GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

10 Take Offs, 10 Landings, 3 Countries, 7 Days

Got up at 3:45 a.m. this morning in Pisac, Peru, flew to Lima, and just got home to Miami. Going to bed. Lots to share!!!! Glad to be home.

12,000 Feet up in the Middle of the World

Hello from the Equator!  I am on the Internet for the first time in 4 days. It's awesome to be able to just share a few pics and lines with you. I am only on for a little while. Then off to the airport here in Quito, and flying to Lima, Peru tonight; then off to Cusco, Peru Saturday through Tuesday and back home Tuesday night.

We have been with Ron and Sharon Stiff in Quito, and their ministry "It's About Kids". I have too much to say about this wonderful couple and the incredible ministry God has built through them in less than 10 years here. But I will be sharing lots more in the days to come when I get a chance.

What a privilege to stay with them at what they have named, Montebello. They have 15 children living with them - from 9 years old to 18. They are called to the orphaned and those deserted children in Ecuador. It is amazing to see their love and dedication to the Lord and the children.

Just 3 years ago they opened one of the most unusual schools I have ever seen. Their first year they had 20 attend the school.  Last year 160, and this year they have cut off the enrollment to 200. They have only been able to accept 40 new applications out of 300 received.

The facilities are second to none, and the standards are amazing. (They built them almost all by volunteer donations and with teams who visit from the United States). They will change hundreds of lives in the future generations, through the intensive Christian education they are providing. They welcome families from families of some means and then they have half the school from poor children whose families cannot pay anything.

I cannot wait until some of you reading this, come and experience this missions ministry first-hand. Katia Droira and her family, native Ecuadorians themselves, had a burden to partner with a ministry in their home country. They hooked up with "Its About Kids" several years ago and this is what brought me down. 

Many from our church last year and this year, donated school supplies to this ministry through Oasis Church. It was a privilege to watch as Katia presented over 300 lbs of donated school supplies to Sharon this morning. It was very emotional. Next year I hope our church will double it. (The pic to the left has Jordon Droira and Kendra Bucher, two of our Surge Students, standing with the unpacked donations from Oasis Church. Katia is in the pic below)

Lots more later. The pics are just a few so far from our week. I can't explain them all, but I will say our trip up the mountain overlooking Quito yesterday, was breathtaking not only in the views but also physically at 12,000 feet above sea level. Ugh!!!

What a wonderful country with beautiful people. Another birth country of our wonderful Oasis Family, which I have been able to see. Thanks, Jose and Katia for opening your hearts to the nation of Ecuador and letting Oasis Church come along.         

This is the view from our porch at Montebello of Cotapoxi. The largest active Volcano in the world at 20,000 feet.

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

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!!

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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Where's Waldo??????

Tonia and I are away this week. I'm not sure I am ready to tell you where yet! My boys might find out and come looking for us. This is our vacation...they had theirs, food, fun and travel for 30 years between having all three. Anyway, I thought I would play this Little Game I remember from maybe 10 years ago...Where's Waldo?????

If you aren't familiar then check out Wikipedia for Where's Waldo. Today's game is "Where are Guy and Tonia?" Not that most of you even care!

• It is 50 degrees right now.
• I am typing on a porch in a little city of 3500, that swells to 14,000 in the Summer. Had a Horse and Buggy Ride around the historic downtown with houses dating back to the 1700's (not us in pic).
  
  The sun comes up at 5:00 a.m. and sets about 9:15 p.m.!! Hence at 6:45 a.m. I am up with the sun in my eyes since 5 a.m. and can't sleep. So, I am playing Where's Waldo?
  We are about 4 hours from where the sun first comes up in the United States. Took a trolley ride around the area and past a former president's house. Didn't run into him though!!!!  He has a windmill on the property, supplying his estate with power and sells the rest to the electric company. Going Green!!!

The state tree is a Pine Tree!! Sounds like fun!!!

Lowest per capita income in the country except Mississippi, our guide said.
Beauty around every turn, down every street!!

Great food, I guess you find that everywhere. But exceptional here!!

Had dinner last night at The Nonantum Resort a 125 year old Inn, overlooking an incredible river, while watching a group having an outdoor Lobster Bake on the open pit in the ground.

Water temp 52 degrees yesterday and the beach was packed!!! Not me...I go in when it reaches 90 degrees.

Tonia and I split a Lobster Roll yesterday at the Famous Clam Shack!! Yum!

Rachel Ray has reviews all over town!!! That girl likes to eat!!! 

The Inn we are staying at was built in 1890 by a Sea Captain...has a widow's loft and tons of history.

Tonia and I love B&Bs...are retracing our 20th Anniversary trip but not staying in the same B&B's. That is all we stayed in then, we will only stay in a few this time.

