donations: Go to www.samaritanspurse.org or call 1-828-262-1980.

Surge Alternative Prom Event

I am so proud of our teens in our Youth Ministry. We have some of the most unbelievable teens I have ever met. I was youth pastor for 10 years in a very large youth ministry with probably over 3000 youth during that time. I can tell you we saw some incredible kids. But I am not sure pound for pound, percentage-wise whatever that all means, I have ever seen a better group of kids. These guys continue to amaze me. I know I am always talking about them, but I am telling you I am so proud of them.

This weekend our Youth Band and Praise Team led our entire church in all of the four morning services, and Saturday night.  I am blown away with Jimmy Purchase and the teens by their passion to worship and live out their Christ values. These guys are not only passionate about Christ, but they are so talented. Kasey Calamiong, blew the place away when she led us in "Shout to the Lord". Then I find out today she had just learned the song. This girl is incredible, as is all the group. Great job, guys!!!

Now for the Alternative Prom Event, our Surge Ministry held for the teens. I want to share some of the pic's and reasons Chris Hughes and the leaders offered this alternative to the typical prom. There is also a post Chris did on the Etiquette Class required in order to attend the Event!!! If you're a parent, you should be proud and if you are a parent of a teen not involved in our Youth Ministry, you would be wise to get them there, this Thursday night and to our Camp this summer.

Mission To Haiti / Guest Blogger

Today we have a guest Blogger…my Assistant and our Office Manager, Ranelle Walkenhorst. She recently interviewed one of our Office Volunteers who just got back from a Missions Trip to Haiti. What an incredible story. I love these. I can’t wait until my vision is realized of someone from our church being somewhere in the world every week of the year doing Missions in the name of Our Lord!!!

Dr. Ulrick Pardo A Man with a heart for Missions in the land of Haiti

Ulrick Pardo was born in the small town of Marmelade Haiti on December 29, 1931.  He went to elementary and secondary school in Gonaives, and although he was always very serious about his education, loving scholastics and achieving in school, he also enjoyed sports and had fun playing football as well. Upon graduation from high school, he entered college at Petion Lycee in Port-au-Prince, where he initially intended to study engineering.  Upon the suggestion of his very wise brother to consider studying medicine, he did just that, and thereupon began a life of service and ministry which he continues today.

He graduated from medical school in 1956, and practiced general medicine in Haiti for 2 years before coming to New York to study Internal Medicine at the Bronx Hospital.  There, in addition to continuing his studies…he met a lovely R.N. named Renee’ who stole his heart.  They married and had 2 daughters and 1 son, and now they are the proud grandparents of 3 children.

After completing his training in New York, Dr. Pardo and his family went to Chicago, where he practiced Internal Medicine until 1999 when he retired.  In 2000 they moved to South Florida.  He has been coming to Oasis Church since about 2004.

Dr. Pardo has been such a blessing to our church, not only because of his friendly manner, but because of his willingness to give of himself to reach out where help is needed.  He is a regular volunteer in the church office, helping with mailings and stuffing bulletins.  We only recently became aware of how far-reaching his help to others is, as he told us of his missions trips to Haiti.

He has always had a tender spot in his heart for his homeland of Haiti.  While he originally began doing missions work in Haiti on his own, for the past 20 years he has gone on missions trips to Haiti twice a year with the St. Phillip Congregation in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Along with a team of 6 – 7 doctors, nurses and the pastors of the St. Phillip Church, they minister to the people of Thomazeau and surrounding area bringing medical help, food, water and spiritual counsel as well.  The people, who have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the team greet them with great joy and hope.  The people are given medical examinations and tests, those with on-going conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are given a 6 month supply of much-needed medicine, until the next time the team will arrive.  Minor surgeries can be performed right there, and emergencies are taken to the closest hospital which is in Port-au-Prince.

It is not unusual for the team to see 2000 people in one week.  Many of the patients they see are children.  Dr. Pardo says that one of the most rewarding things they are able to do is save a lot of children from malnutrition, and to provide safe drinking water.  He said he always knows that Jesus is with him when he goes on his missions trips, and though sometimes there may be dangers, he doesn’t have any fear, knowing that Jesus is there.

In addition to the missions trips Dr. Pardo participates in twice each year, he has chosen a very meaningful and tangible way to bless the people of the town where he was born.  Five years ago Dr. Pardo, along with a very close friend, built a church and school on the outskirts of Marmelade.  They now have 150 grade school students, with plans to build a new school building.  Following the death of his friend 2 years ago, Dr. Pardo, on his own, has assumed the financial support of the church and school.

Dr. Pardo truly has a heart for missions…for reaching out with the love of Christ, as he lives his life committed to bringing hope and healing and encouragement to others.

Thunderbird

This past weekend I attended my niece's graduation in Statesboro, Ga. Where is Statesboro? Nowhere!!!!! Actually, it seems like in the middle of Nowhere, but it is about 45 miles west of Savannah. Best way to describe it.

Jessica, youngest daughter of Pat and Cindy Roberts, graduated from Georgia Southern University on Saturday, May 10th. I had driven up for the graduation. Spent Friday enjoying Savannah, attended the graduation on Saturday morning, then drove back to South Florida for our Sunday Services. Quick trip, but it was good being with the family for such a special occasion. Savannah is a beautiful city. It has been 33 years since I visited it during my freshman year in college. Prior to that I visited Savannah when I was just 5 years old. The only thing I remember about that trip is the very first motel I ever stayed in. I remember it like yesterday. Why did I remember the motel? The modern Thunderbird Inn...just built, had the most up-to-date features. It was the first time I had ever seen a Kleenex box in the wall!!!!! It was a sight I will never forget. An actual Kleenex box inside a wall!!! Wow!!! I know you guys in the age of ipods, i-phones, and text messages think that is so ridiculous!!! Thats OK...your kids will laugh at you when you talk about the i-phone!!!! It will be as old school as the Kleenex box in the wall. But wait!!!!! This is the best part!!! We drove into Savannah, what was one of the first signs I saw?????? Yep!!! The Thunderbird Inn sign. Looks like it did 47 years ago. The motel not the modern marvel I remember. My other niece went on Hotwire and got what she thought was a 3 Star hotel!!!!!! Guess what? Yep, my Thunderbird. Tonia saw the room!!! She said she wouldn't have stayed there. My niece, Jennifer was not happy to say the least. Watch out Hotwire, the wrath of Jennifer is about to happen.!!!!!!!!

Tonia spent the entire weekend touring Savannah with my Mom!!! What a great daughter-in-law. Tonia, you are awesome!!!!!! Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons restaurant, Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House. I got to go to Mrs. W.  If you're ever in Savannah you have to go. It's the best home cooking I've ever had outside of home. Better get there in the morning, or you'll be standing in a line a block long. Below are some of the pic's of the weekend

Jess on the Big Screen. We were about a mile away!!!

Jess and boyfriend, Reg!!! He graduated last year from GSU!!

Incredible church!!!! They are spending $600,000  a window re-doing the stained glass windows!!! Hmm!!!! That would feed an awful lot of hungry!!

Is it just me, or does every city's downtown, look the same? They are all called River Place, City Place, City Marketplace. Whether Seattle, Knoxville, Jacksonville, or Savannah!!! You could be at any of them and not know which city you're in!!!!! Well, except Savannah had Paula Deen in every store!!!!! Knoxville has Dolly Parton!!! Jacksonville has BUBBA!! and Seattle has Seattle's Best Coffee. Now, That is worth the trip!!!

Jess and her proud Parents!!!!! Oh, and Jenn!! Big Sister!

The Beautiful Mother of my sons!!!!!