Revival!
In 26 Years as a church, this is a first! There are not many firsts anymore now that our church is 26 years old. I remember back when there were “firsts” of some major degree almost every month and year. But with growth and longevity, the “first time" for something significant doesn’t come along very often, but when they do, they are very special.
This week has been a first! For the first time since we launched Oasis Church with our core of 11 adults in September of 1991, I believe Oasis Church has tasted what a true “revival” is. In recent years churches have called special meetings revivals where they bring in an Evangelist and some do this annually. But I’ve only truly seen one once in my lifetime – a moment in time when what I experienced was only God and no man, service or event. This week, I have seen “revival" for the second time. This time at Oasis Church.
It wasn't scripted or choreographed with lights, fog machines, or some event but it came organically through the prayers of God’s people. As I shared with our staff this morning, we have seen God. He has come down and touched us in the last 36 hours – during our 24 Hour Prayer Vigil and ending with our Night of Worship and breaking of our fast with a full auditorium worshiping God together last night.
I don't think revival can be fully explained or understood and I find it hard, even now, to share what God’s done in our midst to those who have not experienced it first hand. All I know is God has been here this week like I’ve never seen it. From the moment almost 300 different Oasis'ers came through the Prayer War Room set up Tuesday night in our Community Cafe, the reaction was the same, "God is here,” the presence of God is so strong here. He was and is.
Most of us have struggled to even explain what’s happened and that is how it was in the Bible when God touched people and revival came. It wasn’t something that could be explained in human words. You just know you’ve been with the Lord and He has changed you. Even as I type, I have to keep stopping and erasing because I just can’t explain what we have witnessed these last 36 hours. I just long to experience it again and again.
Revival comes when God’s people humble themselves, pray and seek His face. That is what we have done this week and He has brought revival in our hearts and souls. Hundreds of prayer requests have been saturated with prayer and we will see God’s answers for years to come. Chains have and will be broken.
I would like to end this email with a few testimonies people have shared with me. Since I have not asked permission I’ll leave their names off but these represent a few of what hundreds have felt this week. If you were here, you understand.
"My husband and I were there and just felt God's presence and his peace which surpasses all understanding. We prayed over a few stations and truly believe that we will be hearing testimonies of answered prayers. A church that prays together – stays together and is up for a great blessing. My husband and I want to thank you for bringing this vigil to Oasis and would love to have more of them." Long-time members
"WOW, WOW, WOW! What a great move of God! " Millennial
“… I prayed with her on Tuesday night she told me it was her second time here and that she used to go to church but somehow she got lost... She was here praying with her Grandma.” Long Time Member. NOTE: This girl in this note brought her whole family to "Night of Worship" last night. Her brother got saved last night!
"The feeling of community amongst the people who attended the prayer vigil was immense, even without uttering a word to each other. Wouldn't it be great if we could have a War Room within the church where people could come in and experience what we experienced in those 24 hrs?" First Impressions Champion
"I could sense God’s presence and His angels all around us as soon as I stepped into the building. It was like heaven went down into our church and even when I couldn’t see them with my own eyes I felt angels and God’s spirit all over the place (I know I sound crazy). It was so so overwhelming, I was bawling my eyes out during all the service from beginning to end and it was extremely overwhelming in a good sense... honestly, I was not ready to feel what I felt. Well, He said it! If there are 2-3 gathered in His name, He would be there and hollyyyyyy mollyyyyyy He was, and all His court!" New Oasis Member
“… Was blown away by the number of men who came to pray before work.” Oasis Team member
"As soon as I stepped inside the Cafe (Prayer Room) I was overwhelmed with the presence of God. You can feel the spirit of the Lord here. God is absolutely working." ONE Students member
"It’s amazing when a man walks in (Prayer Vigil) and says I have no idea what I'm doing and as you walk him through, God leads him to the prayer wall and he is just in tears and God turns him into a Prayer Warrior. He is a new Christian, just saved in November." Prayer Room Host
"This is the most powerful thing I've ever witnessed. Seriously. Kudos to everyone who made this come to fruition. I pray we can do this more." New Millennial Oasis'er
"Pretty amazing – not only did I get to pray for several people but if other people saw someone crying, they were going over and praying for them also. Totally amazing" Prayer Room Host
"Just leaving Oasis right now. Such an amazing time of introspection and intimacy with the Father. I will definitely be back tomorrow" Kids World Volunteer
AND THE COMMENTS JUST KEEP GOING ON AND ON!
Oasis, God has blessed us with His presence, may we be faithful in prayer and our faithfulness to Him. To be continued…
Guy Melton
Senior and Founding Pastor
Oasis Church of South Florida
P.S. There were also 64 new Prayer Partners who signed up to be my partners each week in praying over our services and those on our Prayer Digest. If you would like to join us, just let us know and I’ll send you the details. Email [email protected].
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