Jack shared today at two of the Oasis campuses. Our souls are rejoicing as we see the dawning of a new day in this life in Christ. Our spiritual eyes are open again.

Oasis Church exists to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ. to blanket the tri-county region with a single, healthy, life-changing church; meeting in multiple sites at multiple times.

God brought us to this ministry by divine appointment.  I met Kevin (Interim Capus Pastor for NoMi) in line to vote this Nov. So many common grounds led to him giving me his card for the church. His understanding of ministry, the heart he and his dad conveyed made me say "You get it, you really, totally get it!"  I came home and told Jack we should visit and he should call this guy, they would hit it off. He put the card in his wallet.

A couple weeks later,..... an aquaintance we had recently met sat in my parents living room listening to us lay out our vision of what God has shown he wants to do with us in So Flo. Tommy seems to have good knowledge of most ministries in the area. He has a long history here and a unique perspective we appreciate and value. After listening to us, Tommy's response was "There is only one church in this area that is even close being where you guys are at and that is a church called Oasis."

"Jack" I said, "this is the church that guy I met on voting day is at! You have to call him."
It still took him some time to call Kevin.  But when he finally did, Jack was so impressed with him.
It was time to visit Oasis.

The truth: The first time I walked into NoMi service, I had to fight back tears. I felt at home - the first time. Then  I yo-yo'd as I contemplated us serving in this minstry practically and spiritually. I thought of the "machine that is Oasis" (as it appeared to me). Seriously, Sundays at Pines were extremely efficient.  You walk into the lobby and if you have kids you find a kiosk. I often joke that once you "register" your child the next time you come to church any of the many kiosks located around the building can "scan your childs retina" and print out their info. so they can go to their Sunday school class.  No time wasted. Great for those of us who have no TV and end up with four boys with a long last name. Could such an efficient ministry also be organic at the core? On the other hand, Jack would not have to worry about administration at all.

Another thing was I was not sure how I felt about the teaching rotation thing.  While I appreciated the sharing of the pulpit, the idea of one sermon for all services at all campuses did not sit well with me. The man on the beat knows the scene.  What's happening in NoMi might not be the same as Pines.  What one comunity needs at a given time might not be same for all.  I had yet to meet Sr. Pastor Guy, so I was tempted to think the "one message for all" policy could be a control issue on the part of the Sr. Pastor. Then again, what if this was a man submited to God, and God had given him vision and specific instructions for South Florida. God wants Oasis to be a part of something huge He will do in South Florida and He wants us all on the same page? That could be, I thought.

I struggled with the teaching style, the worship, the climate of the church, the location of hte campus we would serve at. I struggled with where I was at personally. Did I need healing and have issues that were clouding my perspective. Or had I just been trained by life to be discerning and weigh everything.
I struggled with not diving in emotionally.  The people at NoMi are so awesome. I treaded carefully with them. Loving people would affect my discerment. Not liking people, too! 

The whole time Jack and I were praying and talking about everyting concerning minstry.  We had already turned down other opportunities, walking away from another, if we were offered it would not be hard.  We were determined to wait until God showed us where we were to be.  Jack was working, I started substitute teaching, there was no anxiety about needing something to do or a job.  That was good.

Funny thing! Every objection, question we had about this minstry and our fit was answered, honestly, by the Oasis leadership.  My heart settled into peace. I was even OK with living in North Miami (much to my mothers dismay).
But where will we live?!?