GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Help the Hurting, Finish Strong. Pastors weekly email for November 15, 2013

 

 

 

Dear Extended Oasis Family,

 

 

"Christmas at the Oasis" is in full gear moving toward launch the first week of December. The buzz and excitement is building. You feel it the moment you walk on the property. Sets are being built, as are tree stands for the Trees of Hope and the Guinness World Record attempt of 502+ trees and so many other things. Our leaders are in full "All Hands on Deck" mode! I hope you are already on a team and if not you will need to sign up in the next couple weeks as we offer the opportunity. Christmas is a time not just to celebrate the birth of Christ but to be a part of touching thousands and seeing lives changed for eternity. It's soooooooooo much more than lights and trees. (All the details, dates and times for Christmas at the Oasis are at our new website here.)

 

 

"Change Your World in 52 Days" wraps up this weekend. In a powerful message we can all learn from Nehemiah, Ben Windle and myself will be sharing how we can ALL finish strong. Anyone can start something great, have a great vision or a noble dream but few actually see them through till the end and celebrate the victory. Nehemiah did and he gives us a few BIG time ways we can See Victory and Finish Strong. I literally can't wait to share this message with you. I hope you will be here and it is a perfect chance for you to bring a friend or family member who does not attend church. It could be a LIFE CHANGING weekend for them and you. See you this weekend.

 

This is an exciting time of year for Oasis as Christmas approaches and we anticipate all the incredible things it brings, but as you know, last week the devastating storms, we call them Hurricanes, blew through the Phillipines with the highest winds ever recorded. It would have been devastating had it hit South Florida but imagine in a place where the buildings and homes are minimal, at best. I don't need to go into the details you have seen the pictures day and night. Oasis Church as always encourages our family to give to help others in their time of need. There are many good organizations to give to but let me recommend two that I'll be giving through. They are two of the best in the world and both have been Mission Partners in the past and the present with Oasis Church. If you would like to give please visit the site for Baptist Global Partners, the international mission arm of the Southern Baptist Convention of who we are connected and Samaritan's Purse which Franklin Graham heads. Here are their links to give through.

 

God bless you Oasis family. I'll see you this weekend. It's going to be a LIFE CHANGING weekend for many. See you then.

 

Guy Melton

Sr. Pastor

Oasis Church of South Florida

 

P.S. If you are sponsoring "Trees of Hope" just a reminder you can go here online 24/7 to give or you can mark your envelope Trees of Hope when you give at church this weekend. We need all monies in before the trees arrive. You can always give the Lord's tithes and offerings online too. Just click here!

 

 

Dear Extended Oasis Family,

 

"World Record" BABY! Yeah! That is what I hope we are all yelling in December when we actually display, turn on the lights to and count over 502 Live, Lit Christmas trees on our property. While we hope to display 510 and take the "Guinness World Record" for the most Live, Lit, Christmas Trees that is not nearly the whole story or even the most important part of the story.

 

If you were with us last week at either campus you heard me explain "Trees of Hope" and then we challenged our Oasis family to sponsor one or more Trees to give to families who are hurting this Christmas season. You came through BIG TIME! We had all 510 Trees Sponsored. Now we still need some of your cards though. Our business office has reported we are still short of actually having all the Commitment Cards turned in. So if you have a card and you plan to sponsor one or more trees then you can drop the card you received last week in the offering basket this weekend. If you want to give your sponsorship online, you can do that here!

 

Some of you missed last week and you are wondering, What??? What is he talking about? Click on my explanation of this World Changing effort Oasis Church is doing this Christmas. You do not want to miss it and if you have already sponsored a tree, thank you. I believe God is going to change hundreds of lives this season because of you and your small gift of "hope " for a family who otherwise might feel left out and neglected during Christmas. Once again you can give anytime between now and Thanksgiving weekend. More info on the Video, click here!

 

 

 

"Change Your World in 52 Days" continues this weekend at all 3 campuses, check out the times for NOMI, PINES and ONLINE here! God just always blows me away with how He orchestrates our message series for just the right time for our Oasis Family. I should be used to it by now but you never get used to the supernatural, or at least, "normal" is never how you would describe the supernatural. I am humbled to be a part of a place that God continues to do a supernatural work each weekend and each day. I never cease to be amazed at our God. (If you missed one of our first two weeks, please go HERE and watch the message. You do not want to miss a single one.) Remember we work hard to make our messages not only challenge Christians but those who do not yet know Christ. This is a perfect series to bring a friend or neighbor too.

