GuyMelton.com: What Were You Thinking?

Does God Answer Prayer?

                                                                                                               

  

Now I would be lying if I have not wondered sometimes if God really answers prayer.  There have been times when I have prayed for years about something to only get "crickets" back in my ears.  NOTHING!  At least to me that is how it seems.  Of course God answers prayer.  Does it really matter if we pray when He is sovereign and will do what He wants anyway?  Of course it matters, or He would not say, "Pray", give us model prayers, and say, "Pray without ceasing".  Sounds pretty dumb to ask that question, doesn't it?  Yes, but NO!  We are human!  More than ever while life hasn't gotten easier as I get older, and especially during the last three years of the worst recession in my lifetime; it would seem as if God is silent at times and isn't listening!  But I know He is listening, and is still answering prayers.  Remember though, His timing and way of answering them is not always what we want, and He knows what's good for us even when we don't think so.  Is that not unlike a parent who has to say, "NO", or make a decision that doesn't please the child, even though the parent loves them and knows what is best...even though it may not be popular.  So be it with our loving Heavenly Father.   BUTTTTTT.............................Even during these challenging times, God continues to answer our prayers.  Can I share a few of His answers and also some I am still praying for?   You will be blessed, and I would love to hear from you about some prayers God has answered in your life lately.  Remember a month ago when I announced our Bike Ride, the first thing I shared was some key prayer needs?  Well let's see what's happened since then!   Safety during daily rides in South Florida   (So far so good, even though many close calls and one wreck where a 6 year almost took me out, and I carried bruises from head to toe for two weeks.  But no bones broken and head OK, thanks to God and the helmet Tonia bought me....which was an answer to prayer in itself.) Inexpensive but dependable Tour Bike (God had answered this prayer the first day, and has given me a loaned one for back up) 15 - "1500 Milers" who will give $1.00 a mile up to $1500.   (We now have 17 and some who have said they would become 1500 milers!!! God is good! Another answer) Someone to loan a Camper for the trip.  (Camper has been loaned for the trip, PTL!) The many details that will need to be worked out prior to trip and while on the road.  (Many have come together and yet many more, answered prayer and more needed, lots more needed. God is amazing!) $55,000 raised for the children and people of Haiti  (after not yet 200 pledges coming in we already have $78,000.00 pledged and expect many more to pledge, which is still a prayer request.  Remember our ultimate goal is $1,000,000.00 dollars. Keep praying)  Provision of biking equipment needed for the trip...from clothing, shoes, bike parts, extra rims, tires, etc.  (God has supplied this need also. This was a much larger need than I realized at first.  It has cost much more than I expected in all the equipment and things to make this trip.  We have doubled the initial thoughts I had for what I would need. That is incredible.  Much of the needs for the entire trip have been given and designated for that purpose in order to not spend any more Haitian ministry monies than we must)  Churches to speak to along the way and share our burden for Haiti.  (We will speak at Jeremy Higdon's in Jax, but at this time have not had much time to work on others. Will have to ask God to send them to us) For others to be challenged through the Bike Tour to make a Radical Commitment to Honor God by serving others.  (this has already been happening, exponentially.  I'm amazed to hear the stories especially of young people and adults who are planning some radical ways to serve others and God. We have 3 people leading trips to Haiti this summer.  I was interviewed today by a South Florida Radio station about the ride.  I  have a TV station for a Lifetime show that will interview me next week. Taped to be played later. It just keeps growing. I want this to be more than me riding and you giving.  I want to bring an awareness of how all of us can do something Radical for God and, even with little, how God can do much for those in need.  Keep praying.  My son, Corey set up www.bikeforhaiti.com  which is a place people are coming and catching the bus and also giving.  There are stories happening every day I could share.) Pray for volunteers who will drive the camper and assist me on the ride each week.  (As of today every week is full and I know someone is committed to be with me and to follow me in a car or camper for safety and support. This is huge) Now, I could go on and one how God has answered prayer in our church during the last few months too.  Even through the finances after having to make drastic cuts, our offerings are stable, and for the first time in 6-8 months in February our giving out-paced our spending. That is an answer to prayer. God continues to supply and do great things. 17 families dedicate their babies this weekend, one of the largest Baby Dedications we have ever had.  Keep Praying. God is answering our prayers.   (excerpted from my weekly prayer partners newsletter) Note: Sometimes the format of my newsletter doesnt fit with my blog so if you have a word or two cut off a line, Im sorry.

Weekly Oasis Pastors Update..............March 18, 2011

 

I hope your having a great week. Lots to share with our extended Oasis Family this week. I hope you will check out my email below. Thanks for being either a friend of Oasis Church or for being a part of Oasis as an extended member. What does that mean? You might be part of our International Internet Campus, you could be someone who moved away but still considers Oasis to be your home while still making your local church where you live your present Church home. You might even be a family member or friend who have adopted us like so many I know. In any case I am glad to have you as part of our Oasis Church family. I know many who pray for us, encourgage us, send guest our way and even give toward the ministry here in South Florida. Im grateful to you . God bless you and enjoy all God has been doing here, below.  

