You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again?" (Matthew 5:13a).
Sweet and sour chicken. Sweet and sour gumballs. Why do people eat things that are sweet and sour? Amazingly, they taste good. Why do people do crazy things like bungee jumping? I think it's because people like the thrill combined with the risk.
Likewise, I am convinced that sharing my faith takes the boredom out of Christianity! It's both risky and thrilling at the same time, and it also counts for eternity.
On Saturdays, I often partner with churches to train people how to share their testimony using a powerful new tool called, "One-Minute Witness."
After the initial training and a time practicing, we travel to a local gas station, knock 25-cents off per gallon of gas, and in no time at all, we have lines at every pump. This provides us with a one-minute opportunity to share our faith. It's what I call a Gas Buy-Down Event.
The first 15 minutes is kind of "sour." It's all risk at this point: we're scared stiff, we stutter, our palms are clammy, and we wonder just how we got roped into doing this. Yet, there is a little thrill in sight when something wonderful happens...
Around the fourth customer, we get our legs and some confidence, and we actually begin to enjoy the "sweet" part of this. The butterflies leave and a holy thrill takes over. We feel a sense of accomplishment when we share our testimony without stuttering and gas customers actually thank us. It's sort of like learning how to ride a bike for the first time. Victory sets in and another fear has been defeated.
When my desire to see others hear about Christ becomes greater than my fear of sharing my faith, then I am motivated to act. The fear is still there, but now I know what to say, and I can confidently enjoy both the "sweet and sour" parts of sharing my faith.
Tired of dried up religion? Learn to share your faith. It will add new spice to your life... God guarantees it.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
11,840 decisions for Christ at the Nagaland Festival
We just returned from our largest open-air Gospel & Healing Festival in our 14-year history! Over 11,840 decision cards were signed, mostly being young adults, as they streamed to the stadium stage. It was five glorious meetings in the mountains of Kohima, Nagaland, India.
Nearly 100 churches came together in unity to support this great move of God in their city. Local press covered the festival daily. Eleven choirs beautifully sang the high praises of God during the five services. The crowd of tens of thousands sat quietly and intently listened to God's Word being preached, then they flooded the altar area beyond capacity to receive Christ.
During the first three days, it rained hard until the festival began, and then the rain suddenly stopped. One night clouds settled in so thick that I could only see the first few rows of people as I preached. For 20 minutes, the clouds blocked our vision of each other, but not of God. When the clouds lifted, the people were still there, hinged to every word!
At the end of each service, we prayed for the sick, and saw many testify to God's healing each night. The blind, the deaf, and those whose bodies were racked with pain, were now heal by the power of Jesus!
We also spent a week in Hyderabad meeting with the 19 Oasis Indian national evangelists and their wives for a time of training and encouragement. Each weekend, evangelists travel to remote villages and conduct three-day festivals. During our stay in India, we took part at some of these mini-festivals. While I was at one of them the electricity went out, and I was amazed that our national evangelist kept on preaching in the darkness. He never lost his cadence and people continued to listen. After 10 minutes, the power resumed, and the people were still intently listening.
Photos of the Oasis September trip to India>
Please pray for our national evangelists. Each one averages around 7,000 or more decisions for Christ each year. We have 19 national evangelists on staff, but only 15 are funded. For $7,200/year, you can support a full-time evangelist's salary, their festival expenses each weekend, and the purchase of lighting and a PA system. With thousands coming to know Christ through their work, this is a great bargain--that's around $1 per decision for Christ.
My vision is to add 10 more national evangelists next year, so this is a huge step of faith for Oasis World Ministries. If God would direct you to become involved, please respond as He leads.
Thank you for your prayers and support that help make this possible. Together, we are making an eternal difference!
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Nearly 100 churches came together in unity to support this great move of God in their city. Local press covered the festival daily. Eleven choirs beautifully sang the high praises of God during the five services. The crowd of tens of thousands sat quietly and intently listened to God's Word being preached, then they flooded the altar area beyond capacity to receive Christ.
During the first three days, it rained hard until the festival began, and then the rain suddenly stopped. One night clouds settled in so thick that I could only see the first few rows of people as I preached. For 20 minutes, the clouds blocked our vision of each other, but not of God. When the clouds lifted, the people were still there, hinged to every word!
