Oasis World Ministries

Africans know how to dance!

2011-04-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for praying for Pastor George Bunnell and I while we led a crusade and pastor's seminar in Nigeria, Africa. We are thankful for the fruit we saw in so many areas. Africans truly know how to celebrate!

Even though our crusade was intentionally in one of the poorest neighborhoods of Ibidan, the people willingly worshipped the Lord through dynamic praise, dance and whole-hearted expressions of thanksgiving! Watch>

When we prayed for the fire of the Holy Spirit to fall on the pastor's seminar, I witnessed a mighty and lengthy outpouring of praise and worship from people who were hungry to receive from the Lord! One of the highlights was when we trained with the ONE-MINUTE WITNESS faith-sharing tool. The pastors who attended the seminar were so excited to learn how to share their faith with this evangelism tool. Then we all went out into the Muslim-dominated streets of Ibidan two-by-two. They returned rejoicing and happy that they had learned a new way to share their own testimony with anyone. Watch>

Many people testified of healings and deliverance. We successfully planted much seed in this neighborhood that had never hosted a Christian crusade of this size. Strangely enough, I appreciate your prayers more now that I am home. Having just returned from our mission to Nigeria, West Africa, I realize again why Jesus OFTEN got alone to pray. Nigeria is filled with many expressions of RELIGION, but fewer know what it is to have a RELATIONSHIP with Christ. Corruption is common and many have lost hope of ever earning more than a couple bucks per day.

In the area we were working was comprised mostly Muslim, animists (tree and rock worshippers), and white robe Christians (those who believe in polygamy and incense), with a smaller group of born-again Christians who are truly in love with Jesus. If Jesus 'felt' all our feelings, I understand how He thought it necessary to OFTEN withdraw to be alone to pray.

If you and I are going to be "in the world but not of it," we NEED to get alone with our God OFTEN and let Him pour His culture of love, acceptance and security into our lives. Without His refreshing, we will surely burn out. But in His presence, we will learn how to dance in every circumstance!

Photo Gallery>

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Dead Men Walking

2011-03-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

I know many Christians are tired of being tired...trying to measure up to God's perfection...trying to please him a little more...and wondering if he is ever pleased.

GOOD NEWS! God does not desire that we try hard in our own strength to be holy in order to please Him. INSTEAD, God invites us to die to ourselves--to our agendas, our carnal affections, to our fleshly ambitions, and our sinful nature--so that Christ can live in us. It's when we stop trying to live for Him, that He can live through us.

And herein lies the problem: we can't deliver ourselves from our flesh and sinful nature. WHILE Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us from sin, ONLY the cross sets us free from our sinful habits when we die to them.

Paul said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son or God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). Jesus died so that we can live. We can live when we die to ourselves and let Him live through us.

This 'death thing' is not a one-time decision. Jesus says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23). When I die to myself, Christ's life can enter me. Then I become a slave of righteousness (Romans 6) instead of a slave of sin.

So let's stop trying to be super-spiritual and striving to be perfect. We simply cannot. But let's embrace the cross five times a day if necessary. Then the overcoming life can be ours, and we can boldly share our faith without fear and love others with the true heart of God.

Are you ready to live? Then let's lose our lives and embrace the cross to make room for Christ to live through us!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

977 prayers for salvation in one night!

2011-03-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from my 41st trip to the great harvest field of India! THANKS FOR YOUR PRAYERS! Without prayer, we have no favor. What comes from heaven is first loosed on earth by prayer.

This trip was marked with opportunities to sow into the next generation of evangelists and reap a harvest of heaven-bound souls.

Highlights
ONE-MINUTE WITNESS TRAINING AT COLLEGES

I trained the One-Minute Witness faith-sharing tool at four colleges. Around 1,000 students are now equipped to share their personal testimony. After training, we took them out to apply their new tool, and they came back with fresh excitement.

THOUSANDS CONFESS JESUS AS LORD
In two open-air 5-day festivals, thousands came to the altar to indicate their desire to follow Jesus as their one true God. These festivals were held in areas that have never hosted a gospel festival before. During the final night alone, we saw 977 people expressing their desire to follow Jesus. Photo gallery>

MANY MIRACLES OF PHYSICAL HEALING
By God's grace, we verified the opening of blind eyes and deaf ears, heard many testimonies of vanishing body pain, and two miracles I had never witnessed before.

The first was that of a boy who was born with a paralyzed fist. After prayer he was able to opened his hand for the first time. Watch>

The other miracle was that of a 12-year-old girl who was born mute and spoke for the first time. Watch>

WELLS AND CHURCHES DEDICATED
Twenty Hindu neighborhoods now have fresh water provided by our Christian donors. At each fresh-water well dedication, the gospel message was delivered and dozens have prayed for the gift of salvation.

In addition, three villages now have their first Christian church building to declare the love of Jesus. Photo gallery>

NEXT, we leave on our first trip to the country of Nigeria, West Africa, and a return trip to Liberia. Please continue to pray for us March 22- April 7. We are asking God for 20,000+ people to pray to receive Jesus. Prayer requests>

AGAIN, THANKS also for your financial support. We still have a need of $20,000 for this large Nigeria crusade and pastor's seminar. They are expecting 2,000 pastors and leaders for the seminar alone. Donate>

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

P.S. Also, let's continue to pray for the people of Japan, that their hearts will be turned to Jesus in this great crisis.

The 1,000-percent Advantage

2011-02-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20).

In God's kingdom, a culture of individuality is over. God said, "It is not good for man to live alone. I will make a helper suitable for him" (Genesis 2:18). So He gave man a woman. Jesus sent the disciples two by two to proclaim His gospel (Mark 6:7). Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. And Batman had Robin.

There's an old African proverb that says... "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

God has called us to be a part of the body. No part can survive on its own. The church is His body; not the church building, but the people. When I made a decision to share my faith everyday, a fellow pastor said, "I will do it with you." I told a couple more pastors, and they said, "We will do it with you." And so, I was suddenly empowered and accountable.

So, who are you partnering with? To whom do you joyfully submit? Is it just you and Jesus? If so, your effectiveness will be short and sweet.

When the authorities threatened the disciples to stop talking about Jesus, their response was, "WE cannot help speaking about what WE have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). When we move as a team, we encourage each other, we have more credibility when two witnesses share their story instead of one, and we protect each other's back through praying through the spiritual barriers that surely come.

Yes, there can be disappointments and risks when you trust others. But, there is power when we walk together. The Bible says that one shall put one thousand to flight, and two shall put ten thousand to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30). That's a 1,000% advantage!

Here's another illustration: An owner of Clydesdale horses performed a test. Alone, the big, muscle-bound horse could pull 1,200 pounds. So the owner thought two horses could pull 2,400 pounds. But to his surprise, he found that two Clydesdales pulling together could pull 5,000 pounds!

That's some good horse sense if you ask me!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Forward Praying

2011-01-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word" (John 17:20).

When I see someone wearing a cross, I often ask, "I noticed the cross you're wearing. May I ask what it means to you?"

I've found that 95% of the people I've asked wear a cross as a keepsake. It was a gift from somebody special, like a mother or grandmother. So when I share my faith with them, I know I that I am answering the gift-giver's prayers!

Did you know that God is working on future results based on today's prayers?

When you pray, heaven's wheels start turning! The process of answering your prayers has already begun. God is always putting the people-puzzle together to bring the greatest glory to His name in answer to your prayers.

So who are you praying for and believing that the answer is coming? Let's keep praying for those who WILL BELIEVE through someone's witness. And best of all, you can be an answer to someone's prayers. You may never know how you fit into God's puzzle until you get to heaven.

That's when we'll experience a great celebration when we see the effects of our prayers and our witness! Let's be an answer to someone's prayers.

Let's pray forward!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Jesus at Macy's

2010-12-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

"Therefore, Paul...reasoned in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there" (Acts 17:17).

Christmas really came to Macy's. Shoppers were pleasantly surprised when plain-clothed opera singers unexpectedly broke out singing "The Hallelujah Chorus.

It brought tears to my eyes watching people's reactions to this "random act of culture," and I was delighted to see the overwhelming approval at the end of the song.

Immediately I thought of how this kind of celebration is normal in heaven. All the angels rejoice when one sinner turns to Jesus.

And I thought, our lives ARE a concert of praise whenever we share our faith. Whether it's at the shopping mall, the auto body repair shop, or the grocery store. We can bring HIGH PRAISE to our Lord when we choose to share His love with others.

So here's the bottom line. Why let opera singers be the only ones bringing praise to Jesus? You and I have the great privilege of sharing Jesus in the marketplace daily with those who happen to be there.

Merry Christmas!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Happy Thinksgiving

2010-11-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

I just arrived home from India yesterday, and as a result of our three gospel and healing festivals, we saw over 10,000 people sign decision cards to receive or recommit their lives to Jesus Christ. How exciting is that?

At the gospel festivals, many people testified of miraculous healings: blind eyes and deaf ears opened, and people who had suffered from chronic pain were restored. We also had the privilege of dedicating four churches and six fresh-water wells, and conducting three pastor’s seminars and a women's conference.

While flying home from this very successful trip to India, and I was grateful for my 30-hour journey home, including the 15-hour non-stop flight from Mumbai to Newark. My father went to the Phillipine Islands during WWll, and it took them three weeks by ship, with men enjoying the pleasures of seasickness most of the way. So my trip looks rather easy! It all depends how you look at life.

Sir Moses Montetfiore, the Hebrew philanthropist, had as his family motto: “Think and Thank.’ The Old English language gives us the root for our word ‘thankfulness,’ and it means ‘thinkfulness.’ When we ‘think’ of all God’s goodness toward us, it fosters an attitude of thankfulness.

The late president of Wheaton College, V. Rayond Edman, wrote, “Paganism has no note of thanksgiving in its worship. Its people may have prayer wheels and make pilgrimages, but they have no song of praise. They have fetishes erected for fear of evil spirits, but they know nothing of a feast of gratitude for God’s goodness.”

Having just returned from India, we see the many holy days they honor in fear of not pleasing their millions of gods. The Hindus draw elaborate chalk designs in front of their houses, hoping the spirits will see their devotion and bring blessing instead of a curse. The Muslims must bow and pray five times per day, or they risk incurring the displeasure of Allah.

But Christianity is different. God is faithful even when we are not. His mercies are new every morning. He sends the rain on the just and the unjust. We are not those who live in constant fear of not measuring up to some unknown standard of holiness.

Rather, we praise and thank God for what He has done for us, and for Who He is...the Almighty God of love who reigns over all the world. And we try to live in such a way that would bring Him honor.

“To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything he has given us, and He has given us everything” (Thomas Merton).

So today, I want to thank God for the good memories of friends and supporters of Oasis like you...people who faithfully pray for and support the mission to take the gospel of Jesus to unreached and under-reached areas of the world. I also choose to think about and thank God for the trials I have been allowed to face, knowing He grows me to new levels of trust and faith.

Whatever you and your loved ones are facing this Thanksgiving season, I hope you will both THINK AND THANK GOD, recognizing that He is always with us, teaching us to trust Him more deeply....day by day.

HAPPY THINKSGIVING AND THANKSGIVING!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Priming the Pump

2010-11-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

"Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and running over" (Luke 6:38a).

Once upon a time a man was lost in a vast desert; his tongue parched and thirst ravaging. Day after day he wandered without food or water, and he had reached the end of his strength.

All of a sudden, the man saw a water pump in the distance. Was it a mirage of his own desperation or was it an answer to prayer? When he arrived to the pump, he reached out his hand and grasped the steely metal. It was real. He eagerly began to raise the handle and pumped feverishly, but no water came out.

Then he read a note that was attached to the pump:

"Welcome to the only water well within 100 miles. This well can satisfy all your thirst and more. Hidden in the sand to the right is a bottle of water whereby you can prime the pump. Pour the water into the pump while pumping the handle, and you will have all the water you desire. While you may be tempted to drink the water from the bottle, please do not. If you do, there will be no more water for you or future guests. But if you pour out the water to prime the pump, you will have plenty. When finished drinking, please fill the bottle again and bury it in the sand for those yet to come who also will be dying of thirst. Enjoy!"

What's the moral of the story? It's only when we lose our life that we find it. It's when we give to others, that we also receive ourselves. If life is only about me and my needs, I will still be thirsty. But if I care about others in need, my needs will also be met.

When we care about others who are spiritually dying of thirst, then we also drink freely ourselves. When we love generously, it somehow returns to us generously. When we share our faith, our love for Jesus ignites all over again. But when we are self-centered, we never have enough.

Will you stop the rat-race today and ask God to bring someone into your path that needs a drink of living water? Ask them if life is treating them well. Ask them how you can pray for them. Reach out to someone in need... today. You won't regret it... God guarantees it.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Secret of Leadership

2010-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

"For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you"
(John 13:15).

"You can't teach culture. You have to live it. You have to experience it. You have to share it. You have to show it." These are words from Brent Harris, a top executive for Nordstrom, the retail chain known for legendary service.

Mac Anderson of Successories fame says, "To change any culture, in any company, the people at the top have to live it! Because words without deeds mean nothing!"

Nothing speaks louder than our actions. Jesus led by example in many ways: suffering, patience, returning good for evil, speaking the truth in love, compassion, fellowship and so much more.

When it comes to sharing our faith, Jesus was the premier example. He spent himself on others, especially the outcast, the poor, and the sick. He interacted with people at all levels. He practiced what He preached. He took His gospel outside the synagogue. He was a leader.

My friend, if you are a leader.... lead by example. The Bible says it well. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify the Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Christians... should be the most polite, respectful and courteous people in town.

Christians... should be the first to serve, to show compassion, and to help the helpless.

Christians... should be great listeners, engaged in people's lives at home, work, and play.

Christians... should be politely vocal, expressing what Christ has done to open hearts.

In other words, take the lead. Show other Christians that you are serious about engaging and changing your culture. Show other Christians that you don't just talk about sharing your faith... you actually do it!

C'mon, let's lead together. Let's change our world.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. So what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

It's Your Funeral

2010-08-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

“Let us think of ways to motivate one anther to acts of love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24; NLT).

Recently I attended Bob’s funeral. He was a godly man and a good friend. People tearfully told me about his passion for business, nutrition, exercise, and spirituality. But the thing Bob was most known for, was spurring others on to good works. He believed in people and their dreams. In fact, different people testified to how Bob’s help and wisdom had changed their future.

The Old Testament talks about two guys named Aaron and Hur who did this for Moses. Whenever Moses held his arms up in praise to the Lord, Israel advanced. But after hours of doing it on his own, his arms grew weary.

So Aaron and Hur stepped in to help Moses raise his arms. Whenever they held Moses up, Israel prospered in battle. And whenever they let his arms down, Israel faltered and the enemy gained ground.

Do you remember people who have held you up? I remember specific people who have held me up through their support, encouragement, and prayers behind the Oasis vision to see one million people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. These supporters bring tears to my eyes. It energizes me and gives me the ability to keep going forward, because I know that am not alone in this quest.

I would certainly love to learn from my friend, Bob. So what will people say at my funeral? I would like to be known for pursuing my God-given dreams, as well as help others fulfill theirs.