 

Last week I met three single young adults in the Connect Center at Pines who live in Miami Shores and North Miami. Two were first-time guests and the third one had brought them. Why? She had raved about Oasis Church so much on Facebook her friend said "I just had to come check this place out!" Now that's what we're talkin' about! Woo-hoo! God is awesome! You can be used the same way. Don't just share your Oasis love on FB or social media though, invite those who don't have a church or know your Lord. Anyone can do it. I actually met more first-time guests last week after services than I can ever remember! God is doing something special here. Thanks for being a part of it. (One of our team said they met 30 first-time guests last weekend as a result of our "Fall Festival." Whoaaaaaa! Go God!)

 

I love you guys and can't wait to see you this weekend.

 

Guy Melton

Founding/Sr. Pastor

Oasis Church of South Florida

 

P.S. You can always go online here 24/7 and give the Lord His tithes and your offerings! Two weeks ago for the first time we had as many give to the Lord's work at Oasis online as we did in the service! Amazing days we live in. Join me today as I give online the tithe, my missions and my "Trees of Hope" offering. Thank you to all those of you who faithfully give. You are part of changing lives. One person, one family at a time.

 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT TONIGHT....... MORE HERE IN PASTORS WEEKLY EMAIL FOR NOVEMBER 1

DEAR Extended Oasis Family;

DO NOT MISS THIS WEEKENDS BIG ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW:

 

BIG WEEKEND:

 

We continue our new series, "Change your World in 52 Days." Our teaching team is going to bring a powerful teaching on how to do that and how to "Live out LOUD", and "Lead Big." You DO NOT want to miss this. All campuses, and live online, at 10:30 a.m. and Noon (EST) on Sunday.

 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT CHRISTMAS AT THE OASIS THIS WEEKEND. Do not miss my BIG announcement about the greatest undertaking Oasis has ever attempted during Christmas. You DO NOT want to miss this. Here is just a little hint of this weekend's announcement. See you this weekend.  

 

 

GIVING AT THE OASIS: A startling milestone happened this week!

 

Seven years ago when we launched our ONLINE giving page we had just about 5% or less of our gifts and tithes being given in this new way. I will admit it took me a while to move from filling out my "Tithe Envelope" each week and bringing it to church to going online. But giving to the Lord is giving to the Lord, no matter how it's given. As I always say, "Methods constantly change, but the Message never changes." 

 

Giving methods have constantly changed from Old Testament times to modern times. But the message God gave to give back our first 10% made in our paychecks has not. The message that Jesus gave to us that where "Our treasure/money is, there we find our heart." That is the best definition of whether a person is a true and obedient disciple of Christ.

 

But whether we still bring an envelope to give to the Lord through His conduit, Oasis Church or give online it's still a measure of man's heart and obedience.

 

Now for the Milestone! From 5% given online 7 years ago until last week when 50% of all Tithes and offerings came through ONLINE giving is nothing short of astounding to me. WOW! Never a more vivid picture of methods changing, but the message remaining the same. Thank you, Oasis Church, for being faithful in your giving to God whether it be in the basket on Sunday or online 24/7 it's still all about the heart and obedience. I love you guys.

 

God bless you and I look forward to seeing you and your family tonight at our "Fall Festival."

 

Guy Melton

Sr./Founding Pastor

Oasis Church of South Florida

 

P.S. BTW, I don't want to disappoint by not giving you a "P.S." so, if you want to give to the Lord's work right now you can go ONLINE now and give so lives can be changed and God is glorified. Love you guys.

 

U missed "U-Night" Catch some 411 here..........

 

Dear Extended Oasis Family,

 

"U-Night" is now history, but those who attended an almost full auditorium last night and packed KidsWorld Classes will be talking about it and living out the vision that was talked about for years to come. I would say it was one of the more special times in our Oasis history. The "core" of Oasis showed up and heard many new things heading our way in the coming year, Christmas and the years leading up to 2020! I am more excited than ever. It is just amazing how God has positioned Oasis Church in the coming months and years.

 

There were many highlights of the evening. Just a few notes of some of them:

 

* An extended time of WORSHIP which was worth coming out for in itself.

 

* Special prayers offered in different languages for our "3 Core Values."

 

* The unveiling and sneak peek of our "NEW WEBSITE" to be launched in September!

 

* "FREE DRINKS" at our ONE CAFE run by our student ministry!

 

*The Announcement of our NEW LOOK for our SHUTTLE BUSES! The first one will greet you as you arrive this weekend on the Pines Campus. The NoMi Campus will get to see it hopefully next week when the second Shuttle will be complete with this amazing and refreshing way to introduce our community to Oasis on the road.

