Dr. Johnson Obamehinti|Dr. Feyi Obamehinti |Oasis Focus Inc.|Founders|Equip

Guest Post: Staying Connected During Covid-19

8/12/2020

Guest Blogger Bio: Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoy writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them. If you want to find more articles by Patrick, you can find them on his personal blog (Patrick Bailey) or in Sunshine Behavioral Health.

Most people probably thought the shutdowns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic would result in a couple of weeks of inconvenience. However, six months later we’re still encouraged to practice social distancing, to wear masks, and stay home as much as possible. Amid these lockdowns, church members are experiencing the grinding effects of isolation. Not only are the elderly and those with compromised immune systems at risk, but so are those cut off from their fellow church members, family, and friends.

Fortunately, there are a number of freely accessible ways to stay connected during this Covid-19 times. Google Hangouts is one way to message, share video, or make voice calls with one person or an entire group. For those with iPhones, multiple faces can appear on the same screen, giving the experience of a real gathering. Unlike Google Hangouts, it should be noted that FaceTime can only be used with Phones, iPads, or other Apple devices.

Once a business meeting tool, Zoom is a great way to have virtual prayer meetings, worship services, or meet with the AA or NA group that gathers at your church during the week.

Most people over 40 have a Facebook account, and the social media platform has a whole suite of virtual connectivity options. If your church sponsors live worship services, small group studies, or posts videos, Watch Party is an extra feature on Facebook where church members can invite others to gather together – plus they can see and hear each other’s comments if desired.

Another great idea is in staying connected during these times, is to host a Netflix movie night for a youth group or other church group. Netflix Party is a new way that friends can watch Netflix together. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and allows you to have a group chat while watching online.

Another idea for the young of all ages is Houseparty. This video app for smartphones allows you to play games such as Quick Draw and Pictionary. There are also screen sharing capabilities. Best of all, it's free.

Some other revolutionary ideas for staying connected include picking up the phone or sending a card. If you know someone in your church who is especially at risk or isolated, consider giving them a call at least once a week. Notes don’t have to be a dissertation. A short hand-written note received in the mail can bring a smile to someone’s face as they realize they are not forgotten during these strange times.There is a whole new world of ways to stay connected during this time of social distancing. The most important thing is to not become a recluse.

The latest reports during this Covid-19 pandemic show that divorce and suicides are on the rise in America. It doesn’t take a Ph.D. in Sociology to understand why. Social distancing will probably speed the end of this pandemic, but it takes social connection to maintain our sanity and civility.

There are a number of reasons we need to stay connected. Research shows that extended social isolation can lead to an increase in depression, anxiety, and heart disease.

Considering the negative impact -- spiritually, emotionally, and physically -- those in any form of treatment for addiction most need to stay connected with their fellow church members and peer support groups. No one outside of the family offers the kind of support a caring community of faith can.

If you need to connect and don’t know how, give your church office a call and ask what is available. If there isn’t much, consider starting an online group for those you know at church. Be creative. One older disabled woman started a Facebook chat group with some of her church friends where they can pray and socialize together.

On a final note: Get on with life apart from talk about Covid-19. Stephanie Knight, MD, FAPA, chief of psychiatry at University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus suggests we give ourselves a break from talking about all things coronavirus. We may want to stay informed, but too much focus on the negative can be distressing. She suggests switching the conversation topics up now and then to give our minds and spirits a welcome distraction.

Kingdom Expansion

7/10/2020

"God's ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end" (Isaiah 9:7).

The praise reports that we receive on a weekly basis fuels our hearts as we continue to stand in the gap for people in prayer: Asking God for healing and supernatural stop to Covid-19 and the racial tension in our nation. For those that have asked why pray? We pray because we know only God has the answer. We pray because we know God is in total control of His creation. We pray because we know God is true to His character and faithful to His Word. We pray because God commanded us to pray at all times and not just in uncertain times. We pray because of the harvest of souls into God’s kingdom. We pray because we need God’s help. We pray because faith without works is dead. We pray because it is God’s sustainability plan for His chosen people. We cannot make it in this world without Him. We pray because God first loved us. We pray because we love Him. We pray because we desire nothing more but to glorify God. We pray because God cares. We pray because God listens and answers. We pray because God is the Only One with absolute power to change hearts and lives. We will continue to pray for God’s kingdom to be established here on earth as stated and commanded in Matthew 6:10. For followers of Jesus Christ, prayer is our lifeline. Thank you to every leader, pastor, prayer warrior and friend praying. We thank God for each of you!