What about you? What will people say about you at your funeral? There’s still time to make a difference in other people’s lives and vision. Why not ask God to send you to someone who could use some encouragement today? Ask them about their vision, dream with them, and run the race with them like it is your very own.

Who knows? You may need someone to spur you on someday.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. So what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Holy Desire

2010-08-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his harvest with him” (Psalm 126:6).

I don’t always ‘want to’ share my faith. My ‘desire to witness’ button is not always pushed. Sometimes I don’t want to share my faith, because I don’t ‘feel’ like it. The more I ignore my desire, the less I think about it. And when I keep my desire at bay, I lose the inner promptings and convictions to share my faith.

Last week my wife and stopped at the grocery store to pick up a few items. While my wife shopped, I stayed in the car. I could have checked my email or played some games on my phone, but I noticed some teens sitting on the curb. Then the thought entered my mind that this would be a great opportunity to share my faith with them. I didn’t feel like getting out of my car, and I didn’t feel like entering into a potentially awkward conversation with strangers.

So, where did this ‘desire to witness’ come from? It probably came because I have been participating in a weekly faith sharing class, or it may have been an answer to prayer in the form of a divine appointment. If so, the promptings would likely fade away if I ignored them, so without letting my ‘feelings’ dictate my actions, I got out of the car and begin to interact with these teens.

Do you know what happened? In only fifteen minutes, I had connected with these teens, shared my faith, and two of them prayed with me to accept Jesus as their Lord, right there on the curbside! My walk back to the car was loaded with ‘feelings’…great feelings! I was so glad that my initial feelings didn’t prevent me from missing out on this eternal blessing.

I have come to believe that our actions must precede feelings. When I act out what I know is right, regardless of how I feel, good feelings eventually follow. I think God calls it walking by faith, and this makes Him smile.

My prayerful goal is that my “want to” will remain higher than my “don’t want to.” If I have a holy desire, it can turn into a holy discipline, which will bring a holy delight!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
President/Evangelist
www.oasisworldministries.org

Multi-Colored World

2010-07-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

I continue to have the awesome and wonderful privilege of representing our Lord Jesus Christ in India. I will never forget one morning's adventure when I shared my "One-Minute Witness" with a young man who was cleaning my hotel room. Shortly after that, I prayed with him to receive Christ's forgiveness and salvation.

Later on, I went to the hotel's rooftop terrace for a time of devotions. While I was reading from my Bible, a young man approached me and asked for prayer. Then two other men joined us, and then three more. I shared with them how Jesus is the only 'one true God,' and I told them about the tremendous healings we had recently seen at our Gospel and Healing Festivals. It turns out that three of these men were Christians; two were Hindu, and the other a Muslim.

After presenting the gospel, I asked the young men if they would like to pray to Jesus as their 'one true God.' To my delight, they all said, "yes." So I reached out my white-colored hand, and six dark-colored hands joined mine. Then I placed my other white-colored hand to sandwich their hands between mine. We all prayed aloud: three Christians, two Hindus, and a Muslim...all praying to Jesus Christ!

What a great picture: men from three different ethnic backgrounds
praying to Jesus for His wonderful forgiveness!

After I said, "Amen," I asked the Muslim man, "What happened when you prayed?" A big smile gripped his face as he said, "I have happiness in my heart."

The Bible says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). The word "nations" is "ethnos" in the Greek language. It is where we get our word "ethnic." You don't have to go to India anymore to find ethnic diversity. The world is multi-colored everywhere you look.

Let's take the gospel to all races, colors, and creeds. After all, no matter what our backgrounds are, we all have red blood, and we all are looking for the same thing...Christ's love!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. So what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy as Hell?

2010-07-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

“What shall it profit a man if he gains the world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36)

In my opinion, most Christians don’t believe in hell. Sometimes I wonder, how much do I? It’s an inconvenient truth...and downright uncomfortable to talk about.

I don’t like the idea of an eternal hell anymore than you do. Neither does God. But His justice demands its existence, just like our laws demand prisons, solitary confinement, life sentences, death row, and even the death penalty.

Rebelling against God is the worst capital offense.

Consider this: Preachers don’t preach about hell. It’s rare to hear the word ‘hell’ preached from a pulpit. I only remember one sermon during my growing up years, and you guessed it, it was about hell. It’s a morbid subject, and frankly, it’s easier to hear about grace than judgment. But Jesus talked a lot about both.

I was in a gas station just two days ago, and a guy was buying a big pork bone for his dog. He said, “My dog will love this. This bone will make my dog 'Happy as Hell' for three days."

I thought, “Happy as Hell?” That’s an oxymoron. Where did we get that expression?! Last time I read the Bible there’s no happiness in hell.

But believers don’t like to warn others about hell. The vast majority of Christians will live their entire lives without ever introducing someone to Jesus and sharing His plan of salvation. Most Christians don’t share their faith.

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, was a Bible-believing preacher. He wished that every Christian could hang over the burning flames of hell for 24 hours. If we did, we would never be the same again...and I think he’s right.

But the Bible is very clear. For instance, the Bible says: “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27), and “What shall it profit a man if he gains the world, and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36), and “Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell” (Luke 12:5).

Here’s the point. If the Bible is true, which it is, then hell is as real as heaven. If hell isn’t real, then we must discard the whole Bible. Hell is a prison sentence meant for the devil, and for whoever decides to reject God's love and His priceless sacrifice.

Maybe instead of ignoring the subject, Christians ought to plunder hell to populate heaven! Maybe those in hell wished that they had heeded the answer we know.

There is hope for every human! Let’s stop pretending hell doesn’t exist, and let’s start telling people the whole truth...for heaven’s sake!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. So what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Being His Witness

2010-07-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you shall BE My witnesses” (Acts 2:4).

Okay, this is not for the squeamish or for those who live by making excuses.

The very idea of “going witnessing” strikes rabid fear in most Christians. No one likes doors slammed in our face, rejection, being labeled a “fanatic” or facing questions we aren’t equipped to answer.

In fact, it’s a fairly common belief that evangelism is for those who are “called” or “gifted” do the evangelizing.

But isn’t evangelism for all of us who follow Jesus Christ? Aren’t we ALL called to be His ambassadors and His voice? Aren’t you glad someone shared Jesus with you?

For many of us, “going witnessing” has been reduced to short-term mission trips, special outreaches, and inviting people to attend Easter and Christmas productions. Sharing Jesus has been assigned to a tiny and infrequent part of our life.

“Going witnessing” takes a lot of preparation…. mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I have to make time for it and get psyched up for it. It feels like a reluctant visit to the dentist’s office. I know I should go, but I don’t enjoy going.

We can do better.

Here’s my solution… let’s not GO witnessing; let’s BE His witness… everyday!

“Being His witness” means that I am ALWAYS ready, able, and looking for “divine appointments.” I don’t have to get psyched up. I just live my life ready to be His mouthpiece. When I live my life as being His witness, than each day becomes ‘normal Christianity.’ The fear factor diminishes, and I’m excited to experience how God can use me each and every day.

I think this is what New Testament evangelism looked like. It was part and parcel of who they were. Going witnessing is out… “being His witness” keeps my flame for Him burning brightly.

C’mon, the excuses are getting old. Let’s replace them with Being His witness… together!'

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. So what do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Evangelism Entrepreneurs

2010-06-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Bible says..."Your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions" (Joel 2:28).

Today I want to you to dream with me. We dream about our families, our new jobs, our vacations. In fact, sometimes the dreaming is more fun that the actual event.

Will you dream about what 'could be' for the gospel that currently is 'not yet'? This kind of dreaming requires that we talk about the one thing in life we cannot control... change. Change is the one thing that is constant in life.

Global change is happening socially, culturally and spiritually. In this world you cannot stand still and cling to old ways. The pressure to change will always continue. But change for change's sake is not always healthy. It should have an end-goal.

So before we automatically resist our journey of change, we must remember that God may be in the silver lining. In fact, the voice directing the change is often His. So we must be open. We have heard the phrase, 'different methods...same message.'

I remember hearing Franklin Graham say that the music in his "Rock the River" crusades was NOT his kind of music, but he embraced it because it will reach the youth of our day. He changed the method, but NOT the message, and he reaches thousands of youth.

As Christians, we are to actively seek heaven's vision and strategic ideas that will outsmart the devil's strategies of destructive change.

So, how do we reach our changing world?

By applying the time-worn Biblical principles that have always worked in every culture, in every age. Principles like humility, brokenness, compassion and intentional proclamation of Christ's love.

When the fearful disciples were filled with the Spirit in the book of Acts, they suddenly became agents of great change. In fact, they 'turned the then-know world of Asia minor upside down.'

Today is no different. We desperately need Spirit-led entrepreneurs to find innovative and creative ways to spread the gospel. And we also must revive time-proven, classical ways that keep reaching others with Christ's love. The goal of taking the gospel to Main Street and Wall Street must remain strong. And we should all be asking the Holy Spirit for His ideas, no matter how much sacrificial change it may require.

But here's one thing that has never changed: Christ's mandate for evangelism! Our job regarding evangelism is clear, and our vision must correspond.

C'mon Spirit-led evangelistic entrepreneurs, arise! We need you for such a time as this.
Well, that's all for today, but until next week remember, 'you have the good news that people are longing to hear. God bless you as you become 'HIS EVERYDAY WITNESS!'

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

NO FEAR!

2010-06-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

"So they departed from the presence of the council (after being beaten), rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5:41-42).

Perhaps you have seen people wear hats that model this phrase...'NO FEAR.'

I don't believe them.

Fear is ubiquitous. We all deal with it to some degree. Even the boldest people know it's always hovering in a corner trying to intimidate them. They just choose to ignore it.

And so, I was intrigued when I read of the incredible transformation of the apostles. They all fled as Jesus was arrested, but now are beaten for sharing their faith, and yet daily they still continue sharing openly.

Fear no longer ruled them. Isn't that our desire?

Remember when fear was little in your life, and faith was big?
Remember when you didn't care who knew you were a Christian?
Remember when compassion filled your heart more than fear?
Remember when you were actually excited about your friends coming to Christ?

Here's what happens to all of us.

When we don't continue to apply the truths in God's word, our heart begins to become calloused. Teaching without application hardens our hearts. It's a fact, when we ignore God's plan for us to be salt and light, our desire to be salt and light gradually diminishes.

The solution? They eagerly invited the Holy Spirit to fill them with His power. They prayed and prayed for it to happen. And when it did, they chose to not waste another day. Any suffering would now be considered a badge of honor. Any rejection they experienced would be a trophy of rejoicing.

Oh yes, the fear still hovered in a corner, but it no longer ruled them.

"God, let it be so in us... for Your glory."

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Untapped Gold Mine of 'God Dreams'

2010-06-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

"Listen to your servants who delight in honoring you...and make me successful today so that I get what I want from the king" (Nehemiah 1:11, Message Bible).

There are 'good-dreams,' and there are 'God-dreams.'

Nehemiah knew that 'God-dreams' always gave God the glory. They were not birthed in selfishness or arrogance to build his career. They didn't have a mixed motive. 'God dreams' are conceived in God's heart, and then planted in man's heart. But man must make the decision to fertilize these 'God dreams' by faith... or not.

Nehemiah wept when he heard how the beloved city of Jerusalem lay in ruins. Only a few people were left, and they were living in appalling conditions. The Jews had blown it again and had forgotten their God. They gave themselves to other gods, and the One True God lost patience with them. He allowed them to be captured and become prisoners until they came to their senses.

But Nehemiah had a 'God-dream.' He said, "I can make a difference." It's time for Jerusalem to be rebuilt. And so he prayed with humble confidence.... "make me successful today."

What would hinder you from praying that kind of prayer? Fear of failure, unbelief, and a lost first-love? Risk is a measurement of the amount of sacrifice vs. the amount of reward. In this case, Nehemiah chose to be a player, no matter what the cost. His reward was to bring glory to God. He couldn't waste another day.

In my last trip to India, the Oasis team and I trained pastors in the 'One-Minute Witness faith-sharing tool, and then we went out into the streets to share our faith stories. Afterward, a pastor said, "I used to share my faith years ago. I am sorry to see how many years I have wasted by not sharing my faith. Now I will do this... everyday."

What 'God-dreams' are within you just bursting with potential and waiting to be fulfilled? Do you have any 'God-dreams' that are still bridled and stifled within you?

TODAY God desires you to be successful in making His name famous. So, go ahead...activate the 'God-dream' within you. If it's for His glory, it's worth the risk.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Sinner Friends

2010-05-21T11:18:00.000-07:00

"Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained saying, 'This Man receives sinners and eats with them" (Luke 15:1-2).

I am intrigued by the responses I have received whenever I have shared my faith with sinners:

Businessman: "You are right; I need to give my spiritual life more attention."
Man who had sex change: "Would you pray for me?"
Carpenter: "I realize God is trying to get my attention."
Airline agent: "I would rather not talk about it."
Another airline agent: "I can't thank you enough for sharing with me today."
Restaurant hostess: "Dear Jesus, please forgive me of my sin."

Luke 15 is one of my favorite chapters in the whole Bible. Once again, Jesus upset the religious status quo, this time by reaching out and befriending sinners and tax collectors. The local tax collectors were not held in high esteem, to say the least. They were the scum at the bottom of the barrel.

But Jesus went out of His way to make a point about who He esteems. He shares three stories: the lost sheep (Luke 15:1-7), the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). It's as if Jesus cares more about the lost than the found.

Why? Because His mission is clear: seek and save the lost (Luke19:10).
Why? Because Jesus did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance (Mark 2:17).
Why? Because God is love (1 John 4:7-8).

That's right... Jesus loves sinners. He can't help Himself... it's part of His holy DNA. After all, He saved you and me, and He loves us enough to having left His holy heaven to demonstrate His great love. Each and every day God's Holy Spirit is drawing sinners of all kinds: liars, cursers, sex addicts, homosexuals, robbers and cheats to His love. These He esteems!

Here's our challenge. Are we mature and complete enough in our faith to befriend sinners on His behalf? Having received God's magnificent love, do we love enough to share Him with sinners? OR, will we stay in our holy huddles, our churches and our small groups praying for God to send someone else?

Go ahead... ask Jesus for more 'sinner-friends.' It's why He rose again.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

7,000 decisions for Christ in two weeks!

2010-05-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

May 18, 2010
As I write this, I am on a seven-hour train ride in India on my way home. I wish you could have been here and have seen the desperate and passionate spiritual hunger of the people in these remote areas of India. As soon as I return to the office, I'll unpack the videos and photos of this tremendous hunger and provide links for you to see it for yourselves.

THANK YOU for your faithful prayers. Pastor Darrell Dobbelmann and myself just finished two five-day Gospel and Healing Festivals. Around 7,000 people made decisions to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior! We praise God for this fruit! In addition, 23 fresh-water wells were drilled at villages that did not have clean drinking water, and we held dedication services for four newly built churches.

These churches mark the first Christian worship facilities in these villages. We also conducted two Ignite the Fire Training Seminars where over 400 pastors and Christian leaders received encouragement and equipping over the course of each three-day seminar.

Darrell felt that the Lord had showed him that someone would testify of a tumor dissolving that night. Sure enough, after we prayed for the sick, a bubbling and smiling woman came to the platform and told us about a tumor that she had for two years. After prayer that night, the tumor disappeared! Many others testified of having years of chronic body pain that had instantly vanished.

