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
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Over 15,000 decisions for Christ!
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.
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.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Calling All Seniors
"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
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
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