 

 

*Exciting NEWS about our NEWEST PARKING MINISTRY innovations that you will begin seeing by the end of September! PERKS to PARK AREA Coming soon! (Pines Campus)

 

* OASIS GROUPS Launched sign-ups last night. New ones begin next Wednesday night at both North Miami and Pines Campuses at 7 p.m. if you are not in a Small Group. There will also be sign ups this weekend on both campuses. Look for the special tables as you enter the Lobbies!

 

* Mission Store Update of location and grand opening information with updates on what is happening now! Stay tuned if you missed it last night.

* Last but not LEAST: CHRISTMAS AT THE OASIS! THERE ARE GOING TO BE BIG, YES BIG, BIG CHANGES THIS YEAR AND ALL THE NEWS WAS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO ATTENDED LAST NIGHT. Christmas this year is going to be RECORD BREAKING and is also expanding to North Miami on our NoMi Campus. I am dying to share the NEW BIGGIES with you but will wait until you see them come alive this Christmas. If you attended last night shhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! It's a secret until Christmas!

 

 

"Second Chance" message series begins this weekend. I hope you will give out the "6 Pack" of invite cards you received last week to friends and those you come in contact with. This series is going to be life changing. I know they all are but the potential of this being that, for so many, it is unusual.

 

See you this weekend. I am so excited about bringing this first message. The series begins on all 3 campuses, Pines, North Miami and online Campus.

 

If you think I sound excited, I am about to fall out of my office chair as I type this. I just can't wait to get this fall and Christmas season started. Last night was just the tip of the iceberg of what Oasis has in store this year.

 

See you this weekend.

 

Guy Melton

Pastor

 

P.S. Saturday night at 6 p.m. we will include the Lord's Supper/Communion in the services if you would like to join us for the service and this special time of remembering our Lord. We also serve communion each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. during a special communion service prior to our 9AM service. All Oasisers are invited any week.

 

P.S.2 Just an update about giving. You have done such an incredible job of giving to the Lord's work here at Oasis in 2013. We were just about ready to end our year (our ministry year goes from September 1-August 31st) for the first time in 7 years within budget and giving a record for tithes and offerings. But our Go Serve weekend tithes and offerings were half of what they are normally and then the Labor Day weekend hit us. We are currently going to end the year approximately $40,000 short of what we were on target to do. If you have not yet given or need to catch up from the summer, now is a great time to do it. You can bring it in your envelope, pick one up at church or go online now or anytime 24/7 and give. Thanks for giving to the Lord through Oasis Church. You can see the results in tangible ways when you see lives changed, one person at a time.

 