As Darrell and I return home, we are both tired from a busy schedule in 110-125 degree heat, and grateful for the spiritual satisfaction of taking part in this mission for God's glory! Thanks again for your prayers and financial support. Together, we are making a difference!

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Hell, yes!

2010-05-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

"but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 1:23, NKJ).

OK, it's time for some serious talk. Remember the compulsory talk you had with your kids about the 'birds and the bees'? It was a killer, but it had to be done. So here's another 'hot' topic... hell.

Watch this video The Bible makes over 150 references to a real hell; Jesus often talked about it. Our doctrinal statements validate it, but do we really believe in it? After all, talking about an eternal place of separation from God is a very uncomfortable subject.

When you hear about the reality of hell, do you discount the messenger and label the message as radical or imbalanced? Or are you challenged to be more intentional about sharing your faith with those who do not know Jesus? We tend to avoid that which makes us uncomfortable: writing our own wills, getting regular physical check-ups, talking about death, or sharing our faith. But thinking about hell is something we should never avoid, because souls are at stake.

Thinking about hell actually motivates us to share our faith with more urgency. In fact, General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was quoted as wishing that everyone could dangle over hell for one hour, held only by a single thread, for then we would live differently.

Statistics tell us that around 87.5% of Americans believe in heaven, but only 74.6% believe in hell (Word Press poll). But I'm guessing that the people who believe in the existence of a real Biblical hell are a lot less. Why? It's simple. Our actions sometimes defy our doctrine. For instance, what if our neighbor's house were on fire and we knew we should save them, but we didn't. Every second someone dies and a soul goes into eternity. And every month that we live without sharing our faith reinforces our denial of an eternity that includes both heaven and hell.

If you knew your unsaved friend would certainly die in 24 hours, wouldn't you at least try to lead them to the cross of Christ? (Hint: Our answer to this question helps us know what we really believe.) Wouldn't a doctor be held liable if he knew you had cancer and didn't tell you? How would you feel? Questions like these help us know what we confess to believe.

Here's the point. Jesus told us that our world is suffering from a terminal disease... sin. He has entrusted us as His followers with an assignment to lovingly warn the world about the effects of its sin. But His command goes unfulfilled when we choose to be silent. I, myself, am ashamed to know how many opportunities I have intentionally missed. Thank God for His grace in helping me become a more effective and intentional witness.

It's time we begin to take action on our beliefs.
It's time to cherish each of our days as a gift best lived for God and for others.
It's time to celebrate Easter everyday by telling others how Jesus has changed our lives.
It's time to make hell mad ...and heaven glad!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. General William Booth, the founder of The Salvation Army, was quoted as wishing that everyone could dangle over hell for one hour, held only by a single thread, for then we would live differently. Perhaps this powerful video on a man's journey to hell and back will have a similar effect. It's called "23 minutes in Hell"

Returning to the Great Harvest

2010-05-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

Once again I'm leaving for the great harvest field of India. My heart is filled with great anticipation for thousands of people to be saved and healed by the power of the one true God, Jesus Christ.

Will you please pray daily for the Oasis team as we travel May 4-18?

Prayer is the best investment you can make. We desperately need prayer to cover us, our families, our health, our protection, and our spirits. Pray that the strong anointing of the Holy Spirit will rest on Darrell Dobbelmann, myself, and the Oasis team as we minister with the people of India.

In this two-week trip, we will...

Conduct two 5-day open-air Gospel and Healing Festivals
Facilitate two 3-day Ignite the Fire Training Seminars for Pastors and Christian Leaders
Dedicate four newly constructed church buildings
Dedicate 20 fresh-water wells that have been drilled in villages without clean running water
And interview three more national evangelists, for a total of 30

Would you also pray for the final funding for our national evangelists? One of our goals this year is to have support raised for 30 full-time national evangelists from India. Each evangelist is currently winning an average of 7,500 people per year to the Lord--around $1 a soul. We now have funding for 29-1/2. We only need to raise another $3,750. If God would lead you to be a part of making this happen, please call us at 763-425-9355 or visit oasisworldministries.org/donate.

Thanks for your prayers. For specific prayer requests, visit oasisworldministries.org/prayerrequests.

As we pray for others, God begins to send His favor back to us!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Learning to Laugh at Ourselves

2010-04-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

It was laughable that Abraham and Sarah would have a child now. After all, Abe was 100 years old, and Sarah not much younger. What would people think? This was so out-of-the-box that God would give them their promised son at such a ridiculous age, that they decided to laugh along with God. So they named their son 'Isaac'... meaning 'laughter.' Yet God was fulfilling His promise to give them a son who would influence the whole world.

Sometimes we get way too serious, starchy and stiff when it comes to God's promise to make us His witnesses. Maybe we need to learn to laugh at ourselves a little. After all, isn't God ordering our steps (Proverbs 16:9), just like Abraham and Sarah? If we need a good laugh, just look in the mirror! God has chosen US to be His ambassadors?!

Picture this likely conversation in heaven:

God: "Gabriel, I am going to challenge Tom Elie to share his faith everyday. You see, Tom has a problem, while he speaks to thousands from pulpits and international stages, he is scared to share his faith one-on-one. I know it seems odd that fear would rule him, but it's true. Even though he is afraid of failure, he is deciding to run right at his fears. And I will run with him."

God: "Gabriel, he doesn't know it yet, but this decision to share his faith daily will transform his life... and many others. Let's watch Tom together... this will be fun."

Someday we will get to watch heaven's videos of our life's metamorphosis. We will watch ourselves going from timid, to tender, to tenacious... and we will all laugh along with God!

Let's start now. Here's a hilarious video I found called Linebacker Evangelism. Let's learn to laugh at our shortcomings. God is!

Laughing while learning,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

The Culture of Self

2010-04-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

"And take heed to yourselves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares"(Luke 21:34).

Have you ever met someone who likes to talk about themselves? I have... me.

I enjoy talking about personal experiences in the past, and vision for the future. Maybe all of us do to a degree. Some people focus continually on their problems. But being consumed with ourselves is both dangerous and addicting.

I wrote the above verse in the old King James version, because I wanted us to see the word 'surfeiting.' It means 'given to continual overeating.' Does that describe us? We are a generation given to consumption in many areas. And once this is a habit, then it becomes an entitlement. Soon we deserve all the 'goodies' of life, and we deserve even more. We never compare ourselves with half the world that earns $4/day or less, but with our neighbor who has something we don't.

Today let's repent for selfishness, and all that comes with it. Jesus has called us to a higher call. He said if we lose our life we will find it. Let's pray.

Let's pray for ourselves.

Dear Lord,

I am sorry for being so focused on myself and my needs, which are often just greeds. Forgive me for laying down my cross instead of daily taking it up. Forgive me for demanding my own way, and judging others in my heart as not as good as myself. This is simply pride, and I repent. Change my heart. Show me how to learn something valuable from every person I meet by listening more than speaking.

Let's pray for our city and country.

Dear Lord,

We humble ourselves today, and acknowledge that any good thing we have is a gift from you. Any good thing we have accomplished happened because You gave us the ability to make it happen. Forgive us for our prideful and independent spirit. Help us be agents of change in our city by humbly giving all the glory to You for any good in us.

Let's pray for the global advance of the gospel.

Dear Lord,

You warned us to not be consumed with ourselves, lest we lose track of Your soon return. Awaken the eyes of not only the unreached, but especially of the reached, to see again the urgency of the hour. Bring the worldwide church back to their first love again. Revive us, so we will be like the virgins who had their lamps full of oil, eagerly waiting your return. In Jesus' mighty name we pray, amen.

Releasing God's Favor

2010-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

"The goodness of God leads men to repentance" (Romans 2:5).

I recently heard evangelist Ed Silvosa say something insightful and yet simple. He remarked that if we want to get favor with unsaved people, do them a favor!

Jesus also said it, "Whatever you would like men to do to you, do also the same to them" (Matthew 7:12). And again, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).

The first thing we should do is pray. Pray that God will show us how to love others without expecting anything in return.

The next thing we should do is to find a way toreach out to unsaved people with a favor. Here's some ideas:

Go out of your way to ask questions about their family
Look for unexpected ways to bless them
Offer authentic compliments
Show neighborly hospitality
Take them out to eat

An unexpected act of kindness will be remembered long after the act is finished.

Recently a family friend came up to me, looked me in the eye, and said something that both impressed and blessed me. "You have a marvelous son,"she said. Then she went on to give specific examples of the character traits she saw in my son. It made my day! But I was also reminded of the tremendous power of thoughtful words. Later as I told my wife of this incident, (since it's her son, too!) I said that we should try harder to make our words an unexpected, but true, gift of love.

Can I encourage us to ask people about themselves before we talk about ourselves?

Let the first nine words from our mouths bring life."It's so good to see you," or "I've been hoping I could see you again to tell you how much I appreciate you," or "It's always a joy to run into you," or "You're looking younger every time I see you." Well, don't stretch the truth too much, but you get the point. The Bible tells us that 'faith without works is dead.' Let's model a living faith by doing unexpected favors for people.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

What is God's Will?

2010-04-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

"I delight to do Your will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8a).

My teenage years were great... filled with fun, friends, and loving parents. But one question seemed to never leave me... 'God, what is Your will for my life?' What career should I choose, whom should I marry, where should I live, and what school should I attend are all major decisions for which I have needed God's wisdom!

As a ninth grader we were assigned to write about three possible career choices that interested us. I remember mine clearly... an evangelist, an FBI agent, and a policeman. They all seem to have lots of excitement. And in retrospect, it's interesting that all three involve helping people find justice.

We all want to know our God-given purpose. But at times, our steps seem uncertain like walking up an icy, slippery sidewalk. Some people live their whole life searching for God's will.

So how do we know God's will? Let's take a look at David, who was a man after God's own heart. Listen to how he describes his quest:

"I delight to do Your will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8).
"I do not restrain my lips" (Psalm 40:9).
"I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart" (Psalm 40:10).
"I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation" (Psalm 40:10).
"I have not concealed Your loving-kindness" (Psalm 40:10).

David found that if he delighted in God with all his heart, and helped others find God's love, he would be in the will of God. Did you get that? David was determined to share God's love with others; he was not ashamed that Jehovah was his God! After that, he seemed confident that God's will for life's specifics would eventually become clear. Affirming this he wrote, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 34:7). In the book of Psalms David repeatedly reminds us how we find the 'sweet spot' of God's presence when we give ourselves to disciplined prayer.

When we make God the main thing, everything else seems to work out.

Luke was also clear as to the will of God: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself'" (Luke 10:27). Matthew said it right. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). So we can conclude that if we continuously pursue these main two goals, God's favor and wisdom will be extended to us for every other decision.

So, what's God's will? Let's follow the examples of David, Luke, and Matthew. Love God passionately today, but don't hold it in your heart. Let it out through your lips. Declare the glory of God both privately and publicly. Don't confine his glory to a church service or seal it within your heart. Reveal His magnificent, life-changing glory through your life to others!

It's God's will.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Inch by Inch Evangelism

2010-03-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

If the disciples learned any two lessons from the feeding of the five thousand, it was this:

LITTLE BECOMES MUCH WHEN IT'S IN THE HANDS OF GOD.
GOD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE EXTRAORDINARY. Mother

Teresa was said to have told someone that God wanted her to build an orphanage. They asked her, "how much money do you have towards this project?" She answered, "Seven pennies." They responded, "You can't build an orphanage for seven pennies!" She answered, "I know I can't, but I can with seven pennies and God!"

Let me ask you 3 important questions: Why are we so quick to dismiss impossible thoughts concerning evangelism? Why does our flesh automatically try to shoot down any thoughts of really reaching our communities for the Lord? Why do we so easily listen to the negative reports instead of God's promise to be with us?

I will tell you one of the main reasons: FEAR OF FAILURE.

Someone was asked how they accomplished such great things in their lifetime. They responded, "INCH BY INCH IT'S A CINCH. YARD BY YARD IT'S HARD." Let's stop listening to the voice of fear. Let's patiently do the task that God has set before us. If we stay focused and do something daily to reach our goal, we will, by God's grace, reach it!

That's why I like to challenge myself to SHARE MY FAITH EVERYDAY. Some days I miss great opportunities, but most I don't. I have found such joy in taking one day at a time and letting my testimony be heard one person at a time. And with God's help, I have seen happen what I thought impossible. I have had the privilege of praying with 16 people to receive Jesus in the last six months outside of my evangelist role.

How did it happen? Intentionally sharing my faith daily in my world, inch by inch.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Over 15,000 decisions for Christ!

2010-03-02T08:44:00.001-08:00

I am writing this in India as we are getting ready to board the plane for home. All in all, we had an incredible trip. Our team of 11 was fantastic! Everyone pitched in with the heart of a servant to see these incredible results.

During the course of this wonderful trip we conducted four Gospel and Healing Festivals where we saw God's glory touch many people. Over 15,000 decision cards were signed by the spiritually hungry people of India as they thronged to the front of the stage to accept Jesus as their 'One True God.' Scores of grateful people testified to having received major healings and miracles. Four churches were built and 28 wells were drilled in remote villages that were without a Christian worship facility and nearby fresh water.

One of the most fun and unexpected times I had in India was when we were checking out of one of our hotel. We had already led several bell boys to the Lord, but now some of their friends were gathered around our car. They too wanted to hear the gospel and receive Jesus.

We got in a huddle, joined hands, and they all gave their lives to Christ. The next week I unexpectedly popped into the hotel and brought two of the bell boys to church with us the next morning. They said they were reading their Bibles and praying daily!

Thank you, thank you and thank you for all your prayers and support. Please now pray for this fruit to remain and that these people will be integrated into churches and the families of believers.

Calling All Seniors

2010-03-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

"They shall bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing to declare that the Lord is upright" (Psalm 92:14-15).

As people get older, sometimes they think that God is done with them, and can only use the younger generation. But I love the story of Caleb, Moses, Abraham and others who believed God when they were over 80 years old. In fact, Caleb said he still had the same strength of vision at 80 as he did at 40! Others say that my brain is young, it's just my body that is getting creaky.

Today's youth desperately needs MENTORS, people who have run the race and are finishing strong. Your life is not over until it's over! Somehow I think we never retire from serving Jesus or spreading the gospel.

Some of my greatest heroes are still alive, preaching, loving and sharing their faith. This inspires everyone, because the vision for the increase of God's kingdom never quits.

My dad, who passed into heaven this last July, was one of my greatest models. He could hardly pray over dinner without weeping and thanking God for the privilege of being His child. My dad kept fighting the good fight of faith right up until his home going. He loved to tell others about the goodness of God and did so often.

Seniors, we need you! Please ask your pastor for a young person you can mentor. Go sit in the youth group and watch them worship the Lord. It may be louder and different than you grew up with, but their energy and fire is contagious.

And your loving wisdom will be soaked up like a sponge.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Oasis prayer and praise report from India

2010-02-22T12:02:00.000-08:00

It is Sunday night in India. In two hours we begin our final night of our second Gospel and Healing Festival in Jonnigiri, Andhra Pradesh, India.

