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

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

"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.

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Blessings,
Bruce Ahlberg
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Oasis Team Member: Darrell Dobbelmann

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Ephesians 3:20).

It is a profound privilege to be part of this move of God in India! Tom is recovering well from breaking his hip and is halfway through his rest from bearing any weight on it. He sends his gratitude and thankfulness for your prayers and kind words.

I am witnessing some of the greatest fruit I've ever witnessed in my life! God is indeed doing "exceedingly abundantly above all I could have ever asked or thought"! Ironically, two weeks ago I made an 18-month commitment to serve Oasis World Ministries in any way I could beginning June 1. With Tom's sudden turn of events, he asked me to leave on May 31...one day early!

I am experiencing this with my good friend Bruce Ahlberg, a missionary to Guatemala. He is doing a huge share of the ministry with me. Bruce was the only one originally scheduled to be with Tom on this trip.

The Oasis staff in India has done an incredible job with preparation and setup. We finished the first five-night festival in the village of Garladinne. Crowds swelled through the week as people witnessed the power and love of Jesus. Over 6,000 came forward to make Jesus their "One True God." Over 3,500 filled out decision cards indicating that they would like a follow up visit. After the festival, it was a thrill to talk with some of these people who had never heard of Jesus before that night.

Many miraculous healings took place. God opened many deaf ears and blind eyes. One man leaped and jumped after God delivered him from bone and leg problems. The healing that touched me the most was that of a 9-year-old deaf girl. After I prayed, her mother came to me and said, "My daughter's ears were healed when you prayed a few minutes ago." The daughter looked up at me with big brown trusting eyes and a bright smile, because she could hear sounds that she had never heard before.

Yesterday we conducted three church and well dedications. I walked the paths of these remote villages and interfaced with people who are so hungry for God; they couldn't hear enough about a God who died for their sins and loves them personally. Hundreds came to Christ even in these remote village settings! Today we travel to a more distant village for our second festival and pastor's school.

Thank you for supporting and praying for the Oasis team. You are helping make the dreams of many generations of missionaries become a reality. They did the work of planting and now we are reaping where they have sown. The sacrifices we make are small in comparison to those who have given their lives, health, and families for centuries to prepare the soil for this day of harvest.

Pray for safety and health for the team. Pray for free course of the Holy Spirit's leading, for weather (they say rainy season is early this year), and for many souls to find freedom in body, soul, and spirit....and continue to pray that God would expedite Tom's healing.

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In His service,

Darrell Dobbelmann
Oasis World Ministries
www.oasisworldministries.org

Not-My-Will Evangelism

"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!

"...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

“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