GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Homeless are staying in our Buildings at our Pines Campus.....

For the 3rd year our Women's ministry has hosted Homeless families in December. There is a ministry , Coalition to END Homelessness that has a Church Based ministry where they sign up churches various weeks of the year to host Homeless Families. The Womens Ministry started doing this 3 years ago and have continued to do so.

This is a wonderful time when so many women mainly come up and bring food, gifts, play games and sleep overnight with the families .  In the suburbs we don't know much about traditional Homelessness , but this is a good way to learn more about it and those who are homeless. They aren't all drug addicts and emotional and mentally ill people.

These are men and women who have lost a job, had financial set backs and found themselves living in cars and the street. The previous years have been women and their children. This year they are finding whole families with men also.

Tonia through this week of hosting 3 years ago, found herself burdened to go beyond this week and started volunteering at the Downtown Fort Lauderdale, home called The Way with the Ministry each Thursday. It is unbelievable the stories she hears each week. Many are whole families living in their cars with children who have to go to school the next day. Parents some of who have to go to work in the morning after sleeping in a car. Its heartbreaking. Many have been professionals, school teachers, secretaries and folks who are hard working but have been laid off in these tough times.

As a church Im glad there are women who are willing to stay up most of the night, ministering to families and making make shift rooms and bringing some Christmas cheer and love for this week.

I am blessed  by Debby Brown, Helen Chisholm, and all the women who have worked so hard this year . I have only gone up to say hello and to hassle our ladies for a few minutes, but I got to get in the picture with the wonderful families. Tonia has been up sleeping at Church the last two nights. I love her. She is awesome!!  Shes my Hero!! I cant complain about eating Canned soup at home while she and others are making great sacrifices for those that Jesus loves and came to die for and love the "Least of These" of the world. 

Historical News here........................

This has been another one of those weeks. Not much blogging. Facebook is just too easy to post on so I find myself doing my short posts there. But I'm determined to get back. I have so many blog posts I want to write. I will begin to share those soon, hopefully.

Below is our weekly email newsletter to our local Oasis Family. There are some really good updates from our Minsitry Leaders below. For the extended Oasis family I invite you to check it out. As usual the email was done in another format, so the links may not work for you and the last word or two cut off on a line.

God bless and have a great weekend.

