GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Oasis Weekly Newsletter/July 4, 2008

For those who are not on our Email list at Oasis, I am posting this so our Extended Oasis Family from around the Globe will know what is happening at Oasis Church, South Florida. I hope for those of you who reside outside South Florida have a wonderful July 4th . (The links on the Original email, do not work on this, but you can always go to our Visitoasis.org website or my blog site to find them.  (Unfortunately when I place my Email on the blog, it cuts a few words off the end of the sentence. Sorry) 

Pastor's Email
Dear Guy,   Are you experiencing the Dog Days of Summer yet?  The doldrums?  I hope not. But if you are, I want to share some exciting things happening at Oasis Church. We don't have time to experience the doldrums…too much work to do!!!! If you’re going on vacation or having some extra days off during the 4th of July Weekend, that is awesome!  I hope you will celebrate, relax and be safe. Please remember our soldiers who are stationed around the world, and especially in the war zones, during this Holiday Weekend. Just last night Tonia found out her nephew, Phil Gilmore arrived safely home from Iraq this week after his 3rd tour of duty there in 4 years. His two little girls had this big banner celebrating his return. I pray for the men and women who are there, that they will experience the same honor as they defend the Freedom of America and continue to protect our Independence that we will celebrate this weekend.   I want to share some exciting things with you about our church. Did you know?   Our long-awaited Baptistry Fountainis being gunited (blown concrete) as you read this.  If you are on the Pines Campus tonight or this weekend, you will see the new Baptistry with the roughed out concrete form!  PTL!  Pray for an August completion.  I hope we can baptize more on that first Sunday than ever before.  If you haven’t been baptized, you need to be!!   What an awesome time to do it. KidsWorld Director, Suzie McCord reported this week that their 140 volunteers serve 375 children every week in our services on 3 campuses and during 7NOW…you guys are awesome!!  You are doing a GREAT JOB!! Oasis Church baptized 207 new believers in 2007, who were obedient in following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.  This past week, the day before breaking ground for the new Fountain and Baptistry at our Pines Campus, I received a letter from our denominational office which congratulated Oasis Church for being the 19th ranked church out of almost 3000 churches in Florida, in total Baptisms in 2007.  God has been so good to us. As of this month the faithful givers to Oasis Church have given 2 million dollars toward the ministry of Oasis Church, for the Budget Year that ends on August 31.  I thank God for those who Tithe 10% to the Lord’s work here at Oasis.  You are a major reason God has used Oasis in such incredible ways this past year in North Miami, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and around the world. We do not count attendance very often, but in April the last count that was taken, there were 2,099 who attended our weekly services that week – 200 more than last year.  We will normally have between 2,100-2,300 on any given week worshiping at Oasis Church.  That is remarkable when you consider our limited parking and buildings at our Pines Campus.  Approx. 600-700 of those attending, attend our 7 Nights of Worship Services (7NOW).  Approx. 250 attend our Oasis NoMi and Oasis Hollywood Campuses. Joel Collins, our Tech Director, reported this week that 650 persons have listened to Podcaston our visitoasis.org website.  That is up from 480 last month, which was up almost 200 from the month prior.  There is an increasing thirst to hear God’s word taught in our church, and also, an awareness that it is as easy as clicking on our website and listening to any sermon we preach here at Oasis Church. Oasis Hollywood has a Picnic in the Arts Park scheduled for next Saturday…you’re invited! Oasis North Miamiis planning a BIG Vacation Bible School at the Campus in NoMi July 20-24  -- Sun through Thur evening from 6-9 p.m.   So many more things, but I don’t have time here.  You can go to my blog to check out the most popular Blog Post of the last month, and also to get an update on 3 Staff Members who have said, “So Longggg” to us this past week.  There is also information on lots of other things in my first-ever, Wednesday Dumpon my blog – guymelton.com.   See you this week, and have a happy, safe 4th of July!!  God bless you.  It is a privilege to serve you.   Guy Melton, Pastor Oasis Church
Hollywood Campus Pines Campus N. Miami Campus Prayer Requests www.visitoasis.org

tel 954.433.4838 | fax 954.433.2004 | info@visitoasis.org

Baptistry Update #3 - Awesome Pics

Here are the latest pics.    

Independance Day, July 4th, What it's all about!!

Tonia received this picture from her nephew's wife last night. It says it all. He has just arrived home from his 3rd deployment to Iraq!!! He is our Family Hero!!!

Thanks, Phil Gilmore, for making it possible for your girls and all of us to continue to Celebrate Independence Day, July 4th!!!

God bless you and all the other men and women who make our Freedom possible.

