GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Baptistry Update #5

Not a lot of change on the surface this week of our new Fountain and Baptistryat the Pines Campus. But the pool company has continued to move forward. Electricians ran new wiring and conduit (piping) for the lighting in the Fountain. They did other Electrical work. Forms were stripped from around the Fountain that were used when the Gunite/Concrete was blown last week.

The Landscape design was drawn and put out to Bid along with our Paver Patio around the Fountain area. We continue to move ahead.

Again, I want to thank all of you who, 2 years ago, gave generously to assure we would have a place to baptize new Believers for many years to come. In a time when finances are tough, and the economy is tight, it seems strange to be completing a project of this sort. But through your generous giving in the past we are now seeing the Future take place before our very eyes. Another testament to the generosity of Oasis Church and the Grace of God on this ministry.

In the spirit of full disclosure!!!!! If someone asks you why use the monies for this,when we are tightening our belts everywhere else? Good question!!!! We have an obligation to spend every penny given toward this project on this project. It's been in the bank waiting until we were able to build. Ethically we could not spend this money on something else, when so many of our church gave sacrificially to see this long-awaited Baptistry completed. Just a word in case someone wonders.    

LATEST UPDATE:

This afternoon I met with Bobby Van Kirk the owner and he went over next weeks work in putting the rock formations in the fountain, and also the Marble work on the walls. He and His company are donating all the paver brick, and all the special Marble and other high end material we could never afford. He is taking a special interest in our Fountain and Baptistry. I loved what he said to me in our conversation. If 2 people see this, are drawn into the Church and then they get "saved" then it would be worth it. Is that awesome or what????? The Pool Guys get our Mission !!!!

No Starbucks, Krispy Kreme or Dandee Donuts!!!!! What do you mean?

Watch this video  shown this week at all Oasis Church Services, to find out why???

Baptistry Update #4 - July 4th, 2008

Here are the latest pics from our new Fountain and Baptistry for our Pines Campus. The Gunite was finished yesterday, and in the next several weeks there will be other additions but most won't be as noticeable as this past week. We will keep you up. If  you haven't seen and read the first 3 updates let me encourage you to do this. It's more than just a Baptistry. Lots of history behind this beautiful pic of an unfinished Fountain and Baptistry.

Thanks to Wallie and Ranelle Walkenhorst for the Latest Pics.

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.    

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.

Long Awaited and Worth the Wait!!!!

It's been a long time coming. On the drawing board since we moved into our Worship Building in June of 2000, it has finally arrived. Our first permanent Baptistry at our Pines campus in our 16 year history began to be dug this morning. This is not just a Baptistry but will be a beautiful fountain, and courtyard throughout the week. It's practical, yet beautiful. Those on our Pines campus will see a BIG hole right under the steeple tower when you come to Worship this coming weekend, and weeknight.

I've never seen such beautiful dirt. For years there have been delays and set-backs. The last one was our hurricane Wilma almost 3 years ago. Just finishing our 1/2 Million Dollars in repairs a few months ago, we are now able to focus on this awesome project.

The money has been in the bank for several years now, thanks to the hundreds of families who gave to our 2nd Chapter Offerings in 2005-2006. Along with the Ffnishing of our KidsWorld classes, preparing for our 7NOW, the Fountain and Baptistry are the result of your generous giving. We thank each of you for making it happen. Our goal is to have the Fountain, Baptistry, and courtyard finished in order to begin Baptizing by the end of the Summer. Am I excited or What???? You bet I am!!!!!      

Fathers Day Tribute Video at Oasis

Today we showed a Fathers Day Video Tribute to Dads!!! Joel our Tech Director did a great job of taking some of our pics of the Pastoral team and our kids and put it into a tribute. If you are coming to one of the 7 Nights of Worship you'll see the Video .  (The Link is below)

Just a few notes to look for:

1. The only picture I have of my Father with one of my sons!!! Many of you have heard my stories of my dad. Here he and I am with my middle son Nathan. I think it was at my Grandfathers funeral, His father. Sad, only one picture with his granddad!!!  My dad past away 13 years ago. This fathers day reminded me how important it is I make lots of pics with my kids and even more with my Grandsons!!! 

2. Me with my perm, when i turned 30 years old!!!!! Im thinking of bringing it back, Any one want to vote for that??????????? leave me a comment!!

3. Great pastoral team , I love them and their kids!!! I know you do to!!

4. I hope you had a good day with your dad if he is living locally. I got a call from my boys. Tonia and I had a quiet day after church . Went to Padrinos, had some good cuban food. I came home , took a nap, and went back to 7NOW at Pines Campus.  All my boys are out of town, two live out of town, and  Jim the oldest called from Albany New york tonight. He is there moving his friend there from Hollywood. Jim might be the best friend to his friends of any one I have ever witnessed. Im proud of his loyalty to his friends.

ok, now for the video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6gTvvvvSqI 

.

Leaders Development Dinner

 Tonight was one of those nights that are just special. I spent about 3 1/2 hours with our Leaders who lead our ministries. 90 Leaders and spouses met to have a great meal prepared by John Adams who leads our Kona Cafe on the Pines Campus.  All 3 Campuses were represented. We don't get to be together very often.

Following the Meal Rev. Bud McCord our Missionary to Brazil gave us an overview of his new book , "The Satisfying Life" which is what our new Series at Oasis Church is based on. Actually it is based on John 15. If your going to be at church this coming weekend or one   of our nightly services , you might want to read this passage. Speaking to our Staff, Deacons/Lay pastors, Church Council, Children's Directors , Worship leaders , Host Pastors , Womens ministry ,First Impressions Captains and Community group leaders Bud challenged us all to live the Abiding Life.  To realize Jesus is in me and I have all I need in life to be satisfied is within me , Jesus Christ. It was refreshing. It was  a time our Leaders who constantly give out , and serve others had a chance to be fed, spiritually as well as physically.

 What a privilege to serve with these great men and women. As I looked around the room, I was just awestruck at the wonderful servant leaders our church is blessed with . I am so blessed to serve as servant leader to this incredible church. I love Oasis Church. Cant wait to see you this coming weekend and week.