Our mission is to provide an oasis of hope to public schools, families and the marketplace. We are soaring this year more than ever before, serving more people. We are grateful we get to do this! A few weeks ago, God miraculously connected us to Stuart Newmeyer and his wife Laurie, producers and owners of Variety Television Network and the Stu and Laurie Variety Hour. If you have ever wanted to meet someone with a heart as big as the universe, we present you Mr. Newmeyer! A man with laser vision and heart in connecting people together for the greater good of our world. In a time like this, we need more visionaries like Mr. Newmeyer. As an extension to this connection, we were also linked up with Jessica Hester. She is the president of Brooke’s Blossoming Hope For Childhood Cancer Foundation-a nonprofit organization dedicated to wiping away pediatric cancer. Statistics has it that pediatric cancer is the number one disease killer of children. We are grateful God is using Jessica Hester to make a difference in this area. What an awesome and exciting thing to partner with The Newmeyers, Mrs. Hester and other visionaries in expanding God’s kingdom together! Our goal is two-fold: To make a difference in our world for God’s glory and raise money for the mission of Oasis Focus Inc. The Stu & Laurie Variety Hour will air on Sunday nights at 10:00pm PST on Newsmax TV beginning this fall 2020. What an exciting time to serve more people and make a difference in their lives! Stay tuned for more updates in our partnership journey together.

God has also expanded our reach to provide support for Texas educators from teachers, to principals, to superintendents, coaches and counselors. In fact any educator in any capacity in our Texas public school system looking to renew their certificates can do so here. Oasis Focus Inc. is now a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provider approved and registered by Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education. This expansion will allow us to serve and add value to our amazing educators by leveraging equity and diversity. This also is the Lord’s doing as we focus on solutions and making a difference in our world. We are excited and ready to serve our educators! In case you have ever thought of volunteering for a nonprofit organization, this is a good time to join us here at Oasis Focus Inc. We could use the help of passionate people with a heart to serve and make a difference. We invite you to send us an email with your details (info@oasisfocus.org) and one of our board members will get back with you as soon as possible. We solicit your prayers as we continue to walk in obedience to all what God is doing at this critical time in our world. We love and appreciate you!

For The Cause of Christ,

Drs. Johnson & Feyi Obamehinti

Solutions Focused

6/19/2020

Howdy Friends!

First things first! Celebrations have begun for Father’s Day! Happy Father’s Day to my incredible husband! You are amazing! I love you! Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, brothers, brothers in Christ, spiritual fathers, community fathers, pastors, colleagues, and mentors. We salute you and pray continual blessings upon you! Two weeks ago, we had a late spring cleaning and found some cherished pictures of daddy-daughter times. What a treat traveling down memory lane, looking back in deep gratitude for all the LORD has done. I did not ask any permission to post these three favorite pictures- it is called family home manager benefits 😊. Our beautiful daughters are now 29, 27 and 25! To God be the glory! He is indeed Faithful and True!

It has been a blessing receiving so many feedbacks from our ministry friends from around the world! Thank you for sending us your life experiences and what you have been doing to make our world a better place. Many of you shared how our last posts (my husband and mine) on racism have been a catalyst for change in your lives and spheres. First, we give God all the praise for using this medium to encourage and challenge you. We do not take anything we share lightly. It takes us days before the LORD, seeking His heart, sharing with our network of spiritual counselors (in the multitude of counselors, there is safety -Proverbs 11:14) and the Holy Spirit’s clearance before we share. We are aware of the responsibility that comes with being God’s servants in all seasons. So, thank you for sharing and reaching out. We are grateful for you, your work and how God is working through you to bring healing to wounded people and our beloved nation as a whole. As we pivot in this new direction, we look forward to a better and stronger United States. Please, keep her in your daily prayers that God would uphold USA and fulfil His purpose for her in this critical time.

Many of you communicated your desire to be a part of the solution. We are all about solutions here at Oasis Focus Inc. So, here is a good opportunity in education to be part of the solution here in Texas. This is for legal residents of Texas.Texas Education Agency is accepting feedback on draft recommendations prepared by the latest workgroup (Group E) for health education and physical education, which are posted on the following web pages. Feedback will be accepted in response to work group drafts throughout the review process. Comments on the drafts will help to inform future work groups’ recommendations. Additional information and instructions for submitting feedback are also available on the Health Education TEKS Review Work Group Drafts and the Physical Education TEKs Review Work Group Drafts web pages. Click on each hyperlink to get to each web pages.

Provide Feedback For Work Group E Draft Recommendations
1. Health Education TEKS Review Work Group Drafts Link

2. Physical Education TEKS Review Work Group Drafts Link
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Content Advisor Consensus Recommendations for Work Group Drafts
From Texas Education Agency: The health education and physical education content advisors convened in May 2020 to develop consensus recommendations based on the Work Group E drafts. To read the content advisor consensus recommendations click on the hyperlink to get to each web pages. It has been an engaging and enriching journey serving along my fellow advisors since last year as we work towards a current health education standards for all 5 million plus students in our Texas public schools.

1. Health Education Content Advisor Recommendations Link

2. Physical Education Content Advisor Recommendations Link

As other solution opportunities become available in other industries and fields, we will share and post action links for you. Remember, we need both the spiritual and physical to bring about change. And it will require everyone doing their part to move us forward as a nation towards solutions. Until next post, much love and blessings!!