Dear Extended Oasis Family: As with any week there are so many great things to share. I have something that is very Historical to share with you…it has never happened before in my family and you just have to see and hear this Historical news. But the only way to do it is join with me and a couple hundred other Oasis families who are Facebook Friends of Mine. If you aren't on Face book it will be worth taking the 2 minutes to join, just so you can share in this incredible Historical announcement I made yesterday, with pictures. So…go to Facebook and sign up, or if you’re a Facebook member already, then just come be my friend.   This week I want to do something I have not done in this weekly newsletter which I began about 4 years ago.  I want to share some exciting things happening at Oasis Church. OK, you say, “You always do that, Guy!”  Yes, but this week, I’m sharing it through our Leadership Team's own words. This week as they gave updates of their various ministries in our bi-weekly meeting, I was so blessed I wanted them to share with you some of the things happening in their ministries, which so many of you are part of. I love our team. We are lean, but we are mean!!! Passionate and excited about what God is doing. So, here they are..............    Ranelle Walkenhorst/Office Manager and my Assistant: Ranelle sometimes feels her ministry isn’t as exciting when she gives her reports. But she might be the most crucial person within our team in so many ways. The behind-the-scenes ministry she and her team provide is incredible. Here is her report: "Finishing input of weekend Connection Card results.  As usual, many prayer requests, many requests for information, most importantly decisions for salvation as well as renewal.  We never get tired of receiving those!  Many great comments about services on Sunday!  They evidently love Julie-Anne (who doesn't!).  3 additional baptisms this Sunday -- one was a follow-up to Discover Oasis, completing the Next Step to make that person a member (which I believe makes 6 who have reached that step since Discover Oasis.)" Katia Driora/Surge/Youth Director:  Katia in her first year leading our youth is one of a kind. In a good sense. Her love for the Lord, His Church, and the Youth just exudes when you’re around her. Just a paragraph of a very exciting report (I can’t share all of it with you. Some of it is going to be a surprise in days ahead): "We will be starting this week a series called "He did What?" focusing on miracles Christ did from John and Mark-great examples of life-changing events when people got exposed to His presence and at the same time addressing the hurting and the skeptics. We will be also incorporating a story from 'The Voice of the Martyrs' to every Bible Study meeting to stir and prepare the soil..." If you have a teen and they don’t come to the Big Event for youth on Thursdays at  7 p.m., they should! Ben Windle/Hollywood Campus Pastor: BTW, Congrats to Ben and Mallika on a new little boy this week -- Logan Anthony, born Sep 30!! "We had a fantastic week in Hollywood! We had 22 kids in KidsWorld! 22 KIDS!! It is causing us to begin to think creatively about our space.   We had 13 guys at our men's breakfast and could've had more!  We had 3 full tables of Hollywood women at the “Girlfriends Journey” event.  John did a great job with worship!  We are really hitting our stride! God is GOOD!" Debby Brown/Women's Ministry Director: Debby just took over this position and she and her team hit the ball out of the park on their first big fall event: "As Saturday began - we had set up for 133 and you know the saying "pray and they will come" --  well, God sent them!  We had a total of 143 and God multiplied the food to feed all.  We had 18 ladies step out of their box and sign up for the Meal Ministry.  We had one lady come forward for prayer and then wanted connection to the Single Mom's Community Group.  After the service we had 3 more ladies come forward for prayer.  We also had several say they wanted to join the Women 2 Women Mentoring program this time around and over 25 ladies signed up for the Wednesday morning or evening 6-week  Bible Study - The Esteemed Journey.  With Jhael Hakimian leading the NoMi ladies and Darlene Stewart leading the Hollywood ladies, I am excited to see God working and challenging the ladies of Oasis Church in all three campuses."  Now there was much more in Debby’s update, she is like me --  loves to give lots of details, but could only share a little bit. Joel Collins/Technical Director:  Joel is another one who you never see but who has a great impact on all areas of our ministry. Practically everything you see, hear, and experience in a public worship environment -- 13 services, 3 campuses, 7 nights, is produced and made possible by Joel and his team. Now, he isn’t a man of lots of words, so his update is shorter than my intro. But you really need to know Joel and appreciate all he and his team do. Hats off to all the Tech Team! Always room for more. I love Joel's desire to train his volunteers on a regular basis, as he puts in his update:  "Team building planning, and will begin Saturday afternoon further training classes. Working on the last short movie for Reel Life Series. Awesome time at Granger Creative Worship Conference last week.” Pat Roberts/Community Groups/Teaching Pastor: Most all know Pat, but what you probably don’t know is he is a big part of all the creative things you see and hear each week as part of our Worship services, from stage decor, to the elements of Worship that go along with our Sermon Series: "Our sermon series have been laid out for the next 8 months.  The creative team will begin to develop these topics over the next few weeks.  The Dave Ramsey financial series will be used the first three weeks of November.  This is at all campuses.  Starting Point got off to a great Starting Point last week as we discussed the basics of the Christian Walk.  We continue tonight with the importance of studying and applying God's Word into our life.  Hopefully people will learn to Come Thirsty for Bible truths."   If you have not tried out the new Monday night Study in Acts, or the Tuesday night "Come Thirsty" Biblical foundations and growth themes, then you really need to do it.  It’s 7 p.m. each Monday and Tuesday as part of 7 Nights of Worship. These are just a sampling of some of the weekly updates I receive each week from our Leadership Team. Isn't it great? Now you note some are missing that are major ministries, but they just might not have had a lot of update that was able to be shared  publicly this week. God is doing so much with so many of you who are part of Oasis Church. I'm blessed you have chosen to be part of the Oasis Family. Guy Melton Pastor Oasis Church http://www.guymelton.com http://www.visitoasis.org   P.S.  Don't forget that our New Monday  & Tuesday night 7 Nights of Worship continues each week and you can jump in any time and make that your night of Worship. In just another week, Tuesday Night will begin the most Popular Sermon Series ever at Oasis Church. "The Purpose Driven Life". This sermon series will be taught live and it goes along with the book Rick Warren wrote on the Purpose Driven Life that has sold almost 40 million copies. You can pick one up in our Kona Book Corner.  Hope many of you will take advantage of this New Refreshed Night of Worship. Or come to the Monday night service with live messages being taught on the Book of Acts with Pastor Jack Hakimian.

18 Reasons I love Oasis Church on its 18th Anniversary - Sep 15!!

On this 18th Anniversary of Oasis Church so many memories and thoughts flood my mind and heart. I can't even hardly breathe as I type and think of all the incredible things God has done these past 18 years since a small group of 4 couples and one single joined Tonia and me to start this adventure in Western Pembroke Pines and which is now also in Hollywood and North Miami...and even Jacksonville, Florida with the launch of Oasis No Fla. I will just try to narrow it to 18. I'm working on a series of blog posts, that follow the first I made last week of the Top 10 in 2 words or less. 