At the end of each service, we prayed for the sick, and saw many testify to God's healing each night. The blind, the deaf, and those whose bodies were racked with pain, were now heal by the power of Jesus!
We also spent a week in Hyderabad meeting with the 19 Oasis Indian national evangelists and their wives for a time of training and encouragement. Each weekend, evangelists travel to remote villages and conduct three-day festivals. During our stay in India, we took part at some of these mini-festivals. While I was at one of them the electricity went out, and I was amazed that our national evangelist kept on preaching in the darkness. He never lost his cadence and people continued to listen. After 10 minutes, the power resumed, and the people were still intently listening.
Photos of the Oasis September trip to India>
Please pray for our national evangelists. Each one averages around 7,000 or more decisions for Christ each year. We have 19 national evangelists on staff, but only 15 are funded. For $7,200/year, you can support a full-time evangelist's salary, their festival expenses each weekend, and the purchase of lighting and a PA system. With thousands coming to know Christ through their work, this is a great bargain--that's around $1 per decision for Christ.
My vision is to add 10 more national evangelists next year, so this is a huge step of faith for Oasis World Ministries. If God would direct you to become involved, please respond as He leads.
Thank you for your prayers and support that help make this possible. Together, we are making an eternal difference!
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Tough talk for my flesh
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).
I've had enough!
Enough of my lame excuses for why I don't share my faith. Enough of the weak and tired reasons I give to the Holy Spirit, as to think I could talk Him out of His passionate pursuit of a searching soul.
"Come on Tom, step it up... be real with God. After all, He sees past these flimsy arguments every time. Who are you really fooling?"
I (well, actually my flesh) can be pretty convincing. Listen to these six excuses...
1. It's not the right time now... maybe later. So when IS the right time?
"Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).
2. I'm afraid. What if I'm rejected? And your point? Are you the first to be rejected?
"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" (1 Peter 4:14).
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 5:18).
3. I don't know what to say. Of course you don't. But He does.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).
4. I'm not prayed up enough. And when will that time come? "Be ready in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2).
5. I don't really feel like it. I can't be on top of my game everyday. Says who? Love pushes past feelings. Do I always feel like going to work?
"For the love of Christ compels us..." (2 Corinthians 6:14).
6. There's plenty of time... I'll get around to it. Maybe for me there is, but what if they're running out of time?
"Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." (2 Corinthians 6:11).
My flesh needs some tough talk now and then. It's OK... I'll live. And actually I will be much happier when the Spirit is ruling me instead of my flesh.
Thanks for Your patience, Lord.... keep up the good work.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
I've had enough!
Enough of my lame excuses for why I don't share my faith. Enough of the weak and tired reasons I give to the Holy Spirit, as to think I could talk Him out of His passionate pursuit of a searching soul.
"Come on Tom, step it up... be real with God. After all, He sees past these flimsy arguments every time. Who are you really fooling?"
I (well, actually my flesh) can be pretty convincing. Listen to these six excuses...
1. It's not the right time now... maybe later. So when IS the right time?
"Now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2).
2. I'm afraid. What if I'm rejected? And your point? Are you the first to be rejected?
"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" (1 Peter 4:14).
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 5:18).
3. I don't know what to say. Of course you don't. But He does.
"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).
4. I'm not prayed up enough. And when will that time come? "Be ready in season and out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2).
5. I don't really feel like it. I can't be on top of my game everyday. Says who? Love pushes past feelings. Do I always feel like going to work?
"For the love of Christ compels us..." (2 Corinthians 6:14).
6. There's plenty of time... I'll get around to it. Maybe for me there is, but what if they're running out of time?
"Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." (2 Corinthians 6:11).
My flesh needs some tough talk now and then. It's OK... I'll live. And actually I will be much happier when the Spirit is ruling me instead of my flesh.
Thanks for Your patience, Lord.... keep up the good work.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Where in the World is Al Elie?
"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being" (Psalm 104:33).