Looking forward not Back. Last Oasis Pastor's Email of 2012

Dear Extended Oasis Family,   It seems like we begin talking about Christmas at the Oasis in January! Oh yeah, we do! It seems so far away and then, it's here, it's gone and we are looking forward to next year. Ok, this can be overwhelming to think about. But let me mention a few more things about Christmas at the Oasis and then we move on to some exciting things we will launch as we move into 2013.   Christmas Eve services were some of the best attended we have ever had. All three were packed. Normally there is plenty of room at 5 p.m. and only a few hundred at our 11 pm service. This year the 5 p.m. was packed and the 11 p.m. was packed more than doubling our largest Christmas Eve ever for the late service. Thanks to all our volunteers and staff who went out of their way to make it happen. You guys are an incredible team doing whatever it takes to reach one more person.   There are still stories continuing to come in about our various Christmas events. I'll share more in the days to come but I know most are a little Christmas-ed out at this point so I'll give you a few days. But all I can say is we were having people stopping by even up to Christmas Eve not only to ask for a Tree for their hurting family but others stopping by who don't even attend to give hundreds of dollars in gift cards and cash for those hurting. I just find it amazing how the more generous our church is, the more generous our community seems to get. One of our staff mentioned this week that they had never seen so many strangers in our community who have given of their resources even though they are not part of Oasis Church. I'm sure God is smiling over your generosity and selflessness this Christmas, Oasis Church.   One more Christmas item and maybe the most important this week to remind you of since it might impact whether we can once again host our Christmas at the Oasis. As I have mentioned numerous times, our budget does not cover the Christmas expenses. If we do not show our generosity once more as a Church at the end of the year this week, it may not be possible to do this incredible outreach next year. This always weighs on me as pastor, since ultimately I am to be fiscally responsible as your leader. Now don't get me wrong, I'm confident each of us will GIVE over and above our regular Tithes and offerings, but I don't assume. Unless you really know the importance of this offering, you won't know to give. So I AM BOLDLY ASKING each one of us to give the largest Christmas Gift this year to Jesus, His church and the Mission of Reaching our community. Fifty thousand PLUS people hear and see His Light on this corner. Please give today or by December 31st online or at Church this weekend. Make sure you mark it Christmas offering and online it has a line to fill in for Christmas along with your Tithes and offerings. Ok, I've done my part, I have given a generous offering and I have let you know the need. Now the ball is in  your court! Will you make sure we are able to continue Christmas at the Oasis in 2013? Give online 24/7 or bring it this weekend.   Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!! 2013   Ok, so it's a few days early, but we have some incredible opportunities to launch your new Year, Spiritually-speaking.     Wednesday, January 9th we will host the Oasis Small groups Kick off of the new year with a "Sneak Peek" at our new Series, "40 Days in the Word". This night will also kick off our Wednesday Night small group experience for the new year so all Wednesday groups will start back and new ones will begin. All "40 Days in the Word" materials will be handed out and the first message will be brought the following weekend  Whether you are in a small group or not you need to be here for this special night. It just might be what helps you to have your best year yet spiritually. Dessert and child care are provided.     Following our Launch of the "40 Days in the Word" is our inaugural Men's Ministry Event of 2013. The men on the team have brought us a very powerful ONE DAY Event right here at Oasis. This unique event for men utilizes motion picture clips as parables to engage men of all spiritual levels. Tickets are on sale and are available at the Small Groups Center or you can register online for $20. Men, please don't miss this. Our last event for the Porn and Pancakes was attended by almost 150 men and I guarantee you this will even be better. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT. SIGN UP TODAY.   Christmas Take Down Day: As sad as it is, all the Christmas Decorations have to come down! Come join us on Saturday, January 5 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. To take down and pack up until next year. Come when you can, leave when you must!   Our Student Ministry (Grades 6-12) will start meeting again on Thursday, January 3 at 6 p.m. Student Ministry Small Groups (Grades 6-12) will begin on Sunday, January 6 at 5 p.m. in Kona. We're also looking for any volunteers who want to help with our student ministry. Contact Roger Estarellas at [email protected] or 954-433-4838 x210 for more information!   Wanted: KidsWorld Volunteers: Come jump on the rollercoaster ride and be a part of changing the lives of kids. We have openings in all amusement park areas for any service times (6pm, 9am, 10:30am, or Noon). Just stop by the Information Center and pick up your Park Brochure for more information or contact the park’s director Debby Brown ([email protected]).   God bless you guys and I can't wait to see you this weekend as we wrap up this year of 2012. You do not want to miss it. It's going to be good.   Guy Melton   P.S. Don't forget if you are wanting to have any gifts recorded on this year's 2012 giving records you will need to go online prior to midnight on December 31st or mail it in with a post mark no later than December 31st. The Government regulates how we can apply your giving and it MUST be in or postmarked by Dec. 31st. Thanks again Oasis for another faithful year in giving to the Lord through Oasis Church. You have made it possible to have another Life Changing year in the lives of hundreds of people and families.

More "Trees of Hope" Stories

Every night last week there were stories from our Homeless Families that our Women's Team welcomed into our church and loved on.

Many stories come from the children who are in "Wonder" of our light display and many "Christmas Experiences " around the property. 

 

This year there are numerous new things added to our display and several are very hands-on and interactive; like our KidsWorld Craft Tents, Train and Trees of Hope.The story below is just one of numerous stories that have been shared and this came to me this morning from one of our staff. It connects the Craft Tent and the Trees of Hope.

 

"......my best story that night was a Hispanic Mom, Dad and 3-year-old boy that came by and I invited them to come and make an ornament for their tree. The Dad was very serious, but accepted my invitation to go ahead and make one himself.  As he was making his ornament, the snow machine turned on and his wife and little boy ran to it. He then proceeded to ask questions about the church, like what denomination it is and how long I have attended. He then asked me about the trees of hope and I told him the Story that Pastor Guy had told us about his vision of having a tree lot, where families that could not afford a tree could come here and be able to pick the tree of their choice.  This man’s whole demeanor changed, he was very moved by that story. He then asked me if all of the trees had been given away already, and I asked him did he need a tree.  He said, I’ve been unemployed for 3 months and my wife and son have been asking for a tree.  I said give me a minute and I went to find Debby and asked her if we could give him a tree.  She said yes, and that we could give him lights and we could even give him some Christmas presents for his son.  When I came back and told him that we were going to give him the tree and the presents, he began to giggle nervously and thank me over and over again.  While Pastor Brown got the tree together he continued to ask me more questions about the church and I invited him to come Saturday or Sunday.  As he was leaving with his Christmas tree in tow, he assured me that he would be coming this Saturday night.  He was blessed that night, but so was I.”