Dear Guy, My question all week has been "Where are YOUUUUUUUU???????" I know many of you are out of town this week with your family for Spring Break. I'm so glad you could get away. You deserve it and your family needs it. I am a little jealous since I'm working all week, but I'll have my chance coming up. ;) Have a safe, happy time.   Now for those of us who are still here. Even though there were many out for Spring break last weekend, not to mention Time Change, we still had a great weekend. I am just amazed how God works and how He is always working. James and Debby did a great job of bringing The Story of the Judges in one of the more unique ways I've ever seen it done. If you missed it, I'll just say you need to go to the Podcast and watch it.      This weekend will be another adventure in "The Story". This week we will be having a Panel and it will not be anything normal! But it will be good I promise you this. Make sure you read the short passage in the Story this week before Sunday. It's only four Chapters, Ruth 1-4. In The Story it is Chapter 9, page 99. This is one of my favorite passages. Don't miss it.  Don't forget on our Web site, visitioasis.org there are notes and discussion questions you can do each week to correspond to the message on Sundays. This is a great way to go deeper.   Last Sunday I was blown away with your response to our Bike Ride. Over 100 families pledged to be part of our Bike for Haiti, and the $55,000 goal of delivering food, medicine and education to the children and families of Haiti. (This will be done directly through our partners there. No middle man or government to get in the way and waste it). I can't wait to share what the initial pledges are this Sunday. If you missed this past Sunday or did not turn in your Pledge card, please make sure you go online now, click here and fill it out or make sure you fill one out this weekend. I don't want a single person or family to miss out on being part of the incredible blessing we are going to be to hundreds of Haitians. You can be a part of something huge, even if you can only give a little. Don't miss the blessing of what Jesus calls the most important ministry you can have - to the poor and orphaned. (You can go now and fill out the pledge card and send it back to me at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you). To find out more about our Bike for Haiti mission, you can go to www.bikeforhaiti.com and even share it with your friends. You can give either on this site or our regular giving page at visitoasis.org now through December 31st. But please pledge something. It will be a great eternal investment.   We also announced three Missions trips to Haiti this summer beginning with a Medical Missions trip on May 27-30, Memorial Day weekend. I hope some of our medical personnel will sign up. More details in the bulletin this weekend, or you can contact our Nurses leading the group at: Amina Dubuisson ([email protected] / 305-389-9485) or Elsie Justilien ([email protected] / 305-333-9567). The other two will be at the end of July. You will hear more in the next couple weeks about those trips. Come join us in Haiti this summer. It will be life changing.   In just 2 weeks we will have another "Discover Oasis" Class for those who would like to know more about our church and how to join if you desire to. It does not commit you to membership but gives you the path to take. It also gives you our history, beliefs, ministries and an overall view of who Oasis Church is. Myself and our pastoral team lead this complimentary luncheon and meeting. It begins following our noon service, April 3, at 1:30 p.m. and goes until just after 3 p.m. The additional few hours will be well worth it and a free meal. So if you have never attended Discover Oasis whether you have been here for 2 weeks or 10 years, mark your card this weekend, or go online now and sign up (go to visitoasis.org and click on "event sign-up").   Don't forget Kona Cafe is always open before and after each weekend service. Our teens run it and any extra tips and proceeds go to helping them go to camp and on missions trips. So when you purchase a drink or snack, give them a good tip! It's more than a tip, it's an investment in a teenager's life. You will always be able to visit our Oasis Small Groups Resource Center when visiting Kona also. It is manned each service by our Community groups. Drop by and ask questions and find out how you can join one today. Every believer MUST be in Community. If you're not in one WHY aren't YOU?   Did you know Christmas is just around the corner? Yes, I said Christmas. Well, here at Oasis it is always just around the corner. Our leaders are starting early this year. There are people already coming on Tuesday and Thursday nights fixing and stringing new lights. This is the Biggest Outreach of our year. It's not just lights. When you come and give your time, it's actually doing evangelism! Come any Tuesday or Thursday night to the Surge building on the east end of the property from 6 - 10 p.m. Come as long as you are able. Come anytime during that time frame. Come one night or both.    Now for a few more things to check out:   On my blog this week I have a word about Prayer you might want to check out. I also give some behind the scenes information and answer questions I get the most about our Haiti Bike Ride.  Meet our new Church Council and find out one of the things that makes Oasis Church so Special. This is worth the read I promise. Don't miss it.  Have you been to our Oasis Facebook Page lately? If not check it out. You don't have to be a FB member to visit our page. All the latest happenings and updates are there. it changes daily. If you aren't our Friend then just click the tab and become our friend. I'ts easy and quick. Have you given the Lord His tithes and your offerings this week yet? If not go ONLINE NOW and give! I heard someone say this week, if you think your tithe check you're writing is too big, then ask God to reduce your Income! I thought that is sooooooo true. The reason we might need to give is because God has given us so much! Amen! Don't forget to invite your family and friends to join us for worship this week. If in town, invite them to a great hour of Worship, Saturday at 6 p.m. or Sunday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon. If they aren't in town, invite them to join us online for our International Internet Service at 10:30 a.m. and noon at visitoasis.org. Ok, enough for this week. If you're in town this weekend, I can't wait to see you . I have a BIG announcement to make about our initial Pledge totals for Haiti!!!   Guy Melton Pastor Oasis Church http://www.guymelton.com http://www.visitoasis.org

