Where in the World is Al Elie?

"I will sing to the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being" (Psalm 104:33).

This week our family laid my father Al Elie to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Tears were shed, scriptures were read, and prayers were said. The lifeless shell of his body that had suffered a brain hemorrhage was in the casket. Colorful floral arrangements surrounded him. The color-guard veterans held the flags, a brisk 21-gun salute honored his service to our nation during WWII, and a lone bugler played the taps. There was not a dry eye in the place. There's something about the sounds of the guns and bugle that says 'this is the end.'

But we knew my father was really not there. We knew his life had just taken a new beginning. Why?

In 1906 an evangelist arrived on horseback to the northern Minnesota town of Lake Bronson. Someone invited Els Evenson to a Gospel service held at a home where this evangelist was preaching. Els was a tough guy and known as the 'town drunk and wife-beater.' While Els was listening to this preacher, the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart. Els surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. The transformation was so radical that he became known as a 'trumpet for God.' Els Evenson was my great-grandfather.

My father Al Elie came to Grandpa El's farm one summer. My dad was so impressed with Grandpa's new-found love for Christ, that at the age of 16, he also rededicated his life to Jesus. Dad later married a beautiful, young lady named Ruth Lee, and together they had four wonderful children! Al's legacy continues.

My dad not only started well, he finished well! His life was a continuous testament to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He wasn't only spiritual on Sundays, he lived out his faith 24/7. He sang praises in the car, led his family in Bible studies and prayer, and modeled service to our Lord by his involvement at church. He would pray over our meals and weep as he told God how thankful he was to be saved. Dad loved his family and his God deeply.

So where in the world is Al Elie?

With Jesus! MY DAD IS NOW WITH JESUS! This is not a fairytale or myth. He REALLY IS in heaven because of his faith in Jesus to forgive him. This thought brings great hope, because we know we can see him again someday.

Until then, Dad is in the presence of Jesus and probably making his way around heaven, reconnecting with old friends and trying to locate the horseback-riding evangelist that started it all.

"Dad, tell him thanks from all of us."

Until we meet again,

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

Where in the World is Michael Jackson?

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).

I tend to think deeply when I hear someone has died. Some of my first thoughts are, "I wonder where they are right now? Where will they spend eternity?" I'm not trying to be super-spiritual, but we all know there's more to life than our mortal years. God's Word tells us that there is a Creator to Whom we will give an account to someday (Romans 14:12).

So, if heaven is to be desired, and hell is to be shunned, why don't we talk more about it?

In my early years as a pastor, when I began performing funerals, I dreaded them. I was only 19 years old when asked to do my first funeral for a good friend of mine... dead of a drug overdose. Talk about scary! Let's face it, attending a funeral is not at the top of our favorite things to do list.

As time has passed, I have grown rather fond of funerals. (No, I am not the gothic-morbid type.) I think funerals are a great opportunity to present the reality of heaven and hell. Since many churches don't address either one, why not take advantage of a fleeting moment where people are actually open to thinking about eternity! By God's grace, funerals may be the only time someone will hear the biblical way to heaven.

So, where in the world is Michael? For sure, only God knows. If Michael confessed his sin and surrendered his life to the Lordship of Jesus, then one day we will be doing the 'moonwalk' in heaven with the king of pop! With Christ at the helm of our heart, we can face death confidently and peacefully. Without Christ, this earth is as good as it gets.

Michael's death came suddenly. So will many of ours. No amount of worldly fame will grant us access through the pearly gates. God is not impressed with our earthly accomplishments. God is only impressed with the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ and a humbled heart that has invited Jesus in to forgive the sins of their past, and to let Him be in control of their present.

If Michael Jackson is not in heaven, it will only be because of his choice to reject the free grace that Jesus offers. If hell is his eternal resting place, I guarantee that he will be like a rich man in hell who asked a poor, but forgiven, beggar to send someone to his brothers and warn them of hell's impending doom (Luke 16:19-28).

If Michael Jackson is in heaven, I guarantee he will beg the angels to visit this earth and tell his friends they too must humble their hearts before Jesus, and encourage followers of Jesus to share the hope to which they have with others who do not know.

Are you living ready for your own funeral? It may come sooner than you expect. You don't have to be afraid of eternity! Just read what God's Word says in 1 John 5:13.

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

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