This week our family laid my father Al Elie to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Tears were shed, scriptures were read, and prayers were said. The lifeless shell of his body that had suffered a brain hemorrhage was in the casket. Colorful floral arrangements surrounded him. The color-guard veterans held the flags, a brisk 21-gun salute honored his service to our nation during WWII, and a lone bugler played the taps. There was not a dry eye in the place. There's something about the sounds of the guns and bugle that says 'this is the end.'
But we knew my father was really not there. We knew his life had just taken a new beginning. Why?
In 1906 an evangelist arrived on horseback to the northern Minnesota town of Lake Bronson. Someone invited Els Evenson to a Gospel service held at a home where this evangelist was preaching. Els was a tough guy and known as the 'town drunk and wife-beater.' While Els was listening to this preacher, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart. Els surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. The transformation was so radical that he became known as a 'trumpet for God.' Els Evenson was my great-grandfather.
My father Al Elie came to Grandpa El's farm one summer. My dad was so impressed with Grandpa's new-found love for Christ, that at the age of 16, he also rededicated his life to Jesus. Dad later married a beautiful, young lady named Ruth Lee, and together they had four wonderful children! Al's legacy continues.
My dad not only started well, he finished well! His life was a continuous testament to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He wasn't only spiritual on Sundays, he lived out his faith 24/7. He sang praises in the car, led his family in Bible studies and prayer, and modeled service to our Lord by his involvement at church. He would pray over our meals and weep as he told God how thankful he was to be saved. Dad loved his family and his God deeply.
So where in the world is Al Elie?
With Jesus! MY DAD IS NOW WITH JESUS! This is not a fairytale or myth. He REALLY IS in heaven because of his faith in Jesus to forgive him. This thought brings great hope, because we know we can see him again someday.
Until then, Dad is in the presence of Jesus and probably making his way around heaven, reconnecting with old friends and trying to locate the horseback-riding evangelist that started it all.
"Dad, tell him thanks from all of us."
Until we meet again,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
This week our family laid my father Al Elie to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Tears were shed, scriptures were read, and prayers were said. The lifeless shell of his body that had suffered a brain hemorrhage was in the casket. Colorful floral arrangements surrounded him. The color-guard veterans held the flags, a brisk 21-gun salute honored his service to our nation during WWII, and a lone bugler played the taps. There was not a dry eye in the place. There's something about the sounds of the guns and bugle that says 'this is the end.'
But we knew my father was really not there. We knew his life had just taken a new beginning. Why?
In 1906 an evangelist arrived on horseback to the northern Minnesota town of Lake Bronson. Someone invited Els Evenson to a Gospel service held at a home where this evangelist was preaching. Els was a tough guy and known as the 'town drunk and wife-beater.' While Els was listening to this preacher, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart. Els surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. The transformation was so radical that he became known as a 'trumpet for God.' Els Evenson was my great-grandfather.
My father Al Elie came to Grandpa El's farm one summer. My dad was so impressed with Grandpa's new-found love for Christ, that at the age of 16, he also rededicated his life to Jesus. Dad later married a beautiful, young lady named Ruth Lee, and together they had four wonderful children! Al's legacy continues.
My dad not only started well, he finished well! His life was a continuous testament to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He wasn't only spiritual on Sundays, he lived out his faith 24/7. He sang praises in the car, led his family in Bible studies and prayer, and modeled service to our Lord by his involvement at church. He would pray over our meals and weep as he told God how thankful he was to be saved. Dad loved his family and his God deeply.
So where in the world is Al Elie?
With Jesus! MY DAD IS NOW WITH JESUS! This is not a fairytale or myth. He REALLY IS in heaven because of his faith in Jesus to forgive him. This thought brings great hope, because we know we can see him again someday.
Until then, Dad is in the presence of Jesus and probably making his way around heaven, reconnecting with old friends and trying to locate the horseback-riding evangelist that started it all.
"Dad, tell him thanks from all of us."
Until we meet again,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Monday, July 13, 2009
Where in the World is Michael Jackson?
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
I tend to think deeply when I hear someone has died. Some of my first thoughts are, "I wonder where they are right now? Where will they spend eternity?" I'm not trying to be super-spiritual, but we all know there's more to life than our mortal years. God's Word tells us that there is a Creator to Whom we will give an account to someday (Romans 14:12).