We continue to see a wave of God's mercy and grace as literally thousands have come to Christ during our first two weeks in India. In addition to those coming to know Jesus for the first time, God has blessed many with physical healings. One of which was a hysterical woman who came to the altar area. I didn't know if she was demon-possessed or if God had touched her mightily. As she weeped tears of joy, she testified that God had completely removed from her 12 years of constant major headache pain. (See her reaction by clicking on this video.)

Another man testified that he had been stone deaf for 20 years. During prayer on the second night of our festival, he regained his hearing in one ear and then on the fourth night during prayer he regained the hearing in his other ear! We brought both people to the platform the final night to share the amazing miracles Jesus had done for them.

Thanks for your prayers. We are doing double duty this week. While I conduct a Gospel and Healing Festival, Pastor George Bunnell and Craig Moore will be conducting one at another location. And next week Darrell Dobbelmann starts his Gospel and Healing Festival.

For His glory alone,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. Please continue praying...we depend on it every day! Our final festival will be held at a town of around 25,000 which has never had a open-air gospel and healing festival before.

The need to be accepted

2010-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

We found that the first mutual need every human has is the need for love. We must both give it and receive it. God lovingly set the benchmark at the cross.

The second common need we all share is the need to be needed. We crave to belong. Jesus invited us to be part of His family... those who are forgiven.

The third greatest need we all have is this: THE NEED TO BE ACCEPTED

I grew up in a Christian home having the loving acceptance of my mom and dad. With them I didn't have to prove anything. I knew I was accepted, so I was at rest. As a result, I have a lot of self-confidence and worth.

Some of us have a black cloud following us wherever we go. Someone important hurt or rejected us years ago, and we allow that memory to stay alive and well. We beat ourselves up for our failures, thinking no one else fails like I do. Some of the world's most successful people are also the most insecure. We can work ourselves silly trying to prove ourselves to people who really don't care about us.

But God said something absolutely amazing, "Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." He also said, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness."

He is only waiting for us to call upon Him. He will accept us no matter how bad we've sinned. His grace is enough. His mercies are new every morning. God will never reject us when we humble our hearts before Him.

So why do we look to the world for its acceptance, when we already have acceptance from the King? We are accepted. Congratulations!

Now that we know that God has met our three most common needs to be loved, to belong and to be accepted, why not share this great news with someone who is still searching.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

The need to be needed

2010-01-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Last week, we found that the first mutual need every human has is the need for love. We must both give it and receive it. God lovingly set the benchmark at the cross.

The second common need that we all share is this: the need to be needed.

All of our life is spent with a desire to belong. From trying out for 'the team' in Little League baseball, to applying for our first job, to helping our children 'grow up,' to leaving a legacy that has eternal value. Our need to be needed is intrinsic.

We all want our lives to have significance and purpose. For this Jesus died. He came to give us 'life, and life more abundantly' than the world alone can offer. He came to fulfill our destiny.
God so loved this fallen, broken world, that He NEEDED to do something.

And He did.

Now He needs us to be His voice in our families, and in our world. He needs us NOW. 'Today is the day of salvation.'

People don't need more dead religion. But they DO need hope. Our world is teetering like a drunken sailor. We weave back and forth, hoping against hope that the stock market will recover, that our kids will be loving, that our marriage will make it, that God will hold us.
Because God is love, He HAD TO HELP US. To ignore our plight would not be consistent with His character.

You and I can point people to the only one that can fulfill their need to be needed. God Himself invites us to belong to His family. He picked us for His team. How exciting is that!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. Next week I'll conclude this three part series and share the third common need.

Help bring "living water" and the gospel to Haiti

2010-01-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

Our hearts are heavy as we see the effects of this horrible and tragic earthquake in Haiti. A week before the earthquake, I had purchased my ticket to visit Haiti from January 23-27 to scope out the possibility of drilling fresh-water wells and holding large gospel crusades in unreached areas of this island.

Now, the need has obviously aggravated tremendously. As I go to Haiti in the coming weeks, will you pray that God will lead me to the right places and connect me with the right people, so we can be a blessing to this country both physically and spiritually?

As tragic as this is, we are praying that God will use this as a catalyst to turn many Haitians away from voodoo and other ungodliness and draw them to the mercy of Jesus!

I hope we can help drill many fresh-water wells and conduct a gospel crusade where thousands will turn from their sin and confess Jesus as their Lord.

Thank you for your prayers.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. If you would like to help bring "living water" and the gospel to the people of Haiti, please enter a donation of your choice. Donate>

The need to be loved

2010-01-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Now that it's a new year, let's explore three common needs that every human being has no matter what race, culture, socio-economic class, education or religion. We all are in the same boat.

Here's the first of the three common needs: the need to be loved.

The majority of today's songs are about love: the desire to give it and the need to receive it. I grew up on the Diana Ross song, "What the world needs now, is love, sweet love." In the 70's it was the hippie’s mantra, 'make love, not war.' In Christian circles we have heard of the 'hole in our heart that only God can fill.' It's true that no husband or wife can completely fulfill us. No career or amount of money can satisfy us completely.

But God is not just something we add to our lives. He IS our lives. Without His love, nothing works right. We are hard-wired to depend on His love completely. Without it, our canoe is going upstream without a paddle. There is no hope.

But "God SO LOVED THE WORLD."

Love isn't just a cute song or catchy phrase. Love always costs big-time. Few are willing to make the commitment to a love that is 'unconditional.' That's why God's love is so attractive, it's perfect. LOVE DEMANDS SACRIFICE and God demonstrated it for us.

Now Jesus invites us to return His love by loving Him, and also loving what He loves--other people! It's easy to love people that are kind and easy going. But the test of our love comes when it costs us. Dying to our expectations is painful, but necessary. That's what makes it unconditional.

So let's thankfully receive His lavish love for us.

And let's freely offer His love to people that irritate us, ignore us, or irk us.
Jesus did... and still does!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Sweet and Sour Evangelism

2009-11-02T12:55:00.000-08:00

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

11,840 decisions for Christ at the Nagaland Festival

2009-10-07T13:01:00.000-07:00

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

Tough talk for my flesh

2009-08-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

"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

Where in the World is Al Elie?

2009-07-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

"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

Where in the World is Michael Jackson?

2009-07-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

"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.

Oasis Team Member: Bruce Ahlberg in India

2009-06-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

"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

Oasis Team Member: Darrell Dobbelmann

2009-06-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

"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

Not-My-Will Evangelism

2009-05-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me"
(John 6:38).

I can definitely tell you that staying in '0-star' hotels in India is against my will. Enduring the scary traffic, the jet-lag, the dirt, the bugs and the pollution is against my will. But God has said, 'if you are willing to deny your will, then I will show you greater fruitfulness.' Often I have not been 'willing' to do what God asks. But often God asks what is opposite of my will.

A good friend of mine has a great church and is a great leader. He also 'serves' on the board of several smaller ministries. I commented to him how God is giving him such favor across denominational lines. I did not forget his reply- "God told me if I was 'willing to be hidden' in service, then He would use me openly."

We all tend to determine 'God's will' based upon our temperament. Our personal bias often excludes us from even considering anything outside of our comfort zone or personal giftings.

So it is with sharing our faith.We say, "I don't have the 'gift of evangelism." We often don't 'feel led' because our personal will won't let us. Being Christ's witness today will require me to deny myself today, and lay down my rights.

When I decide to be His witness, I will walk down new roads, meet 'strange' people that are different than me, and will often 'feel' uneasy as I speak in faith. But this is the faith-adventure we have all been called to live! God leads us; then He takes us on a scary-exciting journey of learning to depend on His voice, and not our own strengths!

So today I have a challenge for you. Will you pray that God will lead you to share His love with a soul He loves today? Your will is the fulcrum of the decision process. Even Jesus 'emptied Himself' of His own rights to do His own will, and cried, 'not my will, but thine be done.'

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 Dare You!

2009-04-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

"...the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them" (Esther 8:17).

I am told that if you witness your loved one trapped in a car accident, your adrenaline takes over. You become a momentary 'Superman'. You are able to exercise much more strength than usual, and can often 'rescue' them with your new strength and resolve. Suddenly, you're the hero.

Well, you know the story of Esther. She 'dared' to approach the king without being invited because her people, the Jews, were scheduled to be slaughtered. She received favor, the king allowed the Jews to defend themselves, and so the Jewish people became feared. She became the heroine.

But here's what's almost hidden in this story. When God's people were allowed to defend themselves, suddenly many non-Jews decided they also wanted to become Jews. They knew the Jews would win the battle, and they wanted to be on the winning side. This was one of the great 'evangelism moments' in history... all because one woman 'dared' to take a stand!

When we are filled with the Holy Spirit's compassion for lost people around us, we get a new boldness. Suddenly everything looks different.

The office water-cooler becomes like the Samaratan well where Jesus shared his faith.
Our neighbors become a Zaccheus when we say, 'let's have dinner together'.
Our relatives become targets of our prayer and fasting, like Esther. The depressing TV news propels us to really become 'salt and light' for Christ.
We take the Gospel out of the church and into the marketplace, where people really live.

Our continual shyness takes a backseat to aggressive compassion. We calculate the risk, and then 'dare to make a difference'. We come out of our safety zone, and decide to risk it all.

Our continual shyness takes a backseat to aggressive compassion. We calculate the risk, and then 'dare to make a difference'. We come out of our safety zone, and decide to risk it all.

And when we do, all heaven breaks loose. God begins to respond to our desperate love by bringing 'much fruit' into our lives. Their destiny is changed forever. We become one of God's mighty warriors.

Don't think you can't. Many people will find Christ when you 'dare to care'!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. Join the "Harvest Club" by supporting Oasis World Ministries for $29/month. more...

P.S.S. Learn more about Gas Buy-Down: America's Best Faith-Sharing Tool.

Easter's Commission

2009-04-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

“The same day (of the resurrection) at evening.... Jesus came and stood in the midst of them and said, “Peace be with you! ... As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:19-21).

Their world was falling apart. It was not supposed to end this way! The disciples were gathered on Passover Sunday fearing for their future. Their Messiah was dead.

But suddenly, everything changed.

Late that evening, Jesus walked into their lives again... and what they saw with their own eyes would turn the world upside down! He is alive. Now they knew... Jesus is the one, true God.

At that moment, Jesus ordained and appointed them as His apostles right there. Apostles were ‘sent ones’, and Jesus sent them to be His voice and His hands to a troubled world.

Because they went, you and I have hope today.

Even ‘doubting Thomas’ went. History tells us that Thomas was the first to bring Christianity to India. He died as a martyr when native tribes speared him, because he denounced their worship of the sun god. In fact, 11 of the 12 ‘sent apostles’ were martyrs for the faith they would not renounce.

We are all ‘sent’. And everyone who is sent has to ‘die’ to their fears, inhibitions and lack of confidence. Aren’t you glad a ‘sent-one’ introduced you to Jesus? What would your life be like today without an Easter resurrection in your heart?

So the love of Christ compels us. We must go, for we are clearly sent. And when we go, we will find the greatest joy that will surpass even life itself. Jesus said, “He who loses his life will find it” (Luke 17:33). When we go, He goes with us!

Make this Easter weekend a new beginning. Invite someone who needs hope to attend Easter service with you. Reach out with kindness to someone who is hurting. Tell people what Easter is really about. You are sent... and Jesus will go with you. He is risen indeed, and we are sent!

Happy Easter!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Over 20,760 decisions for Christ made in three weeks!

2009-03-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you for storming heaven for souls through your prayers!

We're back from another amazing trip to India. The Oasis team led four 5-day Gospel & Healing Festivals, three Ignite the Fire Seminars, and dedicated eleven wells and seven churches. In all, over 20,760 people made decisions to follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior as a result of this three week trip! Our soul count is now 629,321 on our way to reach 1,000,000 decisions by the end of 2010.

The Pastor's Seminars were well attended. The Oasis team handed out Bible commentaries to pastors in their native tongue of Telugu. Among the grateful recipients is Pastor Ramish Babu who said, "I have waited a whole year for this New Testament commentary. Thank you very much!"

One of the churches was built in the village of Sevamandir, population of 5,000, and it is the first Christian worship center ever built.

Nine years ago, God called the pastor to Sevamandir and now leads a church of 40 believers. About 100 people attended the church dedication. The pastor said that he began praying for a church building about a year ago. They had been meeting in a shed or at nearby homes. In January, they heard about Oasis World Ministries and applied for a church building. They are thrilled with the church!

I spent the last couple days of this trip with the Oasis National Evangelists. It was a great time of encouragement and equipping. We've added several new faces to the team for a total of 19. As part of their training, I taught them the "One-Minute Witness" tool. Then each evangelist left the building to share their one-minute story.

Exuberent, all of the evangelists returned with great joy, including K. Elisha who realized, "To think I've wasted all these years not sharing my faith." Now he's set on reaching 5,000 decisions for Christ over the next year.

Each National Evangelist will hold three-day mini-festivals in remote villages of India. Regional pastors will follow up with those who have made decisions to follow Christ and mentor them in the faith. More photos and stories...

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie

Evangelist/President

Oasis World Ministries

P.S. If your church is interested in learning more about a fun and easy way to share your faith story in 60-seconds, click Gas Buy-Down.

Oasis Prayer and Praise Update

2009-02-25T08:43:00.000-08:00

We just finished a glorious week of meetings in Suryapet, Andhra Pradesh, India.

The festival grounds were packed with thousands of people from rural unreached villages. The people traveled in by dozens of tractor trailers. By God's grace, we will have seen around 9,600 people come to Christ through our ministry efforts in the last two weeks.

Perhaps the most touching testimony was that of an 11-year-old girl who came to our stage with her grandmother. She had been completely deaf for four years, but now her ears have been opened by Jesus!

Also while in Hyderabad, we ministered at a church where 300 people were expected, but 1,100 people showed up! It was like walking into the fruits of our faith as we entered the church. The atmosphere was electric with worship and expectancy.

Among the healings was that of a blind woman. She had been hit in the eye with a stick when she was a child and was blind ever since. While attending the festival, God healed her eye, and she can see! God has been so very good to us.

We are now beginning our final week of festival meetings. I will be leading a festival in Shathinager and my friend, Pastor George Bunnell, from Maple Grove, Minnesota will be leading a festival in Pamulapadu.

Thank you for your prayers! They have made a huge difference... please keep storming heaven for souls!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Never tire of seeing miracles

2009-02-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Bucchi Reddy Palem, Andhra Pradesh was the location of our first week in India. We held a five-day gospel & healing festival and a three-day pastor's school.

At the festival, we experienced several miracles. During one of the sermons, I talked about the father's son who was continually thrown into the fire by a demon (Mark 9). At that moment, a demon-possessed lady, who was sitting in the crowd, interrupted the story. Then God took over and showed me what to do!

I said, "Demon, be quiet in Jesus' name." Then I invited the woman forward to the altar so that we could pray for her. Before I finished the sermon, she calmly walked back to her seat, completely set free!

Another miracle was that of a paralyzed 15-year-old girl who lifted her arm over her head for the very first time in her life! And another miracle was that of 12-year-old girl who had been born deaf. Her father wept when God restored her hearing! By God's grace, around 3,600 people will have come to know Jesus Christ during this first week!