Ride for Haiti Background and answers to questions........

Guy Melton

Founding / Sr. Pastor – Oasis Church of South Florida

Pembroke Pines/ Fort Lauderdale Florida

Married 35 years to Tonia Gilmore Melton

Three adult sons

2 Grandsons, 1 Granddaughter

 

Pastoring a church with more than 80 countries represented presents some unique challenges but also some tremendous opportunities. The cultural diversity in South Florida and in Oasis Church allows us to experience life from many vantage points. Along with the experiences comes responsibility. For years I have felt a responsibility to assist our members to be sensitive to the countries and to make a difference to their home country.

 

As I prayed and considered where Oasis Church could do the most good, I looked throughout the Caribbean and even Central and South America since we have so many families from these countries and they are close to South Florida. The last place I felt a leaning was the country of Haiti. I felt there were just too many problems , from economic  to political and other issues that were just to big to get my arms and mind around.

 

Two years ago, I began to have a burden for the Haitian people when watching a program on one of our major networks about the slave and sex trade happening between Haiti and the United States. My heart was broken and decided at that point I had to do something. After about 6 months of praying and considering what we could do as a church, the Earthquake hit on January 12, 2010. Billions of dollars flowed to Haiti and thousands of people went to help. While our church gave financially and with a semi trailer of goods to send, my feeling was our calling was for far longer than just the Earthquake. As I prayed for partnerships we could personally with it seemed like forever to find them. But once we found one, it has been like the floodgates have been open. We now have partnerships in all most all areas of Haiti. Most are associated with the members of our church, which has several hundred Haitians. Some are our own members and their families developing and building ministries and services to meet the needs of the elderly, education of children, rescuing and ministering to orphans, and starting churches that meet the spiritual needs as well as the community and social needs. Water is a major problem and we are now partnering with several organizations to bring clean drinking water to villages with none.

 

We are partnering with organizations and leaders that are already serving the people of Haiti. We vetted and get to know each one before sharing our resources and talents. Haiti can be a black hole for billions of dollars if it is not tracked and those receiving it being honorable and trusted. The partnerships we have are with people for the most part having been in Haiti for decades and have proven their value by the organizations they have built. They are ministering; serving, building, educating and loving the people of Haiti whether we are there are not. We are not interested in starting new ministry or a new organization. We don’t desire to be the face of anything in Haiti. We want to come along side of those who are doing a great work already and can even do more with our small and limited resources and talents.   While a number of our Haitian members and others have already been ministering in Haiti and traveling back and forth, this summer we will also send 3 different groups to Haiti to bring Medical, Education, and spiritual help to those in the regions in and around St. Marc and Pignon.

 

Why am I riding a bike 1500 miles from Miami – New York City? I want to put my actions where my words are. As a pastor people hear me speak thousands of words from the pulpit. In this case they needed to see me speak with my actions. I needed to lead out in what is going to be a mission for the rest of my life and ministry. While I have never been an avid bike rider I felt this was a way I could call attention to the needs in Haiti and encourage others and challenge others to find something they can do for hurting people, whether in Haiti or the country they are from. Find a need and meet it. Actually you don’t have to look for needs, they are all around us. They find us. Find what God wants you to do and do it.

 

The purpose of the Bike Ride is to raise funds for Haitian Children and families in dire need, raise awareness of the drastic needs in Haiti and to challenge others to do something that is “Radical “for them. Why $55,000? I began thinking I could raise $10,000. That seemed massive and almost impossible being that South Florida has experienced the worst economy and recession in my lifetime. Most of our people at Oasis have had major financial setbacks, from losing jobs to losing houses. But after much consideration and prayer God laid $50,000 on my heart. I felt if $10,000 seemed impossible, well so would $50,000 and if I could raise that it would be of God for sure. I added $5,000 to that, since I turn 55 years old two days before I head out on the road on May 1^st. so $1,000.  For every year I have lived. Ultimately my goal is to raise $1,000,000.00 for the children and people of Haiti over the next 15 years. (All monies raised will be held and distributed by Oasis Church from a special account set up for Haiti. The funds and disbursement is overseen and approved by the leaders of Oasis Church a non profit organization of 20 years )

 

How will I do this? Many have asked many questions. Will I ride alone? Will I have back up? Will I camp, will I stay in Hotels. Will I ride day and night. How many miles a day will I ride? When will I arrive in NYC and how long will the ride take? Those are just a few questions.