Wednesday "What Were You Thinking?" Dump!!!

Haven't done this before but thought I might DUMP some things on you all in one post. I'll try to keep it relatively short. (That word Relatively, is Relative of course)

• Kids World Director, Suzie McCord reported this week their 140 volunteers serve 375 Children every week in our Services on 3 campuses and during 7NOW, YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!! YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!!
• Oasis Church Baptized 207 new believers, who were obedient and followed the Example of our Lord Jesus Christ. I received a letter this past week the day before breaking ground for the new Fountain and Baptistry at our Pines campus, from our Denominational office which congratulated Oasis Church for being the 19th ranked church in total Baptisms in 2007 out of almost 3000 churches in Florida. God has been so good to us.
• As of this Month the Faithful Givers to Oasis Church have given 2 Million Dollars toward the ministry of Oasis Church for the Budget year that ends on August 31st.  I thank God for those who Tithe (10% ) to the Lord's work here at Oasis. You are a major reason God has used Oasis in such incredible ways this past year in North Miami, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines and around the World.
• We do not count attendance very often but in April the last count that was taken there were 2,099 who attended our weekly services that week. We will normally have between 2,100-2,300 on any given week worshiping at Oasis. That is remarkable when you consider our limited parking and buildings at our Pines Campus. Approx. 600-700 of those attending, attend our7 Nights of Worship Services. Approx. 250 attend our Oasis Nomi, and Hollywood Campuses.
• The most-read Blog Posts this past month in case you missed them are in order:  XXX Part 1  For Men Only Please and Part 2, The Secret is Out!!! , Thanks for the Memories, and The Day That Changed My Life FOREVER!!!
• One year of Blogging just passed last week!!!   I cannot believe it's been a year since my first blog post about my Mentor, Mr. Johnson.  400  Blog Postings later (399 to be exact as of this post)  and 54,000 Blog Page Views is something that I have a hard time getting my mind around. I know I bore lots of you in my long posts, but I have to be me!!!! Some I have made mad, but my Blog is named, What Were you Thinking?  I want to thank those of you who have commented (677 of you) even if you haven't agreed with me. When you do agree, the kind words you have written, the verbal encouragements to keep blogging and even the constructive criticism some of you give. Thanks for honoring me with the time you've taken to read my thoughts and sometimes my rantings. It's a privilege to have so many friends and family.  I especially want to thank my boys for their constant effort to keep me humble by their comments on the Blog, and then last but not least, Tonia and her perseverance with having to take the heat for some of the things I write and also the pictures of her I have posted. Tonia, I love you, and thank you for your patience. I love all you guys!!! I'm a blessed man!!

Baptistry Update #2 Pictures and Great News

Today our pool contractor, Van Kirk and Sons passed 3 inspections toward the new Baptistry and fountain. Things are progressing fast. The pressure test on the plumbing was passed, the re-bar steel inspection and the bonding inspection. (Who knows what that is? I think something to do with the electric and grounding). These inspections now open the door for the concrete to be blown on Wednesday.

All of this is the result of many of you who had given sacrificially two years ago to our 2nd Chapter Offering. This was over and above your normal tithes and offerings. I am so grateful for your dedication and love for our church and your Lord. Because of you we will see many new believers and potential disciples baptized for many years to come. We have waited for 8 years for this.

Ironically, but not by mistake, I received a letter the day before we broke ground on the Baptistry from our denomination. It congratulated us on being one of the top 25 churches in Baptism for the past year. Last year we baptized 207 new believers which was the 19th largest Baptism count out of almost 3000 Florida churches. I praise God for His blessings on our Church.  207 new Christ followers to share the "Refreshing" message of Jesus to our community. 

I look forward to hundreds of new believers baptized in this pool over the years to come. What a beautiful location, and place of solitude to come, and even more so, what a bpicture of what Jesus has done for us, as we come out of the water. A date has not been set for our first baptism in the fountain...some time in August. Once we feel all the permit inspections will be done by the city we will set a date, probably in the next several weeks.

Surge and 7NOW Continue to Surge on Thursday Nights

Each week we continue to hear great reports of our Youth Ministry Worship along with our 7NOW Adult Worship. If you have not tried out Thursday nights I encourage you to try it. If you have a teen bring them Thursday Night. The adults and teens combine for the Worship Music and then break into different areas for the Message. This pic is our youth from this past Thursday night. There were 164 youth and adults in attendance. The spirit is electric on Thursday with all the teens who are fired up and passionate for the Lord. I love dropping in for Worship on Thursday nights.