God is giving us great favor. During the pastor's school the regional pastors were so grateful for the teaching and encouragement. While we were there, the Oasis team did village evangelism. We were told by the local people that we were the first white people to have ever presented the Gospel of Jesus Christ at their village.

Tomorrow we leave for our next festival and pastor's school. Please continue to stand in prayer; it means so much to India!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
oasisworldministries.org

The Tyranny of the Urgent

2009-02-10T08:44:00.000-08:00

"And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them; but He said to them, 'I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also because for this purpose I have been sent'" (Luke 4:42-43).

Ministers know what I mean when I say, 'we know pressure'.

Pressure to please people. Pressure to have the church service shorter, and longer, and sing this music and teach that topic. Pressure to be funny, to be serious, to be 'deep' (whatever that is) and to be relevant. Pressure to reach the neighborhood, yet maintain everyone's needs within. Pressure to pay off the building and simultaneously add an addition. Pressure to live within budgets and do more with less. The list goes on and on. If we're not careful, we'll try to make everyone happy instead of simply hearing from God.

Jesus was pressured too.

The crowds were growing, people were getting healed, and His fame was spreading. Who wouldn't want His problem? The people pressured Jesus to stay with them for extended meetings. But Jesus was adamant. His success was not measured in numbers or dollars or healings. His success simply came from 'OBEYING GOD'. This was the yardstick by which He measured everything.

Jesus was not distracted from His purpose... "to seek and save the lost". So He moved on to other towns where they had not heard of His salvation. He left the "reached" to find the "unreached".

What's pressuring you? What's keeping you from being His ambassador to the lost? Our supreme task is to reach the unreached. Our life's purpose is only complete when we obey God.

The crowd will keep us busy inside the church until we retire, and we'll still be frazzled and unfulfilled. But when we obey God and take His love 'outside' the church, our fire will burn brighter, the sky will be bluer, and the grass will be greener.

'Obeying God' is the best 'pressure-relief' valve ever!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
www.oasisworldministries.org

P.S. The Oasis Team will be in India February 11-March 1. Please keep us in your prayers. We will conduct four "Gospel & Healing" Festivals, three "Ignite the Fire" Training Seminars; dedicate seven churches and 17 fresh-water wells that were recently completed. During the final few days, I will be meeting with our National Evangelists for training and encouragement.

Upwards of 10,000 receive Christ's forgiveness!

2009-01-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

"Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples" (I Chronicles 16:24).

By God's grace, I have just returned from our inaugural trip to Liberia, Africa.

I wish you could experience the energy and passion these dear people of Liberia have for Christ! They have suffered 14 years of pure terror during their civil war. There is no electricity in the entire country except what is generator-driven. The burnt-down and shot-up buildings are everywhere. Yet these resilient people are hungry for God to heal their wounds so they can rebuild their lives.

"THANK YOU" for your prayers and support. There was much spiritual battle being waged, but there was great victory as a result. We saw God do many incredible works during our two weeks of ministry:

Four fresh-water wells drilled and dedicated in areas that have no clean water
Over 600 pastors of all denominations attended our two pastor's schools
Two 5-day open-air crusades in rural and under-reached areas of Tubmanberg and Kakata
Over 100 physical healings recorded by our Oasis team
And we believe over ten thousand people will have received forgiveness from Christ as a result of this trip! photos...

The actual number is difficult to pinpoint because God gave great favor for me to preach the message of "repentance and reconciliation" on a "live" secular radio station, FM Truth, that covers the whole nation of Liberia and parts of three surrounding nations. This message of repentance and reconciliation was heard by as many as 200,000 people! I am sure thousands more prayed for salvation over the radio.

I also met a man with an amazing story of transformation like that of Saul of Tarsus. This man was 'bred' to be the high priest of his tribe. Liberia and the surrounding countries knew him as a killing machine because he was the most fierce terrorist known to Liberia. They named him 'General Butt Naked'. When he was under a demonic spell he fought the opposing armies with a machette and without a stitch of clothing. Demonic forces protected him from the bullets of opposing terror groups and armies.

Yet one day God appeared to him in a vision and said, "Why are you a slave?" He realized that his demonic powers were no match to that of Jesus and received Christ as his Lord and Savior. He spent a period of time being discipled in the Christian faith. Today, General Butt Naked has been renamed 'Joshua'. He shared parts of his incredible testimony with us during five of our ten crusade nights. For more about the redemption of General Butt Naked, click to his story...

Please be in continued prayer as we get ready to return to India in February.

To God be ALL the glory!

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
http://www.oasisworldministries.org/

Remarkable Report of Repentance

2009-01-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

"Oh Lord, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws....O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For Your sake, O my God, do not delay, because Your city and Your people bear Your name" (Daniel 9:5, 19).

Happy new year from Liberia, Africa!

I couldn't wait to share this incredible report with you! But first I want to thank all of you who have been praying for us. I am feeling well and adapting to this new and faith-filled culture. The civil war has taken its toll on this country, but the war has drawn the people closer to the Lord. While poverty abounds, people are resilient and cautiously looking forward to 2009.

When God led me to go to Liberia, I felt He put a message of 'repentance and reconciliation' on my heart. While here, we have joined with the pastors and people to repent of sins not only in our lives but, as Daniel did, we have been repenting for the sins of the nation (Daniel 9).

The ONLY hope of unity in a country is for people to be able to forgive from the heart, and move on for the future. The ONLY way we can completely forgive others is through the love of Jesus Christ.

Here is an incredible testimony. On Sunday morning, January 4, I arrived at our host church to preach 'repentance and reconciliation' to about 150 Liberians. Three weeks earlier, one of the largest secular stations, FM Truth, was scheduled to be at this church and was forced to cancel due to equipment failure. Little did I know that this radio station rescheduled for this morning. I addressed upwards of 100,000 people over the radio-LIVE-reaching all of Liberia, parts of Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Guinea! God had appointed a time for His message of 'repentance and reconciliation' to be heard all across the country! God's favor came as I preached about the forgiveness that is only found in Christ. I told people to pull over their cars and join us in prayer as we cried out to God to forgive the heinous Liberian sins of plundering, rape and murder. This was a marvelous window that God ordained, because He so dearly loves Liberians!

I have much more to tell, but please be praying for us as we now move our crusade and pastor's school to Kakata, Liberia, where our team is working hard to get ready for a great move of God. It is my privilege to humbly represent you as we love this war-torn nation with Christ's love.

I wish you a happy new year in Christ!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

God's Miraculous Healings in Liberia

2008-12-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

"...they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well" (Mark 16:18b).

The Oasis team is doing well and the Liberian people are very friendly and open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hot and humid describes the climate here, and we are melting like popsicles. The Liberian people are true survivors and very adaptable. Everything is run by generators, so there are few places to escape the heat and humidity.

We just completed the first of two three-day pastor's schools. Over 400 pastors attended and were encouraged, equipped and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The teaching included hands-on application of Mark 16:18 where disciples of Jesus are instructed to lay hands on the sick. As a result God healed 18 people who struggled with chronic body pain!

Currently, we are in the midst of our first five-day crusade in Tagmaberg, Bomi County. In the first two nights, 950 people made decisions to follow Jesus! Over 2,500 people have attended with the largest crowds to come.

The native pastors have marveled at the size of the crowds and have exclaimed, "We have never seen this many healings!"

Tonight at the crusade,a former rebel soldier will share his story about how Jesus has turned his life around. During the civil war, the people knew him as a ruthless killer. His remarkable transformation after receiving Jesus Christ reminds me of Saul's story before he became Paul.

In addition, four fresh-water wells are being drilled at remote villages that currently do not have running water. The goal is to have them completed before we return home for dedication ceremonies. Just ahead the Oasis team will travel to Bummi Hills for the second pastor's school and crusade.

Please continue to pray that a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation will help heal this war-torn country, and that those who are thirsting for "Living Water" will accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Thank you for holding us up in prayer.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Oasis team now in Liberia

2008-12-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

The Oasis team is now in the war-torn country of Liberia, Africa. This country has seen two civil wars in 14 years and has lost its entire infrastructure; the water system and electrical grid. Unemployment has reached 80%!

The Oasis team will be traveling to remote villages near Monrovia and bringing the good news of God's forgiveness, reconciliation and healing. Among those with me is a native-born Liberian pastor who understands first-hand these people's hurts and ministers the healing touch of Jesus.

While in Liberia, we will be conducting two 5-day, open-air crusades and two 3-day pastor's schools. In addition, we will be drilling four fresh-water wells that will be installed with hand pumps.

Please pray that a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation will help heal this war-torn country, and that those who are thirsting for "Living Water" will accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Thanks for your continued partnership in prayers and support.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
oasisworldministries.org

A Continuous Feast

2008-12-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

"A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance...he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast." Proverbs 15:13,15

Now that another Thanksgiving holiday is past, may I ask you a question?

What is it about the Thanksgiving feast we love so much? The hot turkey, buttery potatoes, grandma's cream corn and the pumpkin pie piled high with whipped cream are obvious. And of course, the family and friends are priceless.

But perhaps it's the celebration of 'being thankful' that we really love. Being thankful is free... contagious... and healthy. And it's FUN!

Someone once said, 'my worst day with the Lord is better than my best day without the Lord!' In other words, as Christians we have reason to celebrate all the time. Why? Because we know the end of the story. We're going to heaven...we're forgiven.... we're loved!

Just stop and think about 'heaven' for 5 seconds. Don't you have an immediate smile on your heart? Don't you feel your stress starting to melt? So how can I keep this 'feast' going?

Here's the #1 key... my feelings don't have to rule me. I CAN have a merry heart and a continual thanksgiving feast when I take control of my thoughts and feelings through gratitude. The Bible says, 'as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.' Radio host Chuck Swindoll said it best when he said that 'life is 90% attitude, and 10% circumstances'.

When things don't go the way you and I expect (which is a lot of the time), remember the end of the story.... WE WIN! Everything else on earth is temporary. Only heaven is eternal. It's enough to make a grown-up shout "HAPPY THANKSGIVING" all year 'round!

Grateful to know Jesus personally,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Over 26,344 receive Christ!

2008-12-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

First of all, thank you to so many people who dedicated themselves to pray for us during this last trip. God supernaturally watched over us, and gave us tremendous results! Your prayers covered us in some potentially difficult situations.

As you have no doubt watched on the news, the radical Muslims have terrorized India again. This seems to happen every year or two in some fashion, but this is certainly the boldest they have been in at least 15 years.

In addition to what you saw, there are anti-Christian radical Hindus who also are killing in the name of their religion. Scores of churches have been closed, and scores of Christians have been killed for their faith. Please continue to pray for your brothers and sisters who are persecuted.

By God's grace, during this India trip we will have seen over 26,344 people pray to receive Jesus as their 'one true God'. The incredible healings abounded, and demonized people were set free. One demon-possessed woman interrupted my preaching three times as she came to the front area screaming, while scratching and clawing at herself. But on the final night, she came to the platform with the biggest and most joyous smile as she testified how she had been completely freed by Jesus!

The Oasis team conducted six open-air gospel and healing festivals, and six pastor's schools. We also dedicated six new church buildings, and drilled 16 fresh water wells... all for the glory of God! Photos from our trip>

PLEASE also pray for us as we leave after Christmas for Liberia, Africa. We will conduct two open-air crusades and two pastor's schools, all in a country that has 80% unemployment. Pray that a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation will help heal this war-torn country. Thanks for your continued partnership in prayers and support. Please continue to help us as God leads you. Whether your gift is large or small, we appreciate your help so very much.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

In five days: 6,479 decisions for Jesus

2008-11-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

We just completed an absolutely awesome second week sharing the Gospel with the people in the town of Huzurabad, India.

There was great unity, great crowds and great results. The pastors of 12 neighboring churches made a real difference, as they prayed and fasted before we arrived.

On opening night of our second Gospel & Healing Festival of this trip, we sensed a great hunger for God as a thousand people flocked to the altar and invited Jesus to be their "One True God"! Eight thousand people attended the final night of the festival, and in all, 6,479 people signed decision cards to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior during this five-day festival.

One of the local pastors told me that this was truly a historic event, since this town has never hosted anything like this before.

Among the healings was a woman who testified of having a painful tumor the size of her fist. When she received prayer, God shrunk the tumor and the pain left. Many others also testified of pain leaving their body in the name of Jesus. Another woman testified of being completely blind in one eye, and that God reclaimed her sight.

Jesus Christ was truly exalted in the town of Huzurabad. We pray they will never be the same again.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

A holy and reverent respect for God

2008-11-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

November 3, 2008

God has visited us in a great way! We've just finished our first week of meetings in Bheemgal, Andhra Pradesh.

During our first five-day festival, we saw a holy and reverent respect for God. People came forward to give testimonies of God's healings and thousands streamed forward to accept Jesus as their "one true God". Even when I preached about the persecution that is now happening in India, people still wanted to follow Jesus.

Thousands gathered on the final night of our first five-day "Gospel and Healing" Festival. It was electric! The first three testimonies took my breath away! First, a woman who had been totally blind in her left eye for one year, testified that she can now see with both eyes. Next, a man with one totally deaf ear for 20 years testified that he can now hear out of it. Finally, a demon-possessed woman, who had disrupted my preaching three times during the previous evening, came with a joyful smile and testified that she has been completely set free.

Praise God! This town will always remember the way God met them and touched their lives!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

The Third-World Christian

2008-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse into third-world evangelism. Please take three minutes to read about evangelism by the persecuted church in China. It is a transcript of a captivating interview by Denny Kenaston with two unidentified house church leaders.

Bro Denny: That leads me to my next question. What about missions and methods of evangelism? How do our Chinese brothers live out the Great Commission?

Bro Paul: Their theology and methods are really quite simple. They believe there is only one reason why God has left them here on earth: that is to evangelize the lost. Anyone who is not actively pursuing this holy purpose is missing the mark. The Great Commission cannot be compromised.

Their methods are anointed preaching with signs following. The leaders instruct the evangelism teams to go to a new village and inquire about the worst problem in the village. Then they are to go and minister to that problem and show that Jesus is the all-powerful Savior. With this success, they turn to the people and preach Jesus to them.

Bro Ren: I will give you a beautiful example of how this worked for two young ladies who were sent to a village to share the gospel:

These two sisters, eighteen years old and very tiny, came to a village of about three hundred people. There was one big problem. There was a man who was possessed by demons. Somehow, the Communists were able to count that this man had twelve demons in him. He was learned in five different languages. He was so powerful that twelve heavy farmers could not hold him back. They tried with chains and wires, but he had the power to break free.

This man happened to live at the entrance of that village. The whole village of three hundred people could not walk on the road, but had to walk in the forest, because the man decided that nobody was going to pass through his property. Whenever anyone stepped through the property line, which was invisible, the man would come out with a jungle knife in his hand, shouting, "I'm going to kill you!"

Everybody was afraid. It was like this for many, many years.

Now, these two young ladies came asking, "What is the biggest problem in this village?" Everybody pointed to the crazy, demon-possessed man's house. The sisters turned around and started to move towards that house. They were walking and praying. The whole village came out from their houses. Everybody wanted to see what would happen. They knew where the invisible line was, and if they step over that line and enter into his property, they knew what would happen. He would fly out with a jungle knife, half-naked, with a crazy look in his eye, and all the demons would drive him forward to them.