So, if heaven is to be desired, and hell is to be shunned, why don't we talk more about it?
In my early years as a pastor, when I began performing funerals, I dreaded them. I was only 19 years old when asked to do my first funeral for a good friend of mine... dead of a drug overdose. Talk about scary! Let's face it, attending a funeral is not at the top of our favorite things to do list.
As time has passed, I have grown rather fond of funerals. (No, I am not the gothic-morbid type.) I think funerals are a great opportunity to present the reality of heaven and hell. Since many churches don't address either one, why not take advantage of a fleeting moment where people are actually open to thinking about eternity! By God's grace, funerals may be the only time someone will hear the biblical way to heaven.
So, where in the world is Michael? For sure, only God knows. If Michael confessed his sin and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Jesus, then one day we will be doing the 'moonwalk' in heaven with the king of pop! With Christ at the helm of our heart, we can face death confidently and peacefully. Without Christ, this earth is as good as it gets.
Michael's death came suddenly. So will many of ours. No amount of worldly fame will grant us access through the pearly gates. God is not impressed with our earthly accomplishments. God is only impressed with the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ and a humbled heart that has invited Jesus in to forgive the sins of their past, and to let Him be in control of their present.
If Michael Jackson is not in heaven, it will only be because of his choice to reject the free grace that Jesus offers. If hell is his eternal resting place, I guarantee that he will be like a rich man in hell who asked a poor, but forgiven, beggar to send someone to his brothers and warn them of hell's impending doom (Luke 16:19-28).
If Michael Jackson is in heaven, I guarantee he will beg the angels to visit this earth and tell his friends they too must humble their hearts before Jesus, and encourage followers of Jesus to share the hope to which they have with others who do not know.
Are you living ready for your own funeral? It may come sooner than you expect. You don't have to be afraid of eternity! Just read what God's Word says in 1 John 5:13.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
P.S. Join the "Harvest Club" by supporting Oasis World Ministries for $29/month. more...
P.S.S. Would you like to learn how to develop your One-Minute Witness and practice it in a fun and impacting way? Then learn more about Gas Buy-Down: America's Best Faith-Sharing Tool.
I tend to think deeply when I hear someone has died. Some of my first thoughts are, "I wonder where they are right now? Where will they spend eternity?" I'm not trying to be super-spiritual, but we all know there's more to life than our mortal years. God's Word tells us that there is a Creator to Whom we will give an account to someday (Romans 14:12).
So, if heaven is to be desired, and hell is to be shunned, why don't we talk more about it?
In my early years as a pastor, when I began performing funerals, I dreaded them. I was only 19 years old when asked to do my first funeral for a good friend of mine... dead of a drug overdose. Talk about scary! Let's face it, attending a funeral is not at the top of our favorite things to do list.
As time has passed, I have grown rather fond of funerals. (No, I am not the gothic-morbid type.) I think funerals are a great opportunity to present the reality of heaven and hell. Since many churches don't address either one, why not take advantage of a fleeting moment where people are actually open to thinking about eternity! By God's grace, funerals may be the only time someone will hear the biblical way to heaven.
So, where in the world is Michael? For sure, only God knows. If Michael confessed his sin and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Jesus, then one day we will be doing the 'moonwalk' in heaven with the king of pop! With Christ at the helm of our heart, we can face death confidently and peacefully. Without Christ, this earth is as good as it gets.
Michael's death came suddenly. So will many of ours. No amount of worldly fame will grant us access through the pearly gates. God is not impressed with our earthly accomplishments. God is only impressed with the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ and a humbled heart that has invited Jesus in to forgive the sins of their past, and to let Him be in control of their present.
If Michael Jackson is not in heaven, it will only be because of his choice to reject the free grace that Jesus offers. If hell is his eternal resting place, I guarantee that he will be like a rich man in hell who asked a poor, but forgiven, beggar to send someone to his brothers and warn them of hell's impending doom (Luke 16:19-28).
If Michael Jackson is in heaven, I guarantee he will beg the angels to visit this earth and tell his friends they too must humble their hearts before Jesus, and encourage followers of Jesus to share the hope to which they have with others who do not know.