 

It started in January with a 5 mile ride on my beach cruiser as I considered if this is really what I wanted to do and could I really do it. I have increased the miles weekly, ride daily and ride up to 40 miles at least once a week at this point. The goal is to get up to riding 70 miles in a day prior to the Ride that begins May 1^st. It has been several months of reading, discussing with real Bikers and buying the many accessories it takes to Ride. I never would have imagined how much it takes to take Cycling really serious. From the right clothes, to the right bike, seat, shoes and tons of other details. The mapping is being done for each day and it began with goggling a map from South Florida to New York City. In the last month, we will bring the details down to how far we will ride each day the specific road and where we will camp at night. Everyday will be an adventure of riding where I have never ridden before and most cases never even been.

 

I will ride the best roads I can to stay as close to the East coast of the United States as possible. I will have a camper that is being loaned to me following me most days and will stay in it at night. There are volunteers who will drive and accompany me for approximately a week at time. Each week another volunteer will join me. Each of them are not only giving of their week but joining me as a 1,500 miler, meaning they are raising $1500 towards our goal of $55,000. 

 

My goal is to ride 55 miles a day. I will take one day off a week from riding, hopefully it will be Sunday. There will be days I will probably ride 70 miles and some days I might only ride 30 miles depending on wind, hills, and weather.

 

I do not expect this to be easy. I expect it to be the greatest physical and psychological challenge of my lifetime. But when I think of the challenges of the typical Haitian living on between $1. And $2. A day and lives just to survive, it will keep me motivated. I am riding so the kids of Haiti who do not have a public education system like we do here can have an education provided by independent church and private schools.  A child that may never have a chance to go to school can be educated for as little as $100. A year and this includes a meal a day, which might be the only meal they would have. As I ride I will be riding for the child or parent who might die of cholera or malaria just because they don’t have the few dollars it takes to have the medicine they need.  The needs in Haiti go far beyond the Earthquake disaster and will be there throughout the country long after the quake cleanup is done.

 

I will be open to speaking at churches along the way or other gatherings. I will not try to fill everyday with meetings and speaking since it will take all I have in me to get on the bike and ride for more than a month, 1,500 miles.

 

Thank you for your interest in this “Radical” endeavor of mine and I invite you to join me as we make a difference one child at a time for the future of Haiti and their children. It won’t take a lot by many people, but a lot of people doing something. I want to challenge you to prayerfully consider what “Radical” calling God might want you to endeavor. Something bigger than yourself that will make a difference in someone else’s life.

You Don't have to be a Person of Prayer.........

   

 

All my life I have heard people refer to others, and sometimes themselves, as a Person of Prayer.  What is that anyway?  Hmmmm, it really has never occurred to me until I was reading a book on prayer this morning and the author was discussing this.  I like what he began by saying.  I'll paraphrase since it was rather lengthy.   He said, I am not a dumb person, I have a driver's license, I have learned to work on the computer, and do social networking, send emails and lots of technical things.  I navigate day-to-day life without even thinking much about it.  I am raising a family, graduated from school  and consider myself an intelligent person. You and I might say the same but add, I have a degree, an advanced degree, I am a leader, a manager, a person who has accomplished a good bit in life.  I make a decent living, etc.  BUTTTTTTTTT...................    I struggle with constant and consistent Prayer daily!  Wow!  That struck me.  Could someone say I'm a person of prayer?  I doubt it.  I wouldn't call myself one. That's embarrassing to admit as a pastor!  I should be Holy, and praying 24 hours a day in spite of all the other duties I have!  It's like an alcoholic or any addict, you don't get help until you are willing to voice you have a problem. Well, not the same, but I will say this, I feel like such a failure so often when it comes to prayer.  BUTTTTTTTTT...................   Good News!  Nothing in the scripture calls you or me to be a Person of Prayer.  When does it happen?  Who actually decides that anyway? Can anyone really know when you cross that threshold?  I don't think so. So what do we do?   Just Pray!  Pray even when you don't know what to say.  Pray during the day when the thought hits you.  I prayed this morning for several people when I read their tweets on Twitter.  I just said a silent prayer for them and their particular need right there.   As a prayer partner, we don't have any magical formulas in prayer.  We don't have a magic wand or password to God.  He just says "Pray for one another, pray without ceasing, and pray for God's will on earth as it is in heaven".  So let's quit feeling like a failure, worrying about how and when.  Let's just do it.  I have a feeling when we quit feeling guilty and stressing; and just start praying, whether long or short prayers, we will become People of Prayer.  But let's leave that up to God. Now I've gone a long way over my original plan today, so I'll just stop and thank you for being on our Prayer Partner team.  God has been answering incredible prayers lately, and I had planned to list a number of them, but time is gone, so I'll wait till next time.  Thanks for praying!    For those on the list below for the 3rd Sunday in March, please meet me and our Worship Team at 8:30 a.m. in the Auditorium as we pray for the people who will attend and those who will minister this weekend.  God has been pouring so many blessings out lately, I have to believe they are in answer to the faithful people who pray.