Sister Lee, one of the young girls, was leading. The two of them entered onto his property. The man ran out through the door with a knife in his hand. This sister lifted up her hand and said, "In the name of Jesus, stop." This man became frozen. He stopped in mid-air, like a statue. He couldn't move back, and he couldn't move forward. This man was as a stone. He couldn't do anything. He could not stand. His eyes were totally frozen.

This happens quite often in China. We know by experience that the body is frozen by the Holy Ghost, but the person can hear with his ears. You can share any message you want to with this kind of person. He can understand every word that you speak. Sister Lee went next to this "statue" and started to proclaim the Gospel. She then, through the name of Jesus, cast all twelve demons out of this man. He was instantly delivered. He melted in that spot, like butter in sunshine. He fell down onto the ground and was completely restored. The first words he said were "This Jesus is Lord." He was wonderfully saved and restored.

There was a very special group of people who stood together in the village that day. There they stood, the two girls on each side, and the man who used to be possessed in the middle of them. He was talking to these sisters, and together they entered into the village. As they passed the doors of the first house, the families one by one confessed that Jesus was the Son of God.

The whole village with three hundred people surrendered to the Lord that evening. These are very simple Gospel methods: problem-solution- salvation.

You may read the whole article at www.house2house.net

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie

Evangelist/President

Oasis World Ministries

www.oasisworldministries.org

POWER EVANGELISM

2008-07-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

“And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city.” Acts 8:6-8

In India this year a woman came to our stage to testify that she could previously only walk with the help of a cane, but now she could walk and run freely without pain. I asked her, “Who did this for you?” She replied, “you did.” I said, “Oh no, JESUS is the one who healed you!” She said, “this is my first night at your festival. Who is Jesus?”

An Indian college student and I were talking, and I asked him if he was a Hindu. He said that he used to be, until last night at our gospel festival where he saw the town blind man healed by Jesus. He said, “that’s the kind of God I want to serve!”

Jesus often drew a crowd through His healings.
He then kept a crowd through His love.

Jesus told his disciples to “preach the gospel, and heal the sick.” Luke 9:2 In the next chapter He sent out the 70 with the same directive: “Heal the sick there, and say to them, ‘the kingdom of God has come near to you.” Luke 10:9 The two go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Heal the sick... preach the gospel!

This was NT Christianity in it’s embryo stage. It continued with the apostles as the church grew throughout the world. It was ‘normal Christianity’. I LOVE IT, DON’T YOU?

This was to be a sign of NT believers: ‘they shall lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:18 And what happened? “the Lord worked with them, confirming the word through the accompanying signs.” Mk 16:20 People came to Christ through His kind miracles!

A young woman with MS came to our “Praise and Healing Celebration” in southern Minnesota. God healed her on the spot. She left her cane at the altar, and THEN she got saved!

Today Jesus sends you and I out with the same authority. You and I have the goods! Let’s pray for the sick. Our job is to pray in faith...God’s job is to heal... and save!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie

Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

God is a Serious Golfer!

2008-06-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

“May the Lord make you a thousand times more numerous than you are and bless you as He has promised you!” Deuteronomy 1:11

Any golfers out there? I heard a pastor friend of mine, Jerry Strandquist, say that 98% of the putts that are short don’t go in the hole. That’s food for serious thought!

So why do most of MY missed putts end up short? I’m not a serious golfer, but I would say it’s because I don’t want to hit it too long. I don’t want to overshoot the cup. Why, you may ask? I don’t know. What difference is it if I am 2 feet short of the cup or 2 feet long?

I am told the only people that fail in life are those who fail to try. No golfer hits par every hole. No golfer avoids the water hazards forever. I saw Tiger Woods hit into the sand trap recently, and I thought, “even I can do that!”

So why do we live life like we play golf? Why are we afraid of big goals? Because we’re afraid of missing the mark. So we dumb-down our goals, our life, and even our faith. I hate to have my head in the clouds without also having my feet on the ground. I want to be God’s dreamer, but I don’t want to overshoot.

God already had made Abraham’s seed more than the number of stars he could count. And now Moses is getting inspired… “may God make you a THOUSAND TIMES MORE numerous than you are.” WOW!

What’s God saying to you? Little goals or big goals…. it doesn’t matter. They both take faith. God smiles on us whenever we listen to His voice telling us to get out of the boat and out of our comfort zone. I dare say that God has some big plans for us that are far, far beyond our imagination…. a thousand times bigger than we thought.

So when you are setting spiritual goals, or thinking about how God could use you,… shoot long!

We at Oasis are shooting for 1,000,000 souls to find Christ before the end of 2010… talk about a long-shot! Yet at this fall’s annual banquet, we will celebrate our 1/2 way point.

By God’s grace, we will reach the hole!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

What Kind of a Person am I?

2008-06-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God...? (II Peter 3:11-12).

Gas prices at $4/gallon? Who would've thought?

Millions of homes in foreclosure?...Get real.

Real nuclear danger from Iran? You've got to be kidding.

The rapture of the church? We've got a lot of time left!

This isn't Kansas anymore, Toto! Things are a changing faster than we think. Morals are declining or disappearing, church growth is stunted or reversing, crime is increasing, and our nation is becoming more and more godless.

The Bible has been telling us forever that we should lay up treasures in heaven... that none of our stuff is going to last. Yet we are in debt past our eyeballs with stuff that we can't take with us.

What kind of person am I anyway? That's a great question to ponder. Maybe the best one to answer it is the Holy Spirit. After all, He lives inside us. He knows us inside out and upside down. There's nothing hidden from Him.

Holy Spirit, what kind of person am I: religious or righteous?

What consumes me: stuff or souls?

For what am I looking: earthly promotion, or heavenly?

We say we believe in the imminent return of the Lord...He could come at any time.

But if you are like me, a lot of times I believe with my head more than my heart. Sometimes, I'd rather He wait a while. But now, we can all see that our world is changing fast. It's time to believe with our heart... all of it.

Signs of the time? Could be! Perhaps Jesus is returning soon... I mean real soon. What if we don't have decades left, but only years? Does this change what kind of person I am?

It should.

It can!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Oasis Prayer & Praise Report

2008-05-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

We have just returned from a whirl-wind trip to India and are so grateful for your prayers. We praise God for the harvest! In the two weeks we were ministering, over 13,627 decisions were made for Jesus Christ! And several people received God's miraculous healing: deaf ears opened and severe pain relieved!

It was a very full schedule between myself, Troy Elie, Oasis Director of Development, Larry Frick, a seasoned Bible teacher and missionary from Norway, and our hard working team of staff and volunteers in India.

Our trip included two 5-day Gospel & Healing Festivals in Sirisilla and Brahmanakotkur. Over 5,000 people made decisions for Jesus at the Sirisilla festival. We led two "Ignite the Fire" Training Seminars and had one of the largest gatherings with over 700 pastors and Christian leaders attending the Brahmanakotkur seminar. We handed out new Bibles that were translated into the Telugu language to the participants.

In addition, we dedicated two churches and six fresh-water wells in villages that previously were without a place to worship Jesus and were without clean drinking water.

Troy led the dedications of three Adopt-A-Village projects. Each project is strategically selected to reach remote villages and provide the people with a fresh water well, a 3-day mini-festival and provide support for a local pastor to minister to each area for three years. Here are some photos from this trip.

By God's grace and with the help of your prayers and support, we are now at 484,471 decisions made for Jesus Christ toward our goal of reaching one million decisions for Christ by the end of 2010.

Thank you again for your prayers and support! Together we are changing lives and making a difference by bringing living water to thirsty people!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie

Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

www.oasisworldministries.org

Oasis Prayer & Praise

2008-05-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

By God's grace we arrived safely to India and will carry out a full schedule through May 20. This marks my 30th trip to India. Traveling with me is Troy Elie, the Director of Development for Oasis World Ministries, and Larry Frick, a missionary. We will join Thimothi Rao, the National Director of Oasis World Ministries and the India staff.

On this two-week trip we will be conducting:

Two five-day open-air Gospel and Healing Festivals in Sirisilla and Brahmanakotkur, Andhra Pradesh

Two "Ignite The Fire" Training Seminars for up to 400 pastors and Christian leaders

The dedication of nine fresh-water wells in villages that currently do not have clean, running water

Three Adopt-A-Village projects that include: a fresh-water well in each area that will bring clean water for up to 5,000 people; a three-day mini-festival at each site; and the sponsoring of three pastors that will lead and encourage the Christians in each region

Will you kindly remember us in your prayers every day for the next two weeks?

There is a definite spiritual battle each time we go to India. Please pray for a great harvest, health and protection for our team and unity and wisdom for every situation. Also pray for me and Troy for the nights we preach. We covet the Holy Spirit's strong anointing and blessing so the people may hear what the One True God is saying to them and those who need healing with receive it in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your partnership. It means a lot to me and the people of India.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Daily Marketplace Evangelism

2008-05-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

“Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there” (Acts 17:17).

DAILY? Did you get that? Paul had some time to kill, waiting for Timothy and Silas to reach him. So while he was waiting…while he had nothing to do…while he could have done anything he wanted…he looked for an opportunity to share Jesus. And he didn’t just do it once…but DAILY! That’s right…everyday he looked for an opportunity to share about Jesus.

Where? In the MARKETPLACE. Did you get that? Paul didn’t share the gospel only in church. He took it outside the church…into the marketplace!

DAILY you and I are in the MARKETPLACE. We buy groceries and stand behind someone in waiting in line. We take a walk on a nice day and cross paths with others doing the same. We’re at the gas station pumping gas next to others filling up.

We live in the marketplace; a place for the gospel to be demonstrated and talked about!

Yesterday, I was the only customer in line dropping off my rental car. I had a flight to catch, but I felt a desire to share Jesus with the employee who was checking in my car. “I’m working on a personal survey,” I said, “and wonder if I could ask you a question?”

She agreed, so I asked, “What’s the greatest thing that has ever happened to you?” She answered that it was her loving family. Great answer! Then I asked if I could share the best thing that has ever happened to me. She nodded. I went on to say, “I have a great wife and four wonderful sons, but there was a time in my life when... and I briefly shared about how I came to know Jesus Christ. A car drove up in the middle of my story, but she kept listening. My answer only took two minutes, but who knows what will happen in her life for eternity?

Recently, God has been encouraging me to pray for healing in the marketplace. Another example of marketplace evangelism was when my wife, Vicki, and I were walking to the car from a hotel. I noticed a housekeeping employee painfully limping with each footstep. So I asked her, “Is your hip causing you a lot of pain?” She replied, “I’ve experienced level-8 pain for the last seven years.” I told her my wife and I were Christians and that God continues to heal many people today. Then I asked if we could pray over her. She agreed. So while standing in the hotel parking lot, we prayed for her and God healed her on the spot. She lifted her hands in the air and testified that her pain was completely gone!

Praise the Lord for MARKETPLACE EVANGELISM.

Now I have a choice to make… will I make myself available for ‘daily… marketplace… evangelism’? If so, I think I better get ready for a big learning curve and lots of excitement!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie

Evangelist/President

Oasis World Ministries

Spontaneous Evangelism

2008-04-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

"And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, 'Look at us" ... Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand" (Acts 3:3,5; Acts 4:4).

When you least expect it... "SMILE, you're on Candid Camera!"

Remember the old TV series that caught people in the funniest capers? Yes, it was a 'set-up', but it was hilarious to watch their spontaneous reactions.

We did a gas buy-down outreach at a gas station, and someone prayed for a Buddhist man to receive Jesus! We didn't plan for that man to be there, but God did. Spontaneous? YES!

While flying home, the stewardess asked where I had been. She asked to see the photos of my journey. We stood in the back of the plane looking over the photos and another stewardess joined us. I explained the plan of salvation, and we joined hands in prayer while they confessed their sins to Jesus. All this took place while standing in the airplane aisle. Spontaneous? YES!

God often works in the spur of the moment stuff, yet most of our lives are so cram-packed with things to do that we leave little to no room for the Holy Spirit to interrupt our schedule.

Peter and John were on their way to the temple to pray, as was their daily custom. They passed the same group of beggars they encountered every day. Instead of tuning out the pleas for money, this time was different!

This time the Holy Spirit spoke faith into Peter's heart. His eyes were drawn to this man. The beggar thought he was going to get some money, but he got much more. He was healed! Spontaneous? YES!

What looks impromptu to us, God has been planning for some time. "Man makes his plans, BUT God directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). Are we keeping our lives open to divine appointments?

Smile...and make room for daily encounters of the heavenly kind.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

One Month to Live

2008-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

“Who knows the power of Your anger.... so, teach us to number our day” (Psalm 90:11-12).

D.L. Moody, the great evangelist of the 19^th century, was asked over dinner how he would react if he knew the Lord was returning in one month. D.L. put his fork down, paused for a moment, and then responded, “I would finish eating my steak.”

He was already making every day count for the kingdom of God!

A friend of mine was going through cancer treatment. He said God was impressing on him the brevity of his time here on earth. Isn’t it interesting how short our life looks when facing cancer?

We tend to live life like we have lots of time on our hands. In the Old Testament, people would live hundreds of years before death. But now the Bible suggests we only can count on 70 or 80 years, and that only with good health.

Man’s sinful and fallen nature is the reason for life’s brevity...“the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). God is most definitely angry at sin, so according to Psalm 90, our earthly lives are shorter than He originally planned. ‘This isn’t the garden of Eden anymore, Eve.’

So... what should I do, Lord?

“Teach us to number our day” (Psalm 90:12).

“Redeem the time, for the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).

‘Redeem’ means to ‘buy back’. No, I cannot fix my past. But I can maximize my future.

When I focus on giving rather than taking, sowing more than reaping, speaking faith instead of doubt, I begin to birth life in others.

Here’s four great questions:

‘Am I treasuring this gift called life by lavishly investing it in others?’

‘Am I generously helping people find eternal life through Jesus?’

‘Will I wish I had lived differently when I stand before God?’

‘What would I do if I knew I had one month to live?’

The pressing question for the church is not, ‘when will the Lord return?’ But it’s, ‘when will I be called home? And did I make my days count for the Lord?’ The songwriter wrote, ‘only one life will soon be past... only what’s done for Christ will last.’ Let’s make today count for eternity!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

www.oasisworldministries.org

Easter power or Easter hour?

2008-03-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (II Chronicles 16:9).

Last Easter Sunday I visited a Catholic church with some relatives. The priest was obviously very happy to have police directing the huge flow of cars that inundated his church that Sunday. But he jokingly asked the congregation, "Where have you all been?"

Both America's Catholic and Protestant churches are often full on holidays, but half full the rest of the year. Are we raising a nominal church, to believe in a powerless cross? Are we, yes, you and I, part of an American religious melt-down that only gives religious genuflects to God on Easter and Christmas and 9/11's, but whose heart is pre-occupied with other pursuits? Are our hearts loyal to dead religious traditions or are we loyal to a living God?

Are we celebrating the 'power' of Easter or the 'hour' of Easter?