Looking forward to staying with one of our members from Hollywood hopefully on Saturday night!!!!  He is at his summer home in............. (Didn't really think I was going to tell?)

More later, the inn keeper just told me the coffee is on!! I'm ready!!

   

AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

I never cease to be amazed at watching the Space Shuttle Land. I do not normally get to see it live. But just a few minutes ago I found myself with my mouth open hardly able to breathe watching the 123rd Space Shuttle Discovery Land at Kennedy Space Center. I have only seen one Take off from the Beach in Satellite Beach. It was last year with my son and two grandsons. I was like this little kid totally overwhelmed while my grandsons played on the beach oblivious to the phenomenal feat. I asked my son Nate, have they ever seen one. Oh, yea they see them all. Its no big deal to them. Man I felt like this little kid!!!!!

What a sight to see this multiple ton aircraft, just glide into the Earth. No engines, no power!!! I just had to say something. Tonia is at an all day planning meeting. Im finishing off a sermon for July on the Satisfying Life, but tuned in when I heard it was landing. Unfortunately the last one I saw landing live never landed, on February 1, 2003 . As millions on that Saturday morning sat and watched this common sight now for most, the Columbia disintegrated over  Texas.  7  Precious Souls lost. A reminder that Life is fragile. But God is Big and He is in Control!!!!!! What a Big God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today had a happy ending, and Im here still with my Mouth Wide open amazed at what I just witnessed.5 Million Plus miles in 14 Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those with a little extra time, check out the recent Russian Landing, I think they have a little work to do, before they catch us!

I am Waxing Nostalgic, remember the good ole days!!!!!!

I Remember the good ole days when Gas was only $2.39 a Gallon!!! Way back in August of 07!!! Those were the good ole days!!!

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Speaking at another local Church this Sunday

This Sunday Ill be Preaching at my home church in Hollywood. Dennis DaCosta one of our long time members and leaders is the interim Pastor at the Centerpointe Church. This is the church I grew up in known then as the First Baptist Church of Westhollywood. I graduated in the first class in their school. (along with my lovely wife, who by the way was the Homecoming Queen and Miss HCS our Sr. Year)

Not only did I meet my wife there but we were married there and served on the Pastoral staff for 13 1/2 years. Our Sons all accepted Christ at the Westhollywood Church, were baptized and one graduated from the school, Hollywood Christian School.

This is the church who sent us out to Pembroke Pines in September of 1991 to start the Oasis Church. So you can see I have lots of roots there, and they are the ones who encouraged me to spread my wings!!!! I will forever be grateful to this church for the legacy and foundation they laid in my life and my families.

This will be the first time I have been back to preach since I left in September of 1991. Dennis and Faithe DaCosta are taking a long awaited 2 week vacation for their 30th anniversary so I am filling in the next two Sundays. By the Way our Own Dante Miro will be leading worship for these next two Sundays there also. Dante also grew up in the Westhollywood Church and was in the Youth Ministry when I was the Youth Pastor there.

I will still be in our Services for the weekend and 7NOW. They only have one service so Ill just drive back and forth like our pastoral team does each week between our North Miami Church and Our Downtown Hollywood Campus. Its only about 8 miles.

Anyone who might like to visit this Sunday or next can go to CenterPointeChurch and get directions. Its simple enough. It sits on the Corner of Taft Street and 441, next to the Toyota of Hollywood, and the Fred Hunters Cemetery. I would love to see some of you at their 10 am service. Im sure it would be an encouragement to this congregation also to see their Baby Church (Thats us) members come over. This week there I will bring the Message one of Going Green. So if you missed last weeks message , come on to hear me bring it in WestHollywood. Next Sunday Ill bring the last of the Going Green Messages.

From Nigeria to Pembroke Pines and now a Team!!!!!!! (Guest Blogger)

I am happy to Welcome this weeks Guest Blogger.    She is Tonia Melton, our Womens Ministry Director and my wife of almost 33 years.

 

What a great afternoon we shared this past Sunday, May 18.

 

We had 40 women attend our Woman to Woman Mentoring Orientation Coffee and had a great time of sharing and getting to know one another.

 

It was so great to see women from all three of our campuses showing up to see if they'd be interested in being a part of this special ministry.  It was a JOY to have nine women come from our new campus, NOMI, which had it's first Sunday on Easter! 

 

Our prayer team met the following morning, praying and asking God to match these girls in to the perfect mentoring relationship for the next six months!  We've been able to pair twelve new relationships, which will Kick Off Wednesday, May 28. We now have 20 matches, with a total of 40 women participating. We thank God for that!

Two of our girlfriends matched themselves at our Orientation Coffee.  Ebele and Ronke are from Nigeria, but different tribes............Click to finish this story at http://www.visitoasis.org/article/woman-to-woman-mentoring-coffee-2