(Excerpted from my weekly Prayer Partner Team newsletter)

** The Books shown in the Pictures are for illustration and not books I am recommending.

Discipleship is far more than a Book or a program........

Discipleship is far more than a book or a program. Almost every time I hear someone refer to discipleship they go directly to, "What program are you using? What meetings are you having, and what book did you read or copy?" I get so weary of this kind of human, man-made discipleship talk that once in a while I just have to go back to the basics and get on my soap box.

Last night God sent me a great gift and reminder of what true discipleship is, and that it's not in a book or someone's program they sell you or design. It's in scripture and it works all the time. During our first Church Council meeting of the new year, as we welcomed our new members and said goodbye to each of our rotating members, we introduced ourselves and shared a little of our journey here at Oasis Church, and who we are.

I have done this now for almost 19 years with several hundred Lay Leaders who have served on this council, and until last night I never realized the beauty of how God has continued to use Oasis Church to continue to build disciples in a natural and organic way.  I was so blessed when this thought hit me. I was giddy and I shared it with our Council. Those in the picture you see here tell an amazing story of Discipleship in the local church and how it happens. Organic and naturally. (not effortlessly though.)

8 of 11 people you see in this picture were all baptized and began their spiritual journey here at Oasis Church.  Most of their spouses were also baptized here. They went through our new members classes, joined Community Groups, started serving in the most obscure ways in most cases. Some who have actually been here from the beginning (Paul, Nancy, James and Kim) 19 years ago and they even got that famous phone call we made in order to invite people to our first service. Yes, it has taken years of loving, teaching, walking wit , encouraging, etc to see these men and women become Mature, Devoted disciples of Christ. In order to serve on our Church council, they must be tithing, serving, and in a community group.  (Each serve 3 year terms)

This is true discipleship. You don't bottle this and you don't put this in an 8-week course. So, when I hear all those people from reformed, to conformed, to transformed, deformed, informed and everything in between talking about making disciples I just say, "Quit talking and start walking!"  Jesus was the best model and still is today.

How did He do it? Not some 10-step formula, didn't write a book, do seminars on Disciple-making or got a degree. He simply lived out what He taught and walked with the men He said, "Follow Me" to. No matter the education, baggage, age or cultural background, He just said, "Follow Me" and He taught them.

Why is it important for a pastor or leader to stay one place for a long time? Because Discipleship takes a long time. It's a Journey, not a Sprint. Most want to give you a few books, have a few months of classes or even a year of mentoring and then some magical thing takes place...instantaneously a disciple comes out. I wish it were that simple.

I have never been more proud of being a part of Oasis Church than I am at this moment when I look at that picture and see a picture of what God has been doing these past 19 years. Building Disciples one person at a time. Now these men and women are leading, and duplicating by building disciples by serving in all areas of our church. Man, this gets me so excited I can hardly stand it!

So my advice to anyone in Ministry -- Lay or professional. Get somewhere, STAY, STAY and STAY and be faithful in teaching and living out the Gospel; and God will build Disciples. His Disciples not MINE!

Matthew 28:18-20 Still applies today. It's not complicated, but it does take time!

BTW, In this picture is a beautiful picture of what Heaven will be like. Not only do you see many shades of color but also cultural diversity.

Countries of Birth from those in this picture:

Vietnam, Colombia, Nigeria, Britain, Nicaragua,Trinidad, and the USA!  Just a small taste of the 80+ countries of Disciples God is building in Oasis Church.

Occupations of this Diverse Group:

Pharmacist (2)
Speech Therapist
Contractor
Automobile Dealership Owner
Accountant
Pharmaceutical Executive
Social worker
High School Teacher
Biologist
Mechanical Engineer

All humble Followers of Christ and I'm so honored to serve with them here at Oasis.

(Missing Nikki and Ruth, sorry ladies we missed you last night.  You are both awesome!)

 

 

Oasis Pastor's Weekly Email , March 11, 2011

I hope your having a great weekend. It is beautiful here in Paradise. Cool, blue skies and perfect weather. Just in time for Spring and Time Change. Below is our local Oasis Family update for the week. Big things happening again this weekend. This is the official kick off of 3 Trips to Haiti announced and also our challenge for our local Oasis Family to join me in my Bike Trip to NYC by giving per mile I ride. Our goal of $55,000 is huge for me, but I believe we will hit it and even exceed it. I have had some of our extended Oasis Family already make some significant donations. If you would like to join us you have a link in the letter below where you can give. God bless you and thanks for being part of our Extended Oasis Family.