The Bible is replete with stories of people's failings to follow God loyally. Oh yes, many started well, but finished poorly. King Asa was one of them. God told Asa, "The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you" (II Chronicles 15:2).

At first Asa listened to the prophet, and God blessed the people. Asa tore down the altars to the idols. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord. They entered a covenant to seek the Lord with ALL their heart and soul. Life was good. But Asa slipped a little. Instead of relying on the Lord for His protection, he relied on others. He lost his power. His heart was not loyal to the Lord. He was fickle.

What about us? Will you pray with me...

Dear Heavenly Father,
Would you forgive me of any nominal Christianity that hides in my heart? Would you remind me again why I am really here on this earth? Would you give me courage to tear down any idols in my own life? Would you help me to have a loyal heart to You, and to Your mission of reaching the lost? Would you infuse me afresh with Your resurrection power this Easter? In the mighty Name of Jesus Christ I pray and ask. Amen.

My friend, America needs the church right now. Our country's answers are not in the White House, but in the church house. They are not found on Wall Street, but on the Way of the Cross. Nominal Christianity will compromise loyal hearts. We NEED the power of the resurrection to keep our hearts loyal to His mission...to seek and save the lost!

We MUST be both passionate and compassionate! Let's come out of the church house, and be the salt and light God has called us to be. Let's shine the Way, the Truth and the Life to those who have not heard. Let's shine His love, joy, peace, and hope to those who are searching for it. God knows this is what our world needs.

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

The Ripple Effect

2008-03-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

“...as Peter went.... he found a certain paralyzed man named Aeneas... who was healed...so all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord” (Acts 10:32-35).

Have you ever seen a fish jump out of the water? His movement causes a ripple throughout the whole pond. When you and I step out of the boat and start walking on water, our footprint causes a ‘ripple effect’ that reaches far beyond anything we can imagine.

Because Peter went...

...Peter found a paralyzed man...

...whom he healed in Jesus’ name...

...whom the town saw, and turned to the Lord.

Why did two whole towns turn to the Lord? Because Peter ‘went’.

Jesus says to us today, ‘Go into all the world”... and if you go, ‘lo I am with you always”. The ‘ripple-effect’ starts by us simply choosing to ‘GO’.

We say, “I sure would like it if God used me to heal the sick like Peter was used.” Well, Peter did not know what his day would look like... he just went out... and God used him mightily.

One pastor said, “We never used to pray for the sick in our church services, and we never saw people healed. But now we pray for the sick regularly, and we regularly see people healed.”

We can’t catch fish if we never GO fishing. When I GO, Jesus GOES with me! And when Jesus GOES with me, the supernatural starts to happen.

This isn’t the end of the ripple. In Acts 10:36-43, the Bible tells us that a lady named Dorcas died suddenly. Peter was in the town of Lydda, which was near Dorcas’ town. So they called him over to pray for her to be raised from the dead. He came... she was raised from the dead... and many believed on the Lord!

Why was this woman raised from the dead, and many came to Christ? Because Peter ‘went’ to Lydda... which was near the town of Dorcas. Thus, the ‘ripple-effect’.

Let’s step out of the boat today and start making ‘ripples’ for God’s glory!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

"Out and Into" Christianity

2008-03-03T08:15:00.000-08:00

"The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38).

The great evangelist T.L. Osborne wrote a book called, . He states that many of us in the church have gotten things backwards. We are praying for God to send the souls INTO our churches, and God is praying to send the believer's OUT into the harvest.

In other words, our prayers aren't even scriptural!

The late great evangelist, Dr. Bill Bright felt that 50% of Americans would turn their lives to Christ if the gospel had been lovingly presented to them by someone they trusted. Just think - 50%!

But it won't happen!

Not unless the church (you and I) change our strategy. Believers need to be intentional and GO OUT so that new believers COME IN. It's as simple as that! We've been doing evangelism backwards. We want them to come in, but we won't go out.

The harvest is not the problem - Jesus said the harvest is plentiful. And it is! Everywhere I go I try to share in 60 seconds what Christ means to me, and I've found that people are VERY open to hear my story!

The message is not the problem. 'JESUS SAVES' still works; especially when you tell them what Jesus did for you.

A good E-Free pastor friend of mine told me that he went to Bill Hybel's conference a couple years ago. He said that they admitted to have made a lot of good decisions, but they fell short in one specific area - they should have made evangelism their top priority.

My friend, if you want to experience that first love all over again, let's teach and equip each other to share our faith in the marketplace and in our neighborhoods. When I conduct training and outreach seminars, the people that complete it are so happy they did. They finally feel equipped to share their faith with their friends, and share it joyfully, confidently and intelligently!

Ready to fall in love with Jesus all over again? Let's go out!

Intentional for Souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Prayer & Praise Report

2008-02-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

It was another amazing trip to India.

I'm thrilled to report that 29,495 decisions for Jesus were made in the last month!

God's favor led us into five elementary and high schools to share the Good News of Christ to 8,000 students. When the youth were given the opportunity to receive Jesus as their Savior, nearly every hand went up!

In addition, we selected our 2008 team of National Evangelists. Rev. Simon Peter and Rev. Jeremiah will be leading two months of training with the eight new evangelists. Two of the evangelists are from Nagaland in the Northern portion of India. Once trained, each National Evangelist will lead mini-festivals in some of the most remote areas of India; places where most people have never heard about Jesus. We anticipate that each National Evangelist will lead 5,000 to 10,000 people to Christ each year.

I praise God for the dozens of miraculous healings on this trip. One of the most remarkable healings was at the Armur Festival. A woman named Shanthamna was deaf in both ears for 20 years and she experienced great pain in her abdomen and knee. When Shanthamna received prayer she said, 'It felt like a hand touched me on my cheek and then 'pop' I could hear!'. Not only can she hear in both ears, but the pain is completely gone!

Another healing took place just before the first night of the Maripeda Festival. I saw a crippled woman slowly make her way around the festival grounds with a cane, and I invited her run around the stage with me. She dropped her cane and began to run. I asked her, 'Did Jesus heal you?' She replied, 'Who is Jesus?' It was amazing that God's mercy drew this woman to the festival and He healed her even before she heard the Good News about Jesus Christ!

Thank you for your prayers and support. We are nearly half way to reaching our goal of one million decisions for Jesus by the end of 2010. Our next trip to India will be in May. God bless you!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Prayer & Praise Report

2008-02-18T10:32:00.001-08:00

Thank you for your prayers!

We just finished our fifth night of our fourth and final festival in Armur, Telangana which is 180 kilometers from Hyderabad. It was an amazing conclusion to this very fruitful trip. A record number of 360 vehicles transported 10,000 people the final night with 1,900 decisions made for Christ. In all, 5,400 decision cards for Christ were signed during this final five-day festival.

God continues to bless these beautiful people with many miraculous healings. Some of the testimonies include a mother who brought her son. He regained his hearing after four years of being deaf in one ear. Another story was that of a grown daughter who came with her mother. She had been paralyzed in her left arm and unable to raise her hand above her head or open her fingers, but God restored her. For the first time in years, she was able to lift her arms above her head and praise the God who healed her!

After four weeks filled with four five-day festivals, four "Ignite the Fire" Seminars for Pastors and Leaders, four church dedications, eight well dedications, plus speaking engagements in elementary and high schools, I'll be back in Minnesota on Thursday.

I will bring back beautiful photos and more stories about how God's favor led us into five elementary and high schools to share the Good News of Christ, introduce you to our ten National Evangelists that will work on behalf of Oasis World Ministries this year, and report the latest soul count. Until then, God bless you!

Intentional for Souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Prayer & Praise Report

2008-02-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

A Record Harvest!

God has blessed this trip to India "far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think!" (Eph. 3:20 NAS).

We wrapped up our second Gospel & Healing Festival in Maripeda Banglow, Telangana. This was by far the largest turnout we've ever had in the history of Oasis. On the final night, over 320 truckloads of people, and auto rickshaws that were packed beyond capacity, transported ten thousand thirsty souls to the Living Water of Jesus Christ. At most festivals, we average 3,000 decision cards for Christ; and we praise God for this. During this festival, we received more than double this average with 7,120 signed decision cards for Christ!

Praise God for the harvest is ripe!

In addition, God continues to pour out His mercy to these beautiful people with miraculous healings. For a couple of people who were blind, God restored their vision, and He opened the ears of several others who were deaf. Praise God!

Along with the festival, we led two well-attended "Ignite the Fire" Seminars which provided training for over 850 regional pastors, evangelists and leaders. This training will help disciple the new believers that have come to Christ at these festivals.

Today we are in Challapalli, a coastal district of Krishana, 340 kilometers from Hyderabad. Dave Neiman and Pastor Steven Gartland from Minnesota have joined me for the remainder of this trip. We are in the third day of our third Gospel & Healing Festival during this trip. Although this festival is being held in a more restricted area, 4,000 people attended tonight's festival.

Please continue to pray. The biggest two days of this festival are just ahead and another five-day Gospel & Healing Festival and two "Ignite the Fire" Seminars are yet to come on this journey.

In addition, we will dedicate four churches and eight fresh-water wells in villages that were previously without. Now God's people will have a place to worship Jesus and several villages will have clean running water for the very first time. Thank you for your support and prayers!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Prayer and Praise Report

2008-02-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

We're in our second week in India: conducting open-air Gospel and Healing Festivals, leading "Ignite the Fire" Training Seminars for pastors and leaders, dedicating churches and fresh-water wells. The weather has been wonderful and the response to Jesus has been amazing!

I'm thrilled to be ministering with Clarence and his son, Ernest. Clarence is a pastor in India who introduced me to this harvest field ten years ago. This trip marks my 26th time to India, and by the grace of God, we have reached 420,735 decisions for Christ! We are well on our way to reaching one million decisions for Jesus by the end of 2010.

Currently we're at Maripeda Banglow, Telangana which is 190 kilometers from Hyderabad. This photo that I've included is of a young girl who could not hear in one ear. Her mother testified to her saying earlier that day, "Maybe if we go to the festival God will heal my ear." She came to the altar to receive prayer and God miraculously restored her hearing.

Praise God for the faith of a child!

The other picture is of the outpouring at the alter on the second night of the festival. We set a record: 1,800 decision cards for Christ were received! Praise God for the harvest!

Thank you for your prayers and support... together we are reaping a great harvest!

Intentional for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

We're in this together

2008-01-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

Before I left for India, I came across an incredible Bible passage that I knew was for our Oasis partners... I Samuel 30.

You're gonna love this...

David and his men returned home to Ziklag and found their town had been ransacked, their wives and children kidnapped and their homes burned. He and his men were so overwhelmed in sorrow that Unbelievable sorrow filled their soul!

When they regained their composure, they sought the Lord, and He said to pursue the invading army. So they did. 600 warriors continued their journey to find their families, but 200 of them were so weary from the journey that they stayed behind at a brook and guarded the army supplies while the other 400 continued on. Along the way, they found one of the men who had burned their town. He had been left to die of a sickness. But David gave him food, and found out from him where the enemy was hiding.

Long story short, David and his men recovered all their family members and spoil. Everyone was happy. ALL had been recovered.

But the 400 men who participated in their rescue did not want to share the spoils with the 200 that had stayed behind with the supplies. They reasoned that the spoils should only go to those who risked their lives. But David saw it differently. Listen...

I Samuel 30:24

David was saying that everyone is part of our team. We ALL participate together to bring glory to God.

Sometimes we think that only those that 'GO' to the mission field are blessed. But God's word tells us that those who 'SEND' or "STAY BY THE SUPPLIES" are also included in the rewards to follow. Your prayers and support are noticed in heaven! THANKS for letting us be on your team... together we will reap a great harvest!

Please pray for us as we represent you in India!

We're in this together,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Thoughts about a New Year

2008-01-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

2008 HARVEST?

“I do not pray for these (disciples) alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word” John 17:20.

Jesus is not only praying for you today, but for those who are yet to surrender to His love in 2008. He is interceding for the future. He has not stopped believing for your neighbor, your relatives, your city and your world.

Sometimes I grow tired and discouraged praying for unsaved loved ones. But He doesn’t. I never grow weary of praying for MY needs. Our human nature always looks out for number one. But thankfully, God is still longing for ALL humanity to bow their knees before Him.

How will it happen? Isn’t America’s heart too hardened? Isn’t the church mostly sleeping?

God tells us how it will happen... through YOU. Yes, He is praying “for those who will believe in Me through THEIR word” verse 20.

Here’s what will make the difference:

Acts of love shown selflessly
Displaying forgiveness
Telling your testimony of how Christ has changed your life
Praying in faith without stopping
Daily looking for opportunities to be His witness

Will you join me in this prayer for the new year?

“Dear Lord, Your patience with us and our world is immense. Please forgive us for straying from you, from losing our first love, and from ignoring the unsaved all around us. Please light Your fire again in my heart. Use ME this year... this month... today, to both show and tell of Your great love. My mouth belongs to You.... fill it with words that will invite people to know You. Thank You for Your mercy towards me. Amen.”

Have a fruitful new year!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist
Oasis World Ministries

2007 Oasis World Ministries Year-end Report

2007-12-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

In 2007, by God’s grace and the help of prayer partners and donations, we saw…

16 churches built
28 fresh-water wells drilled
11 open-air five day “Gospel and Healing" Festivals
13 “Ignite the Fire” seminars for pastors and leaders
PLUS, nearly 100,000 souls will have come to Christ as a result of our ministry efforts this year.

Praise the Lord! OUR GOAL is to win 1,000,000 souls for Christ by the end of 2010. We are now around 400,000 souls on our way to one million! THIS VISION IS FAR BEYOND OUR NATURAL ABILITY. This WILL happen…only by God’s grace and the generous help of friends like you. If the Lord delays His return, we only have three years left to reach our goal. Please prayerfully consider how you can help us in reaching this goal.

May you and your loved ones draw ever closer to our Savior’s heart in 2008!

Intentional For Souls

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Prayer & Praise Report

2007-12-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

What an amazing trip!

The last festival was the largest—as many as 10,000 people came on ox carts and tractors that pulled wagons of people from villages up to twenty five kilometers away. During the final night, 2,000 people walked forward to the altar. In all 5,287 decision cards for Christ were received over the three-day festival!

Many miraculous healings were witnessed by the team, including a girl who lived in darkness from childhood and can now see. I asked her, “What was the first thing you saw?” She replied with a smile, “I saw Jesus!”

In all, over 16,000 decision cards for Christ were signed during this trip and the final count for December is looking to be over 25,000 through these efforts. We are indeed moving forward to our goal of reaching one million people for Christ by the end of 2010.

Thank you for praying!

Intentional for Souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Prayer & Praise Report

2007-11-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

Greetings from India!

The team and I have been in the town of Vempalli for the last three nights putting on a festival. We ask that you keep us in prayer. We've encountered some resistance from an anti-Christian group that caused us to relocate the festival days before it began.

Despite this change in plans, God has moved mightily! We experienced His sweet presence that seemed to quiet the crowd as they intently listened to the testimonies that were shared. So far 457 people have made decisions to receive Jesus Christ in the last three days we have been here. God's healing hand has also been at work with miracles reported that some who were deaf can hear and others who were blind can see! Praise God!

