"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
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Jesus at Macy's
"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
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
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Happy Thinksgiving
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
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
Monday, November 1, 2010
Priming the Pump
"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
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Secret of Leadership
"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.
(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.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
It's Your Funeral
“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.
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.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Holy Desire
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
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
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