There are too many to do only 10 of this one, and too much in my heart as I type this to only say two words. So here goes!!!! I love you Oasis Church!!!!

18. The willingness to always change and even embrace change when it makes you feel uncomfortable.

17.  84 Countries who meet together each week to Worship a mighty God without culture, race, or background getting in the way. How many churches in the World can say that? Probably not more than a couple.

16. The incredible lay leaders who are the ones who do the Ministry. KidsWorld, Parking, Hospitality, Community Group Leaders, First Impressions, Surge/youth, Worship teams (this encompasses loads of folks), Lay Pastors, Church Council, Tech, Women's Team, Host Pastors and leaders of 7 Nights of Worship and I know I'm leaving some Leadership teams out. Forgive me. Honestly we have such a lean staff if it were not for an army of servant leaders I have no idea what we would be. I love you guys.

15. The over 1,400 new believers who have followed the Lord in Baptism these 18 years, almost two hundred this year already.

14.  A staff that works hard, long and passionately to not only minister but to deliver the Love of God in message 13 times each and every week and 365 nights a year. They demonstrate incredible ability along with a Love for the Lord and Oasis week in and week out, that just keeps me fired up. (and might I say with so many 20-30 somethings, very tired!)

13.  A church that is willing to do whatever it takes on just 6 acres in Pembroke Pines to continue to reach those who don't know Jesus. The only church doing Church 7 Nights a week that I know of - 365 days a year...and never do I hear a complaint!!! It's incredible.

12. A youth group -- Surge we call them, that has a depth like none I've ever seen. I was a Youth Pastor for 10 years and served several thousand teenagers during that time. It was a great group. But I have never seen such a committed, passionate group of young teens for God in my life. They thrill me just hanging out around them and watching them.   Many are in our adult worship teams and some lead there. They are amazing. Our adults could learn from them just by observing. I love you guys. (I love Katia and her group of leaders also. You guys are second to none. I could just give you a big group hug)

11. I love Oasis Church for the hundreds who sacrificed to make our buildings possible not only in Pembroke Pines but in Hollywood and now North Miami!! Many have moved away or gone to be with the Lord but their/your investment will go on for decades if the Lord tarries His coming.

10. Love that God has given us efficient, and practical facilities. Not too much, not enough sometimes, not extravagant, but just what we needed.

9. I love the four families who gave up very secure, long tenured churches to come out with Tonia and me to follow he Vision God had given us. The Goodwins, Carrs, Padowitz, Oyers, and my Mom. I will be eternally grateful for your love, support and blood, sweat and tears you gave in the early years.  For your kids who gave a lot to attend this new baby church.

8. I love the first Oasis attenders who came that first Sunday, brought desserts when they never had even met each other. Just came from a phone invite. You had no electric, no parking lot, and no a/c in a little building and listened to a Guy who you had never met. I wondered if you would ever come back. Every week I would hold my breath. You did and you still do.

7. I love Oasis Church because you have loved my family, supported it, let my boys be normal boys, and loved them and supported them through their teen years. Nothing is more important than a church loving their Pastor's family, and especially their children.

6. I love you Oasis for what you do for our Community at Christmas year in and year out, through Christmas at the Oasis Light and Christmas display. The hundreds of you who give many hours, some hundreds of hours, and lots of money, to welcome the 40-50,000+ people to our Pines Campus each year. (we are giving our volunteers a much-deserved year off this year and not doing Christmas, but I assure you next year we will come back with more passion and excitement than ever before!)

5. I love you Oasis because you were willing to do what only a few churches in our country have done. You've gone to the urban areas of Hollywood and North Miami and started new Campuses. The hardest place to do ministry in America is the urban and inner cities. Most churches go to the suburbs. Our cities are tough, but you gave and went. I love you for that.

4. I love Oasis Church because we have so many wonderful people on our NoMI and HWD campus who love God and give beyond what they have to minister in these locations, and then even come back to Pines and serve with our Pines people. It's a beautiful sight to observe. I love you guys in the city campuses.

3. I love Oasis for a very personal reason that is more about me, and not you, but If I didn't say this I should be horse whipped. You have the most wonderful Pastor's Wife ever born of man. Tonia is behind the scenes. But let me tell you, I would not still be in ministry, and at Oasis if it were not for a wife who has stood with me through thick and thin. She is spiritual, she is strong, and she models what is preached and she is a big reason God has blessed this church the way He has. I love you Babe, and thanks for putting up with all you've had to put up with these past 18 years in order to fulfill our calling. Words can't express my love and gratitude for you. 