The weather warmed up nicely for the festival and our team is working wonderfully together. Still to come on this trip will be two more festivals, church and fresh-water well dedications and three pastor's seminars before we return on December 11th. Thank you for your continued prayer support.

God bless you as you seek Him!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

As Hot As Hell

2007-10-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

“...but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire...” Jude 23

Sometimes I wonder if people realize what they are really saying. You’ve heard it said:

“I’m hot as hell.” “I’m sure as hell not going to do that.” “This house looks like hell.”

Do they know something about hell that I don’t? Have they been there and back? Where do they get their info on hell?

I think it’s because years ago we used to live in a Christian culture of sorts, and hell was feared. No one even used the word as slang. It showed disrespect for God. But in today’s enlightened culture, people seem to see disrespect as something to be admired, even daring. ‘Bad’ is good.

I understand if unbelievers talk this way but I don’t understand why pastors and Christians don’t use the word at all. Pastors don’t preach about hell, maybe because they are afraid of offending someone. Christians don’t talk about hell, maybe because they are afraid they will be seen as fanatical. Maybe if our government prohibited talking about hell, then we would begin to do it. But God talks about hell freely... and openly. He lovingly created it so people could see where the deceitful devil really lives. He never meant it for us.

So here we have it... unbelievers talk about hell... believers don’t.

I remember only one specific sermon my pastor preached when I was a child. You guessed it... “HELL.” I was sure I didn’t want to go there but was also sure that God made a way for me to go to heaven. (By the way, I never remember anyone preaching on the subject of heaven.)

Most people think hell is like a purgatory, where you do some time and then get freed.

But the Bible says that OUR HEARTS will be judged by a righteous God.

No other religion boasts of a God who gave His own life to rescue us from a sin-filled hell.

Why don’t we bring ‘hell’ back into our vocabulary? As evangelist Reinhard Bonnke says,

“Let’s plunder hell, and populate heaven!”

Ask God how you can save someone from hell. You can make a difference... for eternity.

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist /President
Oasis World Ministries

Chocolate Overdose

2007-09-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

“Give and it shall be given to you, pressed down, shaken together and running over, shall men give into your bosom.”

Most of the pastoral staff was jealous week after week at our staff breakfast. I could order anything I wanted, and still lose weight. I was 21, slender and everyone thought I had a tapeworm. Need I say anymore? But this time, revenge would be sweet for them.

My sweet tooth got the best of me, and I ordered the following:
-chocolate chip pancakes with butter and syrup
-a frosted sweet roll smothered in warm butter
-hot chocolate to wash it all down.

As they watched me eat bite after bite, they all drooled with envy. But 30 minutes later I had to rush to the bathroom.... I had overdosed on sugar! My stomach said, “don’t you ever do that to me again!” I agreed, and I haven’t.

My flesh has an insatiable appetite for more sweets, more money, more recognition, more, more.
I am never satisfied. God made me that way. He made the world for me to enjoy, but wired me to find COMPLETE joy only in giving... giving myself to Him, and giving myself for Him.

Here is God’s secret: ‘Give and it comes back to you.’
No, you might not be rich, but you’ll be satisfied!

I have found that when I share my testimony with someone, I am happier than when I don’t.
I have found that when I live to help others, I help myself.
I have found that when I care about where people will spend eternity, I feel eternally fulfilled.

The American culture tells us: ‘get all the gusto you can get.’
The kingdom culture tells us: ‘if you lose your life, you will find it.’

How about we say a prayer everyday like this:
‘God, please use me today to help point someone to You. Amen.’

Get ready for a ‘giving overdose.’

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelists/President
Oasis World Ministries

Do You Have An Appointment, God?

2007-02-01T11:27:00.000-08:00

“Man makes his plans, but God directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Let's face it… appointments are made to be kept. You don't like to be kept waiting, and our days seem more productive when we can control our schedules.

But God likes to direct our steps, often interrupting our appointment schedule to bring us into His. He has exciting opportunities waiting for us…. TODAY … if we can fit Him into our busy calendar.

For example, the other day I was driving home, and an auction sign caught my eye. I stopped to see what was going on, and ended up talking to the owner of this property. He was a talkative Muslim man from the Middle East. He asked me what I do for a living. I said, "I am a minister… a Christian minister."

When I tell people I am a minister, I never know if they will suddenly get shy and stop talking to me. But this man was different. He said, "Oh, I love to talk to ministers. I was watching 'Larry King Live' the other night. They had a Christian minister, a Muslim and a Jew interacting. It was very fascinating."

I recognized this to be a DIVINE APPOINTMENT. God had interrupted my day to have me stop at an auction… so I could meet a Muslim man that loves to talk about faith! WOW!

So I boldly asked him for his phone number so I could contact him later.

I said I would love to talk to him some more. Who knows how God will use this conversation? Only God knows, and he wants to surprise me! (I'll let you know.)

God's divine appointments can add great adventure to your life everyday.

Get ready…. another interruption is about to be entrusted to you today!

Living intentionally for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

My Daring Experiment

2006-06-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Where do these ideas come from? Am I a glutton for punishment or what? Last Sunday in church, pastor George was weeping as he prayed for the lost people of our city. I have rarely seen that…. and I was moved.

I decided it is not enough to walk out of church and say, ''that was a great service'. After all, how many churches have a sign over their exit door that reads, "You are now entering your mission field"? Is all this motivation just for the 'other guy in the pew down from me?'

So I had this idea. Why not get a couple other people to be accountable to, and let's try to share our faith EVERYDAY this week with someone. I knew it was daring, but certainly I could do it for one week. After all, I am an evangelist! I love to share my faith, but like most others, I often find myself getting too distracted with the busyness of life. I felt I was missing many opportunities just because I was to busy, distracted and fearful.

I like the story of the pastor who was greeting people at the church door as they left the service. He found one lady he did not know, and said, "what is your name?' She said, 'my name is Mary.' "What do you do Mary?" She looked around herself covertly as if someone could be listening. She softly said, 'pastor, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ cleverly disguised as a corporate secretary!'

That's it! Our profession is not who we are. We are His ambassadors, His witness, His spokesman! I think it's time the church came 'out of the closet' and started lovingly sharing our faith often, don't you?

So here we go. For 5 days next week I will send you a daily log of my daring experiment….I am sure I will learn a lot about being an EVERYDAY WITNESS.

Monday, Day One

That's right, I am still doing "daring" things in my 50's! What's my dare? I'm going to be an "EVERYDAY WITNESS' for one week. I am going to share my faith with an unbeliever 'EVERYDAY' this week. How's it going? Well, I am 3 days into it, and by God's grace, I have now shared my faith with 6 people.

Here's what happened on Monday:

I'm driving home from the office and realize I haven't shared my faith yet. I realize I have to MAKE THINGS HAPPEN by allowing myself to be available. So I stop and get gas, even though I don't need any right now. Instead of paying at the pump, I go inside to pay. I figure I will talk to the cashier.

While I am getting ready to pay, I look behind me and see a teen with a cross around his neck. (Crosses are great door openers!) I complimented him on his cross, and asked him what it meant to him. He said it was a gift and he just liked it.

Well, this is my opportunity if I want to take it. So I asked him (remember, always get permission first), 'may I share what the cross means to me?' He said yes, and I shared my story. Nate was genuinely listening.

I said something like this: 'There was a time in my life when I was lonely, discouraged and knew there had to be more to life than what I was seeing. Someone told me about a God who really loved me… not just a dead, religious ritual kind of God… but one who even died in MY place for MY sin! His name was Jesus. I asked Him to forgive me of the junk I had done wrong in my life. I asked Him to be in the 'driver's seat' of my life. Since He is really the one who is making my eyes focus, causing my brain waves to work, keeping my heart pumping my blood one million miles a day, and holding this universe in perfect symmetry , I guess I should trust Him with my life. Anyway, after I surrendered to Him, He forgave me, gave me new peace and direction, and became my very best friend! And I just know that if I had not surrendered my life to Christ, I might be very successful in some areas of my life, but I would be highly dysfunctional in other areas. So, thanks for listening, Nate!"

I gave him a tract he could read, and left my cell phone number on it. He seemed very polite and was intently listening to me. I asked him if he had ever heard this message before, and he said, 'no, not like that'.

I drove away a happy camper, knowing I had lovingly planted a seed that will be hopefully watered by someone else.

Tuesday, Day Two

I have decided to share my faith everyday this week! Notice, I said, 'I decided'.

It really is MY CHOICE if I want to be His witness.

So far, I am really having fun as an EVERYDAY WITNESS! Yesterday, I shared my faith with a 18 year old teenager named Nate. After I saw the cross hanging on his neck, I asked him if I could share what the cross meant to me. He listened intently.

Tuesday: On the way home from the office, I decided to follow up on Nate. He was working again in the gas station, so I went in to buy a newspaper. He was cashiering, so as other people are in line, I asked him how he was doing. He recognized me and said 'OK'. I asked, 'did you read the booklet I left for you?' He said 'not yet, but I will'. I told him I will stop in again.

Well, now I am having so much fun with this EVERYDAY WITNESS challenge, that I am looking for another opportunity.

Later that night, I ended up talking to a customer service rep on the phone. We had to wait a couple minutes for something to boot up, so I said: "While we are waiting, may I share with you the greatest thing that ever happened to me?"

He said yes! So I shared my lifestory: BC –what my life was like before I met Christ TP- what was the Turning Point in my life where I was searching AD- what change Christ has made in my life It only took about one minute, but afterwards he thanked me for sharing.

Once in a while I find myself sharing with someone who is already a Christian. They often say something like, 'I'm proud of you. I wish more people did what you just did." It's going well. So far in 2 days I have shared my faith 3 times. I have a feeling the best is yet to come!

Wednesday, Day Three

My daring streak is continuing. I am choosing to share my faith everyday this week. I am getting less nervous. Does that means I am getting more bold? Isn't that what Paul prayed for in Ephesians 6… more boldness? I guess we all struggle with our fears, don't we?

Wednesday: I am sitting in my office when the UPS man delivers a package. I complimented him on his great attitude and smile, and then asked, "Sir, may I share with you the greatest thing that's ever happened to me?" He said, "go for it."

So I did…. BC, TP, AD… what my life was like Before Christ, what was my Turning Point that got me thinking I needed a change, and what my life was like Anno Domini (Latin for the year of our Lord). In other words, how has Christ impacted my life personally?

When I was done, he said "congratulations!" And with a big smile, I said, 'THANKS!' And he was gone… but some powerful seed was sown.

Later I stopped into a Sprint store and saw a man waiting who was wearing a large gold cross around his neck. Again, cross jewelry is a great door-opener. I complimented him on the cross, and then asked him what it meant to him.

He was a little shy, but told me it meant a lot because he was a friend of Christ. I told him we were brothers! Now I am on a roll.

Later while shopping at the Sharper Image store, I engaged a clerk in conversation. After 5 minutes of chit-chat, I asked him if I could share the greatest thing that ever happened to me. He obliged, and I did. But his manager came around and asked what was going on. I told him, and asked him if I could also tell him my story. He said yes. So I did.

Now both were listening intently since there were no other customers in the store. I left a smile, a tract and my phone number... ..and they had something to talk about.

Wow! Three in one day… it's fun being an EVERYDAY WITNESS!

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

Evangelism That Works Every Time

2005-07-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

“Then Jesus said to the lawyer, ‘GO AND DO LIKEWISE.’” Luke 10:37

If Jesus was living in America today, who would He intentionally pursue? To whom would He go out of His way to reveal His kindness? I think we all know the answer: the outcasts, the poor and needy, the hurting, and those that society rejects as unimportant.

A lawyer was testing Jesus by asking how he could be sure he could go to heaven. Jesus responded by saying, “Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The lawyer then said, “Who is my neighbor?” hoping to justify himself as a pretty good guy. Jesus proceeds to tell us the well-known story of the Good Samaritan, who found a half-dead man who had been robbed and beaten and left on the road to die.

Here’s where it gets interesting! This man took this stranger and bandaged his wounds, put him up in a hotel and arranged for continued care until he was better... all at his own expense. The story gives us no indication that he joined their church or ever put something in the offering plate. Perhaps he was never seen again. But it was ‘love in action’! Effective evangelism will cost us. It must intentionally pursue the outcasts of our neighborhoods. It won’t be cheap, and it won’t be inside our comfort zone... BUT IT WORKS EVERY TIME!

Intentional for souls,

Tom Elie
Evangelists/President
Oasis World Ministries

FREE Sofa Evangelism

2005-06-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify you Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

My wife decided to get rid of a used sofa in our storage room. So instead of trying to sell it, she thought she would try to give it away to someone in need. It was a little ragged, but it could still be a blessing to someone just starting out.

We advertised it in a free internet site. She received only one call. After some time, this woman arranged to come to our house and pick it up. I told her to be sure to bring a friend to help move it. So when her friend and I were done loading it into her truck, I was prayed up and ready to see how I could share my faith with them before they left.

I asked them if I could share with them the greatest thing that had EVER happened to me. (It's always good to ask for permission to share first.) They said sure, and were all ears! I said something like this...

You know, I used to be searching, lonely, and depressed. I wondered what purpose MY life had, if any. But one day someone told me I could have a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just dead ritual... but a best friend who would never leave me. I invited Jesus to forgive me and be in the driver's seat of my life. And do you know what happened? He did... He forgave me, He gave me new purpose and new hope! So I just wanted to share this with you before you left today. By the way, who is in the driver's seat of your life?

Well, I call it Good Works Evangelism. You see, people ought to be able to see something in your behavior that attracts them to the Jesus in you. What can we do for people out of love for Jesus? When you are done doing the good works, then pray if God will eventually give you an opportunity to tell them why you love to do GOOD WORKS. Enjoy the journey!

Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries

I Can't Wait!

2005-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

"God has set eternity in the hearts of men." Ecclesiastes 3:11

We recently flew into the Minneapolis airport during a rain storm. Because it was also lighting, the outside ramp crews were prohibited from servicing the planes. We taxied within 200 feet of our gate. We could see the empty gate. We could've walked there in 60 seconds if they allowed it. But, the pilots were prohibited from parking the jet because there were no service personnel available while it was lightning.

So there we sat… longing for something that was temporarily unreachable.

That's how God made us. We all have a deep longing for the perfect No matter how great the vacation, the night-on-the-town, the job promotion or the earthly accomplishment, it never brings the lasting joy for which we had hoped. Tomorrow always has new challenges.

According to author Mark Buchanan in his book, "Things Unseen", this is not a flaw. "God made us this way. He made us to yearn- to always be hungry for something we can't get, to always be missing something we can’t find, to always be disappointed with what we receive, to always have an insatiable emptiness that no thing can fill and an untamable restlessness that no discovery can still. It's not the wanting that corrupts us. What corrupts us is the wanting that's misplaced, set on the wrong thing."

What can I see in the distance, but can't obtain?

HEAVEN! We all have a longing to live life to it's fullest. But the only time and place it will ever happen is in heaven! Our life here can either frustrate us, or remind us that I am only experiencing life half-way on this earth. We often have a homesick feeling. Someday soon the dream will be a reality. Let's stay focused on the stuff that matters for eternity… SOULS!

Living intentionally for souls,
Tom Elie
Evangelist/President
Oasis World Ministries