Are you living ready for your own funeral? It may come sooner than you expect. You don't have to be afraid of eternity! Just read what God's Word says in 1 John 5:13.
Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
P.S. Join the "Harvest Club" by supporting Oasis World Ministries for $29/month. more...
P.S.S. Would you like to learn how to develop your One-Minute Witness and practice it in a fun and impacting way? Then learn more about Gas Buy-Down: America's Best Faith-Sharing Tool.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Oasis Team Member: Bruce Ahlberg in India
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20).
It has been a tremendous time of ministry!
The monsoon season began early this year, but that didn't stop people from coming to the Gospel & Healing Festival. A crowd of 7,000 gathered the last evening and a lot of people stood in the rain to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior!
Thousands of people have made decisions to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior during the festivals, and we have witnessed miraculous healings of blind eyes and deaf ears opened; chronic headache and body pain vanishing; tumors disappearing; and people set free from demonic possession!
After the festival, one man said he literally felt his sins lift off his body when he prayed for Christ to be his Savior. Another man confessed to being a very wicked man and caused much evil in his community, but now he is a new person in Christ. Many of the new believers have come out of Hinduism and have decided to leave behind the idols they worshiped. It is such a thrill to see God touch spirits, souls and bodies of the people at the festival.
We have also dedicated many fresh-water wells and new churches. Clean water is such a blessing to the communities, and the residents have noticed an improved difference in their health. The people are so appreciative for the help they have received from individuals, couples, and churches in the U.S. who have donated money for fresh-water wells and church buildings.Discipleship is the next step to help these new believers grow in their faith and understanding. Please pray that the harvest of souls will be retained through the visitation of the participating pastors and their church members.
Thank you for your prayers and support of Oasis World Ministries.
Photos>
Blessings,
Bruce Ahlberg
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Oasis Team Member: Darrell Dobbelmann
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20).
It is a profound privilege to be part of this move of God in India! Tom is recovering well from breaking his hip and is halfway through his rest from bearing any weight on it. He sends his gratitude and thankfulness for your prayers and kind words.
I am witnessing some of the greatest fruit I've ever witnessed in my life! God is indeed doing "exceedingly abundantly above all I could have ever asked or thought"! Ironically, two weeks ago I made an 18-month commitment to serve Oasis World Ministries in any way I could beginning June 1. With Tom's sudden turn of events, he asked me to leave on May 31...one day early!
I am experiencing this with my good friend Bruce Ahlberg, a missionary to Guatemala. He is doing a huge share of the ministry with me. Bruce was the only one originally scheduled to be with Tom on this trip.
The Oasis staff in India has done an incredible job with preparation and setup. We finished the first five-night festival in the village of Garladinne. Crowds swelled through the week as people witnessed the power and love of Jesus. Over 6,000 came forward to make Jesus their "One True God." Over 3,500 filled out decision cards indicating that they would like a follow up visit. After the festival, it was a thrill to talk with some of these people who had never heard of Jesus before that night.
Many miraculous healings took place. God opened many deaf ears and blind eyes. One man leaped and jumped after God delivered him from bone and leg problems. The healing that touched me the most was that of a 9-year-old deaf girl. After I prayed, her mother came to me and said, "My daughter's ears were healed when you prayed a few minutes ago." The daughter looked up at me with big brown trusting eyes and a bright smile, because she could hear sounds that she had never heard before.
Yesterday we conducted three church and well dedications. I walked the paths of these remote villages and interfaced with people who are so hungry for God; they couldn't hear enough about a God who died for their sins and loves them personally. Hundreds came to Christ even in these remote village settings! Today we travel to a more distant village for our second festival and pastor's school.
Thank you for supporting and praying for the Oasis team. You are helping make the dreams of many generations of missionaries become a reality. They did the work of planting and now we are reaping where they have sown. The sacrifices we make are small in comparison to those who have given their lives, health, and families for centuries to prepare the soil for this day of harvest.
Pray for safety and health for the team. Pray for free course of the Holy Spirit's leading, for weather (they say rainy season is early this year), and for many souls to find freedom in body, soul, and spirit....and continue to pray that God would expedite Tom's healing.
Photos>
In His service,
Darrell Dobbelmann
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org
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