2. I love the Oasis Family because you love me and put up with all my frailties, weaknesses and mistakes. My stupid blog post, and FB comments. My corny jokes, and my ADHD ways. You still love me for who I am and you don't try to make me someone else. You accept me as I am. I love you!!

1. I love Oasis Church more than anything, because God is here and doing a mighty work. Many have invested, worked, sacrificed, prayed and I have thanked you. But honestly, this would not have been worth it 18 years ago, and would not be worth it today, if God was not doing things beyond anything we could explain or take credit for. I'm so grateful He is using me and you even with all our faults and warts. Thank you, God for 18 incredible years. Thank you, Jesus for loving us so much You died for Oasis Church even before we existed!!!!!

So much more could be said, but I'll leave it at that!!

Happy Anniversary Oasis Church

AMEN!!

"Sexting"

With your kids going back to school this week I thought I would share this article on "Sexting". I had not heard of it until recently. But you can be sure its happening, and is probably in my opinion worse than even this article below says. Recently, our local paper also had a story on it.

Every parent should read this, and you should talk with your child. We have wonderful technology today, but there are some huge dangers, that many of us never had to deal with. We best not assume our Kids wont see or do this.  The article below was in the Sheridan House monthly newsletter and is found on their website.

Sexting: What Parents Should Know

"Sexting?  What is that?"  That was one mother's first reaction when she heard a recent news story about some middle school kids charged with the "crime."  Sadly it was her 12-year-old daughter who said, "Mom, a girl in my school was caught doing that.  Half the kids in the school have the picture on their phone or have seen it."

Much like a cell phone text, "Sexting" is the act of sending nude or partially nude photos via a cell phone.  Once a photo text is sent, the recipient can share it with others or post it on the internet for the world to see.  With cell phones containing built in cameras, there's been a significant increase in this activity among teens.  A recent survey conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows that 20% of teens admit they've sent or posted naked or semi-naked photos or videos of themselves just for fun. For the full article go to Sheridan House Website

With your kids going back to school this week I thought I would share this article on "Sexting". I had not heard of it until recently. But you can be sure its happening, and is probably in my opinion worse than even this article below says. Recently, our local paper also had a story on it.

Every parent should read this, and you should talk with your child. We have wonderful technology today, but there are some huge dangers, that many of us never had to deal with. We best not assume our Kids wont see or do this.  The article below was in the Sheridan House monthly newsletter and is found on their website.

Sexting: What Parents Should Know

"Sexting?  What is that?"  That was one mother's first reaction when she heard a recent news story about some middle school kids charged with the "crime."  Sadly it was her 12-year-old daughter who said, "Mom, a girl in my school was caught doing that.  Half the kids in the school have the picture on their phone or have seen it."

Much like a cell phone text, "Sexting" is the act of sending nude or partially nude photos via a cell phone.  Once a photo text is sent, the recipient can share it with others or post it on the internet for the world to see.  With cell phones containing built in cameras, there's been a significant increase in this activity among teens.  A recent survey conducted by The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy shows that 20% of teens admit they've sent or posted naked or semi-naked photos or videos of themselves just for fun. For the full article go to Sheridan House Website

Croc Dock @ Oasis...........

This week I found an Alligator in our Lobby fountain @ Oasis Church! There's a swamp in our Auditorium, and saw grass, and 300 children all over our buildings. Yes, its an exciting week at Oasis Church, Pembroke Pines. What many churches call VBS (Vacation Bible School) we call Summer Spectacular. This is definitely not your grandma's VBS! 

It is high tech. Dinner served every night to 300 kids, and almost 100 volunteers by Judy Buck and her incredible team. I salute you guys. You're awesome!!  Suzie McCord, Blanca Aponte, and Paula Ramirez along with their huge team of adults are doing more than a great job, loving and ministering to our kids. When I say our kids, I mean our kids. My grandsons are here from Indian Harbor Beach this week and loving Croc Doc, Summer Spectacular. Each night they have come in the house, excited, and can't hardly stop talking about all they are learning and all the fun they are having. I love it! 

Our KidsWorld team is not only giving our kids a fun time, but they are teaching them some big time Bible. I'm impressed. 

There are so many to thank I can't even begin to share their names, but you know who you are. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! God does great things in lives during times like these. There will be kids whose lives will be changed forever because of you. Thanks to all of you who have made BIG sacrifices to make this week happen. 