 

That is just one example of what has been happening every day this month. For those who actually donated for the Trees of Hope, that might have been the best $75.00 eternal investment they have ever made.

 

Last night another one of our Volunteers who served at the Skating Rink had a man insisted that she take a donation . Here is her story:

"A couple came up to me last night and wanted to know how to purchase a live tree. I told them they were not for sale but if they were in need of a tree they could have one.  He said "No, I just want to pay for some for other people."   I explained what Trees of Hope was all about and that the trees were purchased for $75 each to provide for needy families.  This is our gift to the community.  He thought that was so wonderful and wanted to know how he could contribute.  He then gave a gift of $500.  He was truly overwhelmed and appreciative of what Oasis was doing for the community.

 

They had visited the church about 5 years ago but then moved away.  They have just relocated back here and requested information and to be added to church mailing list and I told them about our internet  campus and web site.  They are planning to visit Christmas Eve." (Cindy Roberts)

 

WOW! If we could just have 100 more of us do that we could cover Christmas at the Oasis this year. I know it really touched me. I decided to match his gift this year in my "Christmas Offering" that we are taking again to cover our display. That one story was worth it!!! Pray that our church will be that generous as they consider giving this year. We can't continue this each year without giving sacrificially; not only of our time but our resources. I don't know if the man is even a believer, but he sure did inspire me.

 

That is just two stories from today. I’ll continue to share more in the days and weeks ahead.

 

(adapted from our Prayer Partners Weekly email from Dec.19th.)

 

 

 

Oasis in the News, Trees of Hope and more! Pastors Email Letter December 14, 2012

Dear Extended Oasis Family,   I am not only running at 90 mph right now, as I'm sure most of us are this time of year, but while doing it my heart is just so full. God just continues to spread His blessings on Oasis Church. Your faithfulness as a church to God and this Community is just overwhelming. I hope you have been able to volunteer at our Christmas at the Oasis this year. If not, you really need to come out and do it. The reward of seeing the children's faces and hearing the adult's gratitude and overwhelming sense of love they feel here is more than I can really express here. I know you are busy so let me just share some quick nuggets of what's been happening and what's coming up. DO NOT MISS this and make sure you click on the LINKS!   * The Sun-Sentinel Newspaper did an article on our Display and Trees of Hope this past week. Check it out here.     * "Trees of Hope" is in the books for our inaugural year. I am blown away with the stories I am hearing from our staff and volunteers about the people who were blessed by a Free Live Cut Tree with the Lights! Check out this blog post with some very emotional stories along with pictures of hope and love HERE (BTW we still have over 100 beautifully lit Live Cut Christmas Trees around our property for you to see throughout the Christmas season. Make sure you bring your family and friends.)   * Homeless families are living in our building this week. Our Women's Ministry has hosted homeless families for a number of years during the Christmas Season. The stories will break your heart about these families. This year there is a Grandmother who is raising her two grandkids alone and homeless. There is a family with two teenagers who attend our very own local schools and no one knows they are homeless. One is aspiring to be a Doctor. The families have said they never thought they would ever be in this place. My wife Tonia, who spent the night the first night at church with them, shared on her Facebook page that night. "There, but for the grace of God, go I!" Yes, so true for all of us. Thanks Women's Ministry and all those who are giving financially and of your time and food to bless these families this Christmas. God must be smiling watching your abundance of love to them.     * Today we mailed our annual Christmas Letter to our Oasis Family. Please read it and pray about making a generous offering as a Christmas Gift to our Community and Christ this year. Without your gifts and this offering we are not able to do this incredible Christmas Display each year. We do it for as little as $1 a person and the dividends are eternal. We need at least a $30,000 offering from our church family this year in order to continue our display in 2013. I am not just blowing smoke folks. Only a small portion is in our budget and without your gifts between now and December 31st we can't keep this up. Please prayerfully consider matching at least as much as the largest gift you give to anyone else. I think God will bless your heart and faithfulness. Just a reminder this is above your regular Tithes and offerings. You can do it in the Envelope provided for the special offering. You can give online where the line has Christmas offering or you can use your regular envelopes and put Christmas on the "other" line.     * "Carols" Continues this week. I will be bringing a message at all services about the most famous Carol of all and how it's relevant to us today and even how it can bring HOPE to each of us. Can't wait! Past messages can always be found here!   * Don't forget ALL the events this weekend around Oasis! This is the last weekend for our Live Nativity by our Teens with animals and our Guinness World Record Nativity Display. Don't miss them!   Here are some of the other things going on at Oasis, LIKE:         WANTED: KIDSWORLD VOLUNTEERS: Come jump on the rollercoaster ride and be a part of changing the lives of kids. We have openings in all amusement park areas for any service times (6pm, 9am, 10:30am, or Noon). Just stop by the Information Center and pick up your Park Brochure for more information or contact the park’s director Debby Brown ([email protected]).   “ROUGH CUT MEN” WITH DAVID DUSEK: Saturday, January 19th, 2013. This unique event for men utilizes motion picture clips as parables to engage men of all spiritual levels. Advance tickets go on sale this month and are available at the Small Groups Center. December 1st-16th--$15; December 17th-31st--$20; January 1st- 15th--$25   CHRISTMAS WEB SITE: If you haven't had a chance yet, please take a few minutes to look at our Christmas web site. It will give you all the details of what's happening each night. It's also a great tool to use to invite friends and family. You can scan the QR code below with your smart phone to go straight there and check it out!     Thanks Oasis for living up to your name: "Oasis". A "Refreshing" place for "Renewal" and Love in a very harsh world. I love you guys.   Guy Melton Pastor Oasis church   P.S. There are hundreds of "Bike for Haiti" books waiting with your name on it in the Community Cafe. Please pick the ones up with your name on them. They are in alphabetical order. I can't wait to share the story of how we went over our $100,000 Goal for Haiti this past week. We are now at $103,000. and climbing. If you have not pledged you can pick up a pledge card at the information booth or next to the books in the Community Cafe. You can also make a pledge online here! You can then pick up however many thank you books that come with your pledge. I am grateful for all who have pledged and are giving toward the Haitian Missions 2013. More later.   tel 954.433.4838 | fax 954.433.2004 | [email protected]