Dear Guy, Just when we thought it was about to warm up and spring was coming, it got cold last night and this morning. I heard a few spots even go down to the 40's! Whether the weather is cold or not, it's spring as far as time is concerned. Time Change was moved up several years ago by about 3 weeks. That is why it's happening so early. So this Saturday night make sure you move your Clock FORWARD ONE HOUR!  If not, you're going to be like a "Deer in the Headlights" when you come to church Sunday morning and the service is almost over. Happens every year. You do not want to miss one Weekend of "The Story". This series has been more powerful than I could have ever imagined. I can't wait to study for the messages we are bringing. God's Word is sooooooo relevant even to us today. I think the amazing number of people who said they were going to Israel either in 2012 or 2013 show just how turned on our church is to the scripture and how it's coming alive before our eyes. Ancient stories are actually applying to my life today. BTW, 160+ Oasiser's actually said they would be interested in maybe going to Israel, the Land of the Bible in the next two years. I am going to begin to work on the dates.   I was thinking this week as we are on the verge of one of the most exciting Mission emphasis in our church's history as we begin our ministry to the country of Haiti that wouldn't it be great if we had at least 160 of our congregation go to Haiti or another country on a missions field in the next two years? I think we should equal at least as many who want to go to Israel. I'm already praying about it. Speaking about missions to Haiti, I will be announcing several trips this weekend and the dates. So you can begin to schedule your time to go with us.     This Weekend at all services I will be giving our entire Oasis Church Family the opportunity to make the Down Payment on the $1,000,000.00 that God has laid on my heart for Haiti. I am praying God gives us the pledges for the first $55,000 to be given by the end of the year. I want to know every mile I ride the Bike to NYC, all 1,500 that people are giving so orphans, sick and uneducated Haitian children will be cared for, taught, fed and given the chance to be something great and to turn their nation around for the better. It can happen. One Haitian child at a time. Will you join me in this?    My son Corey has made a special Web site just for the Ride from Miami-NYC and it has all the information anyone would need in order to know why we are doing this. They can find out how we are doing it. They can keep up with our progress and even give on this site, and it goes directly into a special account for Haiti that our church is keeping. So go to www.BikeForHaiti.com and check it out. Better yet, share it with a friend, a family member or work associate. Share it on any social networks you have. Who would not want to bless those who need our help so desperately?   I am so pumped up I can't stand it. God is doing so many great things at Oasis Church in our lives. There are lives being changed, people doing Radical things and God working every single day in our Church. I'm so blessed to be part of this place. I'm humbled God has allowed me to serve as your pastor.   Don't forget we have a Blood Drive this Saturday and Sunday after each service. If you can give I hope you will.   Saturday nights are awesome!! If you haven't been in a while I encourage you to come this Saturday night. There is a real buzz happening. Plenty of child care space, parking and seating. We are even back to serving refreshments on Saturday nights before and after. Plus, Kona is always open for coffee, specialty drinks and other snacks. Also, this Saturday night we will be voting in our church council members during the service.   Don't forget to invite someone to your service and let them experience the incredible working of God here or invite them to our International Internet Campus at 10:30 a.m. and noon (EST) every Sunday. Just click on www.visitoasis.org and then go to the "Watch Now" tab. We have people checking in from all over the world. Last week alone, we had someone from Britain, Russia, an Arab country, Jamaica, Canada, the Netherlands and all over the United States. God is doing some great things, get your family and friends to join us live on Sunday mornings EST!  If you're well and here in South Florida though, there is still no better way than to worship with your brothers and sisters right here on the corner of 14 Street and Flamingo Road. See you Sunday.   Last week I was told there was over $10,000 in gifts given through our online Giving. I want to thank all of you who faithfully and obediently give to the Lord, whether in an envelope during your service or online. You are what makes so many incredible things possible here at Oasis Church. You can give right now, or 24/7 on our web site if you want. Right Here!         God bless you and I can't wait to see you this Weekend. It's going to be awesome!!! Guy Melton Pastor Oasis Church http://www.guymelton.com http://www.visitoasis.org

 

Not all Prayer is "Ejaculatory" ......

I have done a number of Prayer blogs and letters on prayer.  This year I spent several of them talking about what Pastors and Theologians through the centuries have called "Ejaculatory" Prayers.  Those are Powerful, but short Prayers that pack a Big punch.  I am a big believer in all kinds of praying, including the short, powerful "Ejaculatory Prayer".  But this week in studying for a message coming up in 3 weeks, I found in the 10th Chapter of "The Story" we see the opposite of Ejaculatory Praying.  In 1st Samuel - Chapters 1-2 we see Hannah, the mother of Samuel, doing some heavy duty praying that no doubt covered many days, months and maybe even years. 

 

I want to challenge us all to make sure we spend the time to really immerse ourselves in God's presence and wisdom in the times of BIG Needs.  God answered Hannah's prayers and I think much of it had to do with her persistence and faithfulness to Him.  And then to see how she also reacted after God gave her Samuel is a good picture probably of why God used Samuel so much in his lifetime.