One thing I don't want to miss is to thank those who are attending 7 Nights of Worship. You have been patient being thrown out of your normal meeting place. Kids all over the place and lots of change. Thanks for your being willing to give up your normal  week night. It will be back to normal for you next week. But the kids might never be the same, and hopefully God is doing great things in their lives. 

Easter @ the Oasis Re-Cap 2009

             I have not been able to give an update for several reasons. I've been trying, but it's been pretty busy this week following Easter. I just had to share some of the blessings of Oasis Church this past Easter -- 12 services, 3 campuses, (4 if you count the NoFla new mission) 3 counties, over 5 days. Something that might go unnoticed is that there were 3 of our 7 Nights of Worship that had between 200-300 in attendance last week. One night had almost 150. Around 900 attended 7 Nights of Worship. What would have happened if we had not had those services? We would have never had room for any of those since all the services Sunday at our Pines campus were full. Amazing!! That's all I can say. Thanks to all of you who gave up your seats at Pines on Sunday morning so a guest could have them. Because of you we had enough seats. 

I am still celebrating what happened this past week at Oasis Church during our Easter week services. You expect many guests. You expect attendance to be up more than usual. That is pretty normal in any church.  That is the nature of the traditional Easter in America. 

But you also can expect many to leave and go back to their old lives and not be changed by what happened in the Easter worship. That is anything but the case at Oasis Church. Yes, we had tons of guests. Yes, we had a great attendance. We don’t count week to week, but it was definitely as large as any weekend ever. We printed 50% more bulletins than normal and still ran out.

But what stands out to me is what did God do in lives? Was there evidence of changed lives? Did people make intentional decisions to turn from their normal lives and turn to Jesus? That is what Easter is all about. It’s not about new clothes, lilies, special musical productions and large crowds.

The invitation responses in services, notes, emails and Facebook notes are a huge indication that God did a great work. In the services I spoke in, there were many who raised their hands at the end of the message saying they had prayed to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. I heard similar reports in other services. There were families who brought their loved ones who prayed the prayer to receive Christ. The neat thing is that I even heard of people praying with me the sinners' prayer and their family members heard them. That would give me goose bumps (if you don’t know what goose bumps are, Google it!) I received all kinds of correspondence telling about decisions that had been made. Others who visited said they were definitely coming back and this was going to be their new church home. Some even said they were ready to follow the Lord in baptism. Some will be baptized this week in our services.

Below are some of the reports from Oasis Church:

1. Just so you know I attend Oasis Pembroke Pines. I wanted to thank you for the message yesterday, it was great. Also my brother was one of the people in the service to pray the prayer to bring Jesus into his life and that was amazing for me to hear. I was sitting next to him and could hear him raise his hand and I was elated! Thanks for all you and the pastoral team do to make Oasis the wonderful church that it is!
2. What an awesome blessing to be at your church. Words can't describe it!
3. I attended Oasis yesterday for your Easter service. I have recently moved to the area and decided to attend the service yesterday and found the sermon very rewarding. You mentioned your Facebook/blog and thought I would check it out.  (This was a guest who asked to be my friend on Facebook, cool)
4. From our North Miami Campus comes this report from our Interim Campus Pastor, Kevin McCord:

        We had 7 folks decide to place their trust in Jesus! (NoMi)

        We had 200 folks in attendance (NoMi)

 Our  new mission, Oasis Church North Florida in Jacksonville shared they had over 150 in attendance Sunday for their first Easter, with 5 New Believers and many first-time guests.

It's ironic that in the most challenging year economically in our 17-year history, God allowed Oasis to renovate an 82 year old church in North Miami which was about to die.   It  was then re-launched. From a year ago, with just 20 folks holding on trying to survive, on Easter Sunday they celebrated a year later with over 200 in attendance! With a lot more than just a lot of folks -- A new vibrant ministry in NoMi. In the same year we have cut our budget 15%, $315,000 and also sent Jeremy and Jeanine Higdon to Jacksonville to start a new church. You have given/pledged almost $60,000 to that new mission. You, as Oasis Church, gave almost $100,000 to help renovate North Miami. There are countless new believers now in the Kingdom of God because of your sacrifice during these tough times. Do you realize in this tough time, when most are just trying to survive, that Oasis Church actually increased its family by 350+ more folks just at NoMi and Jax? God has blessed us beyond what we could ever imagine.   Have you noted we haven't even mentioned Pines campus? God continues to grow us and send many new believers. None of those would have ever come to Pines or Hollywood, yet you as a church have made a huge impact in the Kingdom of God without even seeing all those folks on Easter.