"Trees of Hope" Stories

Trees of Hope is a new Misions Outreach Oasis Church added this year to our Christmas at the Oasis Display.  Over 200 Live Cut 7-10 Ft Christmas trees from the Virginia / North Carolina Mountains were displayed with lights on our Property . The second week of December we have given away 100 of them to families that are out of work or hurting or single parents just to say we love you and to share some hope this Christmas with them. The 100 given away were sponsored by Oasis Families at $75. to cover all expenses of the trees , displaying them and shipping them. We set them up as a tree farm or Tree Lot display so the families could choose their own tree as a family in a dignified and beautiful memory. Our staff and Vol's have been incredible at loving on them and assisting the wrapping, trimming and loading the trees for each family . God has blessed us more as a church I think than He has blessed those receiving them.

 

I wanted to list some stories from this so our Oasis Family and Friends can be blessed too.

 

"Trees of Hope" keeps on giving. "His House" pic'd up 15 trees 2day for some of their families. Check out this pic & the story. You will be moved! Thanks to the many who gave to sponsor the trees. God is using you to bless families who are really hurting. Some stories have literally caused families to break down and sob and hug our vol's who are helping them load them .

* Meet Deleon, he just turned 18 at His House Children's Home. He came to help load the truck with 15 beautiful Christmas trees headed to this wonderful ministry n foster families that work with them. Thank you, Oasis church family!!! You are great! ~Please, Pray for Deleon and 4 more kids like him as they find out this week what will be of them, (they never got adopted.) They don't have a family or home to go to...(!) (For pics and more story click the link

http://t.co/8js5C5QY

 

So thankful for these godly men and their small group serving throughout Christmas at the Oasis!! — with Jose Patricio Droira and 4 others.

* Johnny Guimarraes Community Group Trimmed, Wrapped and loaded Trees of Hope. These guys truely were the hands and feet of Jesus.

*So thankful for these godly men and their small group serving throughout Christmas at the Oasis!! — with Jose Patricio Droira and 4 others.

 

* Our staff guys unloaded 250 Trees of Hope in 45 mins this morning. The Driver said this was the Best team he has ever seen unload a truck! Luv Oasis team. You guys are awesome.

* "

I say this carefully, because every name in our list represent a story that God is weaving into a much larger and bigger one. But you all knew that.

 

We had about 20 families connected through Rose T. One guy stood in line telling me about how much a case worker had saved his little  2 year old. He started to share that the mom had abused and neglected him after walking out on him. The agency helped him get the little boy back and has now reached his normal weight. He was thrilled to get him a tree. The case worker heard him tell me all this...