 

So let me encourage you today, to not give up when prayers seem like they go unheard.  Don't blame God, and don't get discouraged.  God is in control...He hears and He answers.  All kinds of prayers.  If they are sincere and with the right motivation, according to His will.

(Excerpt from my Weekly Prayer Letter to our Prayer Partner Team)

 

Pastors Weekly Email update w/ Pics from Israel......... March 5, 2011

Below is our weekly news from Oasis Church. For our Extended Oasis Family I hope you enjoy keeping up with what is happening here in South Florida. Please drop by and say hello from time to time and if your in time I hope you will join us in Worship. You can join us any Sunday at 10:30 and Noon live through our Internet campus which I mention below. God bless you and have a wonderful weekend.

 

Dear Extended Oasis Family; After just returning from Israel last night after 30+ hours on buses and planes, I am somewhat tired and fighting my body being on Israeli time. But, other than that I am soooooooooooooooo excited. Someone Facebooked me today and said I should be taking the day off to recover from jetlag. But hey, too much to do and BTW, I can't give into jetlag - there's too much to get ready for the weekend. It's going to be another great weekend at Oasis Church. We will not only be continuing "The Story" this weekend but we will also be hearing from some of our Oasiser's who went to the Holy Land. You will be so blessed to hear a little of what God did in their lives. You don't want to miss this weekend.   Saturday and Sunday we will be studying in Chapter 7 of "The Story" I hope you have read all the passages. Joshua 1-3; 6; 8; 10-11; 23-24. I can't believe how God orchestrates so much in our lives when we have no idea what He is doing until all of the sudden one day it's clear. He is always at work. Last year when we planned this trip to the Holy Land we had no idea we would be doing the "Overview" of the entire Bible this year. I had no idea when I planned to do the message I'll bring this weekend that just three days ago I stood in the very place where this story in Chapter 7 of the "Story" takes place. I even filmed some of the message from the very place. I'll share it with you this weekend. If you haven't attended our Saturday night service in a while, you should try it out. It's growing and there is a real buzz on Saturday nights. We start at 6 p.m. and we have full child care classes (KG - 5th grade). Sundays are packed in our last two services and so anyone who could try out Saturday night and the 9 a.m. service, it would be great. It would free up some parking and also children's class space. We will begin something we have never tried before this weekend. Our worship team and band will begin our music about 3-4 minutes before the service begins. This way those who arrive early get blessed and those coming in know we are beginning. Another first this Sunday will be our Lord's Supper will begin 5 minutes earlier than it has in the past. So if you want to take Communion on any given Sunday you can do so beginning at 8:45 a.m. That is 15 minutes prior to the first service. This Saturday night is our first of the month communion following our 6 .p.m service. We do this once a month on Saturday night. Wrapping up this week, I want to share with you a few things you will want to check out: Blood Drive coming up March 12-13. Sign up this weekend at the Info Center or on your connection card. Give the gift of Life! Pictures of our Holy Land Trip on my blog. A special blog post I did on Miraculous Prayer and shared some places in Israel where we see Miracles from a person's prayer. This is worth the read. I reference a number of scriptures you can go to read about it. Don't forget to invite your friends and families, whether locally, or around the world to worship with us on our International Internet Campus. Our Holy Land tour group all worshipped live with Oasis last Sunday from Jerusalem. It was special. I can't wait to hear about your family and friends who never go to church that are now going to church and worshipping with us and even coming to know Christ. Amazing ministry.  If you are not in a Community Group , why not? This is the place every Oasis family member should be. We even have a Group Finder page on our web site in order to check out groups you might want to join. Don't put it off - do it today. You can even go to our Oasis Small Group Resource Center in the Kona Cafe and check out the groups, ask questions and see some of the different studies we have going right now. If you haven't worshipped this week in the Giving of the Lord's Tithes and Offerings, don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with God through your giving back to Him a small portion of all He has blessed you with. You can give via the envelopes provided, or you can Go ONLINE now and give that way. It's quick, convenient and secure. Thanks again to all of you who give regularly in order to see Great Things God is doing through the Oasis Church ministries.  That's it for today. I can't wait to see you again this weekend. Either Saturday at 6 p.m. or Sunday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. or 12 noon. God bless you and thanks for allowing me the privilege to serve you as pastor. Guy Melton Pastor Oasis Church http://www.guymelton.com http://www.visitoasis.org

Miracles happen when you pray in Israel

Having just landed in NYC from Israel a few hours ago, one of the things most on my mind actually fits perfectly with our Prayer letter today.  As we toured from one end of Israel to the other we saw dozens of sights and experienced history beyond words and enough to fill a book.  Oh, there is already a Book filled with it! Ha! The Bible!  But honestly, while there is so much I could say, the one thought I have for you this week is that God does miraculous things around the times of Prayer.