Ron Remer, our Adult Host Pastor for Thursday night, had major hip surgery last week. He will be out for about 2 months. I visited with him this week and he is doing awesome in his recuperation. I'm sure he and Tam would appreciate your prayers. During his absence our Pastoral Team and Warren Corbin will be filling in as Host Pastor.

So Longgggggggggggg to 3 of our Staff!!!

For the first time in 16 years Oasis says good bye to 3 staff members all leaving the same week...Friday this past week. This is very unusual. For a team like us, it is very seldom we have staff turn over. So when you lose 3 the same week, same day well it hit me today it's huge!

We wish all well as God uses them in their new endeavors.

Gabi Murray, our Facilities Director, retired along with her husband, Don, who had been with NBC 6 for over 30 years. They pulled out of town for Texas on Friday.

Jonathan Higdon has been with us for about 3 years. He served in our KidsWorld for two years and this past year he has assisted in our Youth Ministry / Surge ministry. Friday was his last day as he heads to Jacksonville, Florida to be closer to his girlfriend and family. Jonathan has been a tremendous blessing to so many children and teens. He will be missed. God bless you, Jonathan. For more info on his going away night at Surge, go to our Worship Pastors Blog, Chris Hughes.

The third staff person to leave us on Friday this week was Deloris Lee. She has been a part-time Receptionist for the last year. Her family...Robert and their 6 sons, have been active for several years at Oasis Church. They have served in various parts of the ministry. We will miss them. They are moving to Tennessee to be closer to some of the family living there.

So we say, "So long"!!! This is one part of pastoring I do not like. Saying good bye!!! But South Florida being a very transient place, it is something you learn to deal with. The awesome thing is that we are building Disciples on this journey and as they leave us, my prayer is that God will use them and what they have experienced at Oasis to bless others. As our Oasis Family expands, we now have Oasis family all over the globe. This week we added more of them, from Texas, Jax Florida, and Tennessee. All have been good employees and we will miss them, but even more as fellow Oasis Family. God bless you, guys.

Thanks for the Memories

Thanks for all the 33 years of memories. Thanks to your dad, here are some all the way back to your beginning. I love you!!! 

Tonia and her little Brother, actually her little brother passed away at 11 years old, Jimmy, from complications of heart surgery. This is her middle brother.,Barry. Youll see him later , he has grown just a little.

Tonia and Little Brother Jimmy!

Nephew's Phil and Barry Jr.

Phils daughter and Tonia's Great Niece

Little brother Barry.

Mother Daughter (Thanks Yvonne for the Gift 33 years ago!!! I love you)

Corey Sings at his Grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Is she beautiful or what? Sr. Picture!!!

Skiing in Utah and Colorado with the boys.

Nates Wedding

Jims home for Christmas from College

Jenni our beautiful daughter in law.

Ta-Ta with the loves of her life!!! Wow! Have they grown!!!

Our trip to Disney with the grandsons. Caleb and his Ta-Ta on late night date at the Animal Kingdom Lodge!!! Long story on this. Gavyn the oldest wasnt playing this game!!!

 The Family Pic, with LITTLE BRO Barry!!!!!

Finally the house is empty , just the two of us!!

 Celebrating our 30th Anniversary Cruise to Mexico with the Gilmores and their 50th Anniversary!! (Bad hair day for me!!)

Christmas 2004, New York.

Central Park, New York City.

One of the Possible sites for Corey and Sabrina's Wedding next year. Just before flying home this week.

Tonia's Dear Friend Sally Rogers. We all miss her!!

The Real Tonia we know and Love!! She was over it and ready to come home. This was taken last week on vacation, in the Conservatory Gardens in Central Park. Corey and Sabrina were discussing possible options for the Wedding. 

 

Tonia at age 100!! I still think she is beautiful and I love her more than I do today 33 years later.(That will be like 81 years later)

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES BABE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Day that Changed my Life Forever!!!!