Kids World did incredible in ministering to hundreds of children, many who had never been before. Not one negative comment, or situation reported. That is amazing when you figure somewhere around 600 children were in attendance at all the services. Thanks, Suzie and Team! You guys are incredible. (There is a story on the Kids World web page at www.visitoasis.org

At our Hollywood Campus, Ben Windle sent this report:  John and the worship team rocked our socks off this morning! Worship sounded great! The tech team did a great job. The video at the end with the song "Here is our King" sounded awesome and was a great way to end the service!  There was a lot of hanging out and swashbuckling after the service!  My Question is... What is swashbuckling, Ben???

Worship was awesome at Pines. Chris Hughes and the team did a great job and the video and song, "That's My King", was a great ending.  To be continued.........

Oasis Weekly Email, Feb.13, 09 ,Guaranteed way to get her to.........

Below is this weeks Email sent out to our Oasis Family. Im sharing this on my blog, since we have many Extended Oasis Family around the globe who like to keep up with whats happening here in South Florida. As always, the links may not work on the copy below and the edge is cut off on some copies. Thanks for reading and keeping in touch. At this point I think our farthest Oasis Extended family member reading is in Korea. If your farther than Chris and family then give me a shout and let me know where your reading from.

Pastor's Email

Dear Extended Oasis Family, "This Valentine’s Day there is only one thing that will guarantee to get women to take their clothes off…"  Now this seems really steamy, but hang with me!! This is the lead off line I have heard 1,000 times this week alone by some company named Pajama gram.com.  If I hear this commercial one more time, I am taking my size 12 shoe off and throwing it through my TV!!!  I get it, and it’s a play on words, but Valentine’s Day brings out all kinds of these ads. Another one is Vermont Teddy Bears, for like $79.00.  Come on!  Is this the best we can do? Teddy bears and pajamas promising to make our love life improved? I won’t order either this Valentine’s just because I'm sick of hearing them try to get in my pocket!! Thanks, but I’ll decide what I buy for Valentine’s. But actually this email is aimed deeper than commercials and the shallow bottom line of most retailers.   Valentine’s Day is a wonderful day. I don't know all the history of it. Won’t even try to figure it out. It’s probably a Hallmark Card holiday, but it is a good day to celebrate LOVE!!!  I celebrate Valentine’s, and actually like the day. But let’s try to keep the real meaning of love in perspective this year. As believers, we are to love all year…not one day with a bear or pajamas. Jesus calls us not only to love our family, but to love our neighbor, even as our self. He even goes further and admonishes us to love our enemies.    Now if you are in a relationship where you love someone, on Saturday, February 14th get them a present!  But let’s be reminded the greatest gift we can give her/him is our love year round. A good chapter to read today is I Corinthians 13 - the great “Love” chapter.     Interestingly enough this Valentine’s Day for our family will be different than any one I can ever remember. If you had told me 20 years ago, I would spend my Valentine’s Day with my two grandsons at Disney World and in a motel room with them and my Valentine of 33 years, I would have said, “No way! That doesn't sound very romantic”!! But today, I realize loving my wife is more than February 14th!! This Valentine’s Day I will share my love not only with my wife but with my two grandsons. And I will love it!!   This week in preparation for an upcoming series in the spring on SEX, I have been reading Song of Solomon  and studying the book. It is one of the most erotic, sensual books you'll ever read.  Interesting timing for this particular study. But for those of you who say, “I'm single, widowed, divorced. I don't have a love of my life”, I say, “Yes you do!”   This past week it was timely that two of our pastors mentioned loving others in different ways, and made me think about something. If you feel left out of Valentine’s holiday, remember this: Pastor James Brown in our weekly staff devotional, challenged all of us to look for others who we can share love with. Express it in an action, a deed, a kind word. Jesus did say they will know us by OUR LOVE!!! Find someone to love this Valentine’s Day, and do it in Jesus’ name!! Pastor Kevin McCord shared with me in our meeting this week how he would love to see all of us who call Oasis Church our family, reach out to someone. A call, a chat in Kona, or the refreshment area in Hollywood, or NoMi. If we picked up a phone and called to ask someone how they were doing, had coffee with someone to just share our love for them, or even just our concern for them. What if we just offered to pray for someone we serve with, or sit next to in a church service?  Just connect with someone. You never know by reaching out how you might bless someone, and make their day!!! You don’t even have to buy them over-priced pajamas or a $100 teddy bear!!  Now you will note I didn't have too many links this week since I wanted to encourage us to go beyond the traditional chocolate heart this February 14th. There are a few things I would encourage you to check out if you want to be blessed or just amused: Our Youth Ministry is sponsoring a Valentine’s Dinner Friday night, in our Community Cafe. This is a fund raiser for camp and missions trip this summer. Katia shared with me, they have 29 couples signed up to come, and they only can take 30!!! Awesome!! And 25 teens are volunteering to be trained to serve the couples in this very romantic dinner and evening. Congrats, Katia and Teens. Thanks to those couples who have purchased a ticket.  KidsWorld is having a Car Wash (Free) for the community next Saturday. You can come, but even better bring a neighbor and let the kids and their parents bless you. There will be a surprise!! It will be worth your while.  Community Group Ministry is sponsoring a Training event on Sunday for those interested in leading a community group.  Indescribable this Week!!  “Thrill Ride” Series is over, but this week the message will leave you in awe!! You might be moved like you have not been for a long time!!! Don’t miss this message!! You will be talking about it for a long time. All services, all campuses!!    Too Good to be True, you’ve got to see this!  Just a couple things from www.guymelton.com this week, but lots in them, like: You Think It’s Cold Here!!   The new Oasis Church in north Florida kicked off last Sunday.  See the video and read the update!! Check out the pics of my new daughter-in-law, and our visit to see her dance in New York City!!  O.K. I just saw another Vermont Teddy Bear commercial. I'm taking my shoe off, and it’s going through the TV! It’s a cheap TV -- one from Wal-Mart.  Maybe I’ll get Tonia a flat screen  TV for Valentine’s!!! HMMM…Like that idea!! Have a wonderful weekend and a very special Valentine’s. Would love to hear how you've expressed some love to someone this week!!!   Don't forget.  The 25th, is coming! Show your love, and make it Christmas for someone. You can see what I mean HERE!!  Guy Melton, Pastor Oasis Church www.guymelton.com www.visitoasis.org