 

We began our trip at Mt. Carmel last week after landing. The place where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal in I Kings 18. This is the place that when Elijah prayed, God sent fire from heaven. You'll have too read the story to get the power of this place.  But it was after he prayed.  And he was a man like us the Bible says, and we know it because after this incredible miracle, he later in Chapter 19 flees for his life and hides.

 

We ended our trip yesterday in the Garden tomb area, and right next to what is believed to be Golgotha. There we know the Power of God was once again evident. What a powerful place to pray.  It was moving beyond what any of us could have ever expected...sitting next to the empty tomb, reading the resurrection story and taking communion together.  (Mark 16)

 

Earlier we had visited, not far from that spot, the upper room where He prayed with his disciples - (Mark 14:12-26).  Then we visited the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed, before the Roman soldiers captured Him to crucify Him...all this within probably a mile of each other - (Mark 14:32-51).  Just steps from there, was Mount Moriah where Abraham prayed to God before sacrificing Isaac, which, by the way, didn't happen but a miracle did take place - (Genesis 22).  We saw just miles away, where Jesus was tempted in the wilderness and tempted by the devil.  All these stories of miracles and supernatural happenings were surrounded with Prayer.  Again, the disciples prayed together not long after the death of Jesus, when He appeared; and then again when He sent the Holy Spirit on them.

 

There are just too many things to even mention about how God used prayer to do Miracles -- prayer from common people like you and me.  My prayer is that each of us won't worship the story or the place, but will commit to being people of prayer.  Let God write a new story about when we Pray, He does great things.  He still works today.  

 

I hope the Prayers of others, and How God blessed and answered them will challenge each of us to continue to pray even when it seems like He is not listening.  I assure you He is, and He will answer.  Just not always in our time the way we expect.  But I hope we can say like He taught us to pray: "Not my will but Thy will be done".

 

Israel Trip 2011 Pictures

After returning from one of the most moving experiences in my lifetime, the one thing that is always a chore and hard to do is get pictures up. In our world today with Twitter and Facebook the need to get pictures printed and shown is almost obsolete. I am glad we were able to post pictures almost immediately as they were taken. You could actually experience Israel and all that we experienced as we actually did. That made the experience even better for me, because I could share it with my friends and family who were not with us.

Below Ill share a few pictures. Once our Son Corey begins to post his pictures Ill share more. As a professional photographer, Coreys make mine pretty sad so I wont post many now. Cant wait to share his  . He can literally make a picture live and make you feel like your there. Im so happy not only as our son he could travel with our group but also as our photographer. Im so proud of him as he uses his many gifts God has given him. 

26 went on the trip. I couldnt help but think of the 4 (2 couples) who could not go and had to cancel at the last moment due to health and other issues. But I know they  will go with us next time. I prayed for them while we were there knowing it was hard on them not being able to be with us. The group was incredible. They were just awesome to travel with . They also cried alot. I think some of them actually cried more than I did. And several were men. Real men.  Ok, enough of the trip talk. Let me share some pics from our last 10 days.

 Bet Shean Ruins. Path above 6,000 yrs of Civilizations. 15-20 of them stacked one on the other.

 The Ruins of Bet Shean. One of the largest excevations in the World. Where Saul and his sons were hung on the City Walls after their death in battle and David had them removed. I Samuel 31

 
 Our time in the Garden of Gethsemane was beyond words. Praying where Jesus prayed with His disciples right before He was betrayed and taken into custody. After a very emotional prayer time/service, we ran into the Chilean Miners. We had lots of pics taken , but the best are yet to come.

    Dead Sea. Lowest location on Earth. Mountains of Moab in the distance.

The youngest ones on the trip with our Guide Jacob. These guys brought lots of energy and laughs to our group. Thanks

Our group worshipping with Oasis on Skype . It was phenomenal. Live from Jerusalem.

 Our bus and bus driver Moises. (Moses) 
                                                                                                                            Our Newest Member of our Christmas at the Oasis Nativity display. We traded one of our women for him.

 If you ever want someone to shop and bargain for you, then take Doris along. She was amazing.

                                           David Brown (OUCH). Gitty up!

Micheline getting her first Camel Ride.

 

The Western Wall or what many call the Wailing wall. This is a sacred place and the only remaining walls from Solomons Temple destroyed in 70A.D. The Jews are waiting to build the new one here someday.

 The View of Jerusalem coming from the west bank and the Jordan Valley. This is the view of the Eastern Wall that is shut and wont be opened until the Messiah comes back. This is where the Mt.Olives is just below and also the Garden of Gethsemane. Emotional time standing here.

 Israeli soilders. These kids are some of the best trained soilders in the entire world. Amazing young people. All Israelis serve when they turn 18 and before they go to College. Girls too! We felt totally safe while there.

                                        Jessie, one of 7 we baptized from our Group in the Jordan River.  
                        Ampitheater in Bet Shean.