 

Another lady, when I called her last week but declined the offer since somebody else had agreed to get her a tree. Well, it didn't happen. She called again coerced by Rosie P. to find out if I had given away her tree to someone else. Her eyes were full of tears as she told me that for such a long time she had being on the giving end and it was really now very hard to be where she is. I told her that the Giver is always our Father. And it takes as much humility, if not more, to receive it. But there is a lesson in there always, and a way to bring us back to Him. She had a little girl about 5 or 6 yrs old whose eyes beamed!!!!! And would come back to my table several times.

 

Which brings me to another story. A pastor's family with 3 teens. They are going through a tough time. One of the kids was a teen boy. He was shouting literally of joy. He left holding the tree and sticking out his face and arms like a champion screaming thank you and that he got the biggest and best tree of all...Haha. It was a sight!!! This family was very humbled that another church would bless another family whose love is to share Christ. They saw God's hand!!!

 

We had families out of Rose's list that we know for sure just lost their job a few days ago before Christmas. Rose got a text about the trees after she had been praying for her friends. She totally saw it as an answer to prayer. She sent an email and last night we met many of them. They were extremely thankful. We had the privilege of praying for them and pointing them to Christ. Told them we will continue to lift them up. That tree was going to be a light and a reminder that God has their backs. Yes, I saw eyes well up... again...

 

A lot of them were pleasantly surprised to find out that the trees came with lights... What? On top of that you are giving us lights?? :)) It was also awesome to add the dignity to allow them to find the tree they liked. The children were ecstatic!! If I saw a family with kids I'd give the ticket to one of them... they LOVED it!!!  

 

I think that children were the total highlight!!! I had a couple come back and hug me out of the blue several times.... How I wish I could pass them on to you!!! I felt undeserving of such love!! I should totally go to the families that gave, the team that originated, planned and orchestrated it all. And most of all, to God, who has used Oasis to be a true light into our community and bring HOPE!!

 

We had people that received Guy's email. People that a friend of theirs got the email, someone that saw it in the Sunsentinel and found out about the trees. A newlywed couple (only one) who came and received their first tree...

 

Ok. I could go on and on and on.... BUT the truth is, I'll tire you... and you get the picture. It was an awesome night!!!

 

THANK YOU for allowing me to take part in such a beautiful outreach. GOD IS AWESOME through OASIS CHURCH."

 

Love each on of you!!

 

Katia

 

* This story comes from Luann our Christmas Cordinator who carries a heavy load during this time and had just come from our staff Christmas luncheon where our bus had broken down and she barely got back to Oasis in order to get everything turned on for the Nightly Display.

 

Great story below:

"Yes in all the craziness I was a little flustered trying to get everything set up to open at 6:00.

The first person in line to see the lights   steps out of her car and says My friends yami and keith signed me up to get a tree ( I would like to say that my first thought was great let me get this lady a tree) but no.. it was tree, how can I get this lady a tree?? Anyway I asked her to give me a minute I found two community service workers to get the saw and tree wrapper and with the lady and her 3 year old we headed to the tree

She picked out a tree , the boys got it cut and wrapped and on her car as she was leaving I was waving goodbye she put the car in park jumped out of the car and wrapped her arms around me and began to cry thanking me so much and explaining how bad the last year had been and how this tree was a new beginning for her and her little girl Wow talk about a God moment!  I had to take a few minutes and thank  God for allowing me the privilege to be apart of Oasis and this wonderful experience I just shared with this women whom I had not known before that night."

These are just a start of some of the stories coming out of "Trees of Hope" . Thanks to all of you who have donated the trees and those who have made these families Christmas just a little more special with a "Tree of Hope".

"My Heart is Bursting"

Dear Oasis Prayer Partner,

 

 

I don't think I have ever used the phrase "My Heart is Bursting" and maybe it's a bad usage of the words but it's really true today. God is so good and has done so much for me and for Oasis; I just am overwhelmed with His love and His answer to prayer!

 

For almost a year we have been planning and praying for this year's "Christmas at the Oasis". It's here!! And God has shown up and been all over our property! The stories just for the first weekend have been incredible and moving.

 

I thank God for the many volunteers that continue to come out and serve our community and our Church family. You and hundreds like you bless me every time I see you each night out serving.

 

I also thank God for our staff who works under tight deadlines, high stress and long hours during this time of year but always have a great spirit. Let me share a story of that with you from this morning.

 

Our Trees of Hope -that we are giving to families who are hurting this year- arrived this morning early. Our men on the staff dropped all they were doing at 8:30 a.m. and unloaded 250 Christmas trees in just 45 minutes! They were incredible! As a matter of fact, the truck driver who delivered them said he had never seen a team unload a truck like this before. They were the best he had seen. Yes, that was even with Pastor James Brown helping, (well, in-spite of him!)  I was so proud of them. Now of course we all have sticky sap on us and smell like a Fraser Fir but what a team!