Oasis Church gives a Sneak Preview

This past week our North Miami campus took a short Mini Missions trip to Jacksonville to help Jeremy Higdon and his team prepare for their Opening Service on Sunday, February 8th. Jeremy gives an update on his blog and also shares some news about opening day. You can also see a short video of the preview service our NoMi members participated in last weekend on his blog. 

Richard Doty led the group to Jax, and he and his wife share their story of the weekend on our visitoasis.org site

Next week our Pines Campus will be taking a group up to Jax to help with Opening Service, February 8th. The shuttle bus is full and those who have signed up will get an email update in the next couple days. If you still want to attend the weekend, you can drive your own transportation. We will give you directions. The cost of your meals would not be more than $50 for 5 meals. Bring a sleeping bag, or air mattress if you have one. The launch team for Oasis Church North Florida will be putting our folks up next weekend. 

If you still want to go, email me, or mark your connection card in the service you attend. Attendees from any of our 3 campuses can go next week. Bus and others who are carpooling up will leave Oasis Church/Pines Campus at 7:00 A.M. Saturday morning, and return at 8 P.M. Sunday night.  

Even if you can't attend please be praying for Jeremy and team!! You can also go to our visitoasis.org site and give towards this new mission church, just as you are able to go on and Tithe and give to other missions ministries.   

 

Oasis Church North Florida Wish List

This past week on Pastor Jeremy Higdon's Blog, he listed some of the needs for the new Church. I know many of you are already giving financially. I appreciate that and thank you for this sacrificial act. Even with all our church has done, there is more that is needed. If you can personally, as a family pick up one of these items  then you can personally contact Jeremy and let him know and give through our church. Just mark the offering with the name of the item you're giving towards.  If you need the exact cost of an item you can contact Jeremy at the email address below.

Pray for Jeremy and his team as they open February 8, 2009. If you are interested in attending the opening Sunday, mark your connection card when you attend church this week. You will be contacted with the details. We will take the church shuttle Bus, there is one night lodging, and your meals . You will be helping support and cheer the team on as they begin an exciting journey. I hope we have 15-25 go along that weekend. February 7-8.  

 

Resource Wish list for Oasis Church North Florida

One of the great statements I love to say as Oasis Church is being launched is the fact that we are "launching this church...together." First of all, we believe God has called us to this and is already at work...we are joining him! Secondly, we have hundreds of families and several church partners who have given money and prayer to be part of this launch. We even have several families who be coming up from Oasis South Florida to help with our final preview weekend and our official launch day, February 8.

But, we are still in need of several items which will position us to launch in the best way possible, in a portable setting depending on volunteers to set-up and tear-down each Sunday. We are asking people and churches to prayerfully consider the following list and either donate money toward these items or, if you already own them, donate these items to Oasis Church North Florida. 