 Thursday, June 26, 1975, was the day that changed my life forever. For that I am grateful!!! 33 years ago tonight, Tonia and I were married in our home church First Baptist Church of West Hollywood, at the corner of Taft St. and 441. We stayed just 4 miles from our present downtown Hollywood home, for the first night of our Honeymoon. It was and still is the Marco Polo in Sunny Isles. Just south of Hollywood. Today as I drive by it is definitely dated and not the contemporary high rise it was in that day. But it was the beginning of a journey that has been nothing less than phenomenal. That night, as this young 19 year old, college student opened all the envelopes with the anticipation of enough gift money to take us to Disney World the next day for our Honeymoon; I would have never imagined that 33 years later, I would be more in love with my high school sweetheart than on my wedding  night. I would have never dreamed I would think she is more beautiful today than that day at the age of 19. But I really do!!!  Actually even more so.  I didn't dream, I would be pastoring a church like Oasis, in 3 locations, every night of the week, 70 countries from around the world. I had grown up in a very conservative, legalistic church  background, in a South Florida that was more deep south. Nothing like today. But I love it and even more I love Tonia for being willing to take this journey with me and not just support me in it, but has had so much to do with what God has done here. She has been an awesome Pastor's wife and help mate/soul mate. I would have never dreamed I would have 3 grown sons, and two grandsons. You just can't think that far ahead when you're 19 years old on your wedding night. I would have never dreamed, we would have traveled to the Mediterranean, Italy, South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Canada, practically every state in the USA and Israel two times. This was a kid who grew up in a 2 bedroom house in old Miramar, with 5 other family members, one bath and about 899 sq. feet. Never saw a mountain till my senior year. Never left Florida till I was 18 years old. I didn't see snow until my freshman year of College.

We have had our ups and downs like any couple. We have our disagreements, and our moments. We get irritated at each other. Our sons were normal (are) boys who got into trouble and didn't always live up to what some people felt the Pastor's Kids should be. As if Pastor's kids chose that role. But I am so proud of them and the men they have become. Who would have dreamed one would live in New York City, one in Indian Harbor Beach and one just a mile away in downtown Hollywood. We have had family disappoint us, friends let us down, watched other pastor friends and their families fall apart. We have journeyed through the dark days like anyone's family. 

But 33 years later tonight, I would not trade the vows I made on June 26,1975 to Tonia Felice Gilmore. I would do it all over again. I said, "Till death do us part"...I hope to continue to live out that vow. That day in June, changed my life forever and I am so glad it did. I LOVE YOU BABE, MORE THAN EVER !!!!!!! THANKS FOR YOUR LOVE FOR ME, OUR BOYS, OUR GRANDSONS, DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND SO MANY OTHERS YOU HAVE SHARED YOURSELF WITH, THESE 33 YEARS. YOU'RE A SAINT!!!! 

Thanks for the Memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   CAN'T FIND ANY WEDDING PICS DOWNLOADED. MY FATHER-IN-LAW IS WORKING ON IT. THANKS, GIL FOR SUPPLYING THESE FOR ME. I AM GOING TO SHARE MANY MORE FROM TONIA'S BABY DAYS, AND OUR FAMILY'S 33 YEARS IN ANOTHER POST, SO COME CHECK OUT OUR "WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE"

Waldo has been Found!!!!!!!!!

Last week was an awesome time with my wife. We visited New England. I would have loved sharing each day, but I was really trying to be good and not spend my time working. But , I must say I'm paying big time this week. It's been non-stop. But wanted to let those who have been googling all week trying to find "Waldo". Well, the pic's below will share a little of our wonderful week, and also remind you that you must "come apart" or you will "come apart". Even Jesus got away from the everyday stress to rest. What do you have planned? Doesn't have to be exotic, or expensive.

Our first two nights were in Kennebunkport, Maine . Stayed in the Maine Stay B&B. Tonia and I love them. This was for our Anniversary, which by the way is today, June 26, 1975. 7:00 p.m. Thursday night, 33 years ago.

Boothbay Harbor -- next stay up the Maine Coast, not far from the first place the sun rises each day in the United States. The sun came up about 4:30 a.m. each morning. Just about the same time Tonia and I normally get up and begin our day!!! Right!! This pic is where Bobby Flay did his Crab Throw Down, The Lobster Dock. We came home and Weds. night the throw down was on the Food Channel. It will be on again this month. I'll look for the dates. Worth the visit if you're in the area!!! This was taken in Ted Williams Fav Resturant in Warrick, Rhode Island. My good friend and Lay Pastor at the Hollywood Campus, Chuck Mahoney, in the Pic, took us there.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Loved the city and having some time with Chuck. We love to argue Politics and Sports. But we try to keep it civil. But have you ever tried to have a civil conversation with a Red Sox, Celtic and Patriots fan? Just won't happen. Thanks Chuck for the bed, and the beautiful view of the Bay. Had lots of Lobster Rolls while there. Here I am basking in the 60 degree afternoon after eating at the Clam Shack, featured on Rachel Ray's Show. Stayed in Bar Harbor, Maine which is at the entrance of the Acadia National Park. The Park was the main reason we drove toward Northern Maine's Coast. Unfortunately the Park was awesome and beautiful but it had fog roll in and the incredible rocky coast you could not see. That was about the only disappointment we had the entire trip.  

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