 

Along that line, I praise God for the people who are sponsoring 100+ trees to go to those in need or hurting this season. They will bring some smiles and hope to them. I am grateful to God that the trees arrived on time and for all those who will help us put lights on them and set them up.

 

I also thank God for the almost 400 families who have pledged to our Haiti goal of $100,000 this coming year to go to our partner ministries there. Our pledges are already up to $92,000. I thank God for bringing the books to us last week and for all those I met who received a 'thank you for loving Haiti' book. God is good.

 

Now you know why my heart is 'bursting.' These are just a few things that God has been doing behind the scenes. I am praying that He sends over 50,000 people to be touched by your beautiful spirit this Christmas. I am praying for safety for all our guests and our volunteers around the property each night. Lastly, I am praying for many more who will volunteer between now and December 31st in order to share the love of Jesus with our community.

 

Yes, this is a different Prayer Letter. I want to invite you to thank God for each of these areas and ask you to also continue to pray for them during this season.

 

(portion of my pastors prayer partner weekly email.)

 

Raccoon Wars and more............. Pastors Weekly Email Novemeber 23, 2012

Dear Extended Oasis Family and Friends,

 

Thanksgiving week. What a great time each year! So much anticipation, whether it be family coming to your house, or you going to theirs. Maybe it's something you're doing with friends since your family isn't around. Maybe it's the anticipation of Black Friday. Yikes, I hope not but there are those crazies out there that are in line already. Please tell me it's not any of our our Oasis'ers!

 

My week has been spent fighting "Raccoon Wars". Seems like a raccoon has moved into my attic and wants free rent. I have repaired soffits, reinforced them and they continue to find ways in. I think we are on Round 9 and the raccoon is winning. UGH! The life of an Urban Dweller! Matter of fact, as soon as I finish this letter to you I'm headed back to Home Depot for the third time this week to pick up more metal reinforced soffitt. Something tells me it's still not going to work. And I have guests coming to stay at our house this weekend. Oh BOY! That should be fun!

 

Seriously though, we all have so much to be thankful for. I know we say it every year. I know also that many are going through very tough times and some are actually going through their first Thanksgiving and Christmas season without a loved one they miss so much. Please remember those in prayer. There is really no way to ease their pain but to have the presence of the Lord on them.

 

When our boys were small, they memorized Psalm 100 and would recite it at the Thanksgiving table. That was always a highlight for me and is still one of my fondest memories of Thanksgivings past. Regardless how tough this time is for some of us, let me encourage us to look beyond our pain and find the things that we should give God thanks for. There are many.

 

While we are thanking Him, can I ask you to pray this Thanksgiving for those having rockets showering down on them in Israel by Hamas Terrorist? Pray for their young children who are hearing constant air raid sirens. After visiting there four times, I know what a fragile tiny sliver of land Israel is in the middle of giant land masses with countries and people who hate them. They are God's chosen people and it is their land. God will bless those who pray for their peace and curse those who do not. Pray for the Peace of Israel.

 

 

I am getting so excited as our book, "Lessons from the Road", is set to come out either the first or second week of December! So far with our 331 pledges over 2 weekends, Oasis Church has pledged $86,000 so far! Thank you so much for continuing to give to the people of Haiti so we can make a difference in families' lives. You can still pledge online anytime and give. 

 

 

We need anyone available to come out and help us finish setting up for Christmas at the Oasis! We will be working every day next week to prepare so just come out to the church anytime between 1 - 10 p.m.! We're also having another BIG work day this Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come work off some of that Thanksgiving dinner! :)

 

Also, we need your nativity sets once again this year! Please dig yours out of the closet or attic and bring it by the church next week, November 27-29, between 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. We'd love to have your nativity set(s) as part of our Guinness award winning display again this year!

 

God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for you and Oasis Church. I love you Oasis!

Guy Melton

 

P.S. Congrats to KidsWorld for giving almost 400 boxes to Operation Christmas Child! They will be delivered to children all over the world, what a blessing to so many who normally wouldn't have presents to open.

 

P.S.S. Don't forget about our Trees of Hope. You can give $75 and give a tree to a family who can't afford to buy one this year. Check out our Christmas web site to get more details. Also, I have ordered extra trees to share with our Oasis family. There are only a few left so if you would like one, email me at [email protected]. They are $75 each.

 

P.S.S.S. If you are traveling this weekend and will not be able to be here, you can still worship God with His tithes and offerings here online. You can do it anytime 24/7.