- A Large Towable Storage Trailer

- Beat-em up truck to pull trailer

- Safe place to store trailer on Northside of Jacksonville
- Every Type of Children's Ministry   Equipment/Supplies Imaginable (Birth-5^th Grade)

- Portable Sound Equipment (speakers, subs, mobile cases, etc...)

- Video Projector (minimum 2500 lumens)

- Mics, cables, mic stands, music stands, stools, drum shield, drum mics, etc...

- Countryman over-the-ear mic

- Portable staging

- Portable lighting
- Communion Supplies
- Pipes & Drapes
- Office Space on Northside of Jacksonville
- Video Camera equipment to film our services
- Web design
- Videography and Film Editing

Please feel free to forward this list to anyone or organization that may be able to help us with these items. Email me at jeremyh@oasisnfl.com for more info or to schedule a time for items to be picked up. And of course, join us in prayer for these items as we launch a new church... together!

 

One of the great statements I love to say as Oasis Church is being launched is the fact that we are "launching this church...together." First of all, we believe God has called us to this and is already at work...we are joining him! Secondly, we have hundreds of families and several church partners who have given money and prayer to be part of this launch. We even have several families who be coming up from Oasis South Florida to help with our final preview weekend and our official launch day, February 8.

But, we are still in need of several items which will position us to launch in the best way possible, in a portable setting depending on volunteers to set-up and tear-down each Sunday. We are asking people and churches to prayerfully consider the following list and either donate money toward these items or, if you already own them, donate these items to Oasis Church North Florida. 

- A Large Towable Storage Trailer

- Beat-em up truck to pull trailer

- Safe place to store trailer on Northside of Jacksonville
- Every Type of Children's Ministry   Equipment/Supplies Imaginable (Birth-5^th Grade)

- Portable Sound Equipment (speakers, subs, mobile cases, etc...)

- Video Projector (minimum 2500 lumens)

- Mics, cables, mic stands, music stands, stools, drum shield, drum mics, etc...

- Countryman over-the-ear mic

- Portable staging

- Portable lighting
- Communion Supplies
- Pipes & Drapes
- Office Space on Northside of Jacksonville
- Video Camera equipment to film our services
- Web design
- Videography and Film Editing

Please feel free to forward this list to anyone or organization that may be able to help us with these items. Email me at jeremyh@oasisnfl.com for more info or to schedule a time for items to be picked up. And of course, join us in prayer for these items as we launch a new church... together!

Homeless Families living in our Buildings Again!!!

Once in a while I turn my blog over to a guest. Today it's my wife, Tonia, who shares the stories from this past week and our visiting Homeless Single moms and children. Her Title was:  "It's a Wrap"

I'm so proud of all you who sacrificed to make this a memorable week for these families:

"Well, our Women's Ministry closed the year with an awesome week at Oasis Church, Pines Campus. Last week we hosted two women and their children in our upstairs area where they slept, ate, and the kids played. They even showered and did laundry downstairs.  These women are homeless and are waiting for a shelter to open up for them in Broward County.  At this time there are over 200 people waiting to be placed.  Our hearts were sad on Saturday, as they left with still nowhere to live and will probably be staying in another church in Broward County this week. Thank you to too many people to name here!  Our Women's Ministry Team, those who brought meals, played with the children and pampered the moms. Also for those who brought gifts, diapers and wipes and gift cards; you were a blessing, as well.  And a very special thanks to our heroes who spent the night each night in case of any emergencies and prepared their breakfasts at 6:00 each morning and got them out the door by 7:00.  All of you were needed and much appreciated! May God richly bless you! We had two families who brought wrapped Christmas gifts for each of the six children and their moms.  We stowed them in black garbage bags because the moms want the children to have gifts to open for Christmas.  Thank you so much for your generosity! One of my favorite stories last week was that one of my girlfriends, Nancy King, emailed me and said she'd collected money from her job and had about $275 to donate to us.  What a huge blessing for us because we didn't have enough money to buy the groceries we'd need for their breakfasts and lunches collected yet.  Later Nancy shared with me that the money collected was money three girls had been putting away all year for a weight loss challenge they'd made last January.  Long story short....no one lost the weight so they decided to donate the money and our Shelter Program benefited from their "lack of success" this year. I'm so sorry to hear that, girls, but thanks SO much for giving your money to such a great cause.  Only eternity will know what your investment in these families will have accomplished! Please pray for Jessica, who's 20 years old and her three children and also for Sabrina, who's 25 years old and her four that they will find a more permanent solution to their homelessness.  They are precious young moms who've had some rough times and are trying to stabilize their lives for their children's sake! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!" Tonia Melton