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19

We Can Be Better!

6/3/2020

Howdy Friends!

First things first! Congratulations to all graduates! Class of 2020 you are a special group of world changers! The pandemic could not overshadow this milestone in your lives. You were created for now! We all are looking forward to your footprints in the world. Click hyperlink -this song is for you! Go and make your marks!

For over a week now, our beloved United States have been embroiled in pain over the unjust death of Mr. George Floyd in the hands of a police officer. The United States is overdue for a change in all aspects of our society in addressing racism, which is a learned behavior. This means racism can be unlearned and only the Holy Spirit can accomplish that transformation. To all our friends far and near; Brown, Black and White hurting at this time; we see you. We acknowledge the hurt and pain. We love you and we are pressing in before the throne of God for tangible change. Together, we know we need both the spiritual and physical to bring about this overdue change in the United States. This overdue change is the will of God.

We can do better as a society and we must do better for the next generation coming behind us. This crossroad moment in America demands the best of everyone like we did after the 9/11 attacks. We must see and relate to everyone as in their created value endowed by God Himself. Human dignity comes from God and not from laws, perceptions, success or status. We can do this with a deep commitment to be better. After all, we are the United States of America- a country woven together from the beauty of different people from diverse backgrounds. Could this be the challenge of Year 2020 as Americans?

We are up to this human challenge. We are the human race! We must end racism and discrimination. We can do this in our government, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our churches, in our companies, in our businesses and in our families. It starts with each of us; moving in honesty, forgiveness and reconciliation. The United States of America will be better; because we the humans will be better at seeing each other as we are created. We will hold each other accountable to be better so that the United States of America will be better! Until next post love and blessings!!

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you,
so you must love one another." John 13:34

Give God Praise

5/20/2020

Howdy Friends!
It's a video blog post this time around and not the usual written post. In this first video, I give you some ministry updates and a message on giving God praise for all He has done for you, especially during this pandemic. Click and watch the videos. Here is the hyperlink to Richard Smallwood's song mentioned in Video Blog Post 1.

Video Blog Post 1: The Lord Has Done This

The month of May is filled with many celebrations. Thank you for all the birthday wishes. Thank you to my incredible husband and daughters for their special touches this year. Grateful beyond words for the goodness of God. A Happy Mother's Day to all fellow mothers. Everyday is your day; so keep on celebrating the amazing woman you are. Here at Oasis Focus, we are thanking God for all our educators and nurses as we celebrate them this month as well. Praying God's overflowing blessings on each of you. This month is also Mental Health Awareness month. Check out the video shout out to Hannah in UK, celebrating all the precious people pursuing wellness and the amazing professionals that work with them. Since I just completed facilitating a dual location 4 weeks virtual class on processing trauma (USA and Europe), I invited some of my friends to join me in the celebration shout out. Enjoy and Share! Love and Blessings!

Video Blog Post 2: Mental Health Awareness Month Shout-out

Amazing Grace of God

4/17/2020

Howdy Friends!

Here we are; in one of the most challenging times in our world. Covid-19 brought the world to a stop with the closings of churches, businesses, schools, events, and aspects of governments all over the world. With this health crisis we have seen loss of loved ones, businesses, jobs, dreams such as graduations, weddings and many more that will take some time to thoroughly assess. One thing is certain in these uncertain times; there is a loving God who cares dearly and desires relationship with His creation no matter the circumstances. What an appropriate time to look up, set hearts upwards, and gaze towards the Only One that deeply understands when nothing seems to make sense about Covid-19. In the last four weeks our ministry -Oasis Focus Inc., have received double the amount of prayer requests from around the world. My husband, myself and our board members are praying with you and for you that the faithfulness of our Great God will cover you during this Covid-19.

Last year, many of you followed my interviews with WMAP Radio; K.C. Armstrong and team. I was honored to have those interviews as part of K.C. Armstrong’s Second in the Simply Amazing Project. A project similar to volumes in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Just in time as we all look forward to life after Covid-19, the Simply Amazing Women is a compilation of stories from twelve other women and me. We take you on our journeys and how the struggles and challenges we each faced, made each of us a better woman. For me, it chronicles the amazing grace of God, without which it would be impossible to be who I am today. All praise and glory goes to the LORD. The official release date is May 1, 2020. However, you don’t have to wait till then. You can pre-order your copy now by clicking the hyperlinks. Additionally, enjoy the following insightful review from Diane Donavan, editor, author, literary agent and reviewer at Midwest Book Review/Bookwatch. "If ever there was a good time to publish an inspirational collection of stories, it's now. Simply Amazing Women is about choosing the kinds of responses during adversity that translate to survival and courage. While these mini-biographies were compiled before Covid-19, they highlight the ongoing need for inspiration now as never before, and are intended, like those in its predecessor Simply Amazing Special Author’s Edition, to provide the encouragement to not just go on with life, but make it the best possible.

The examples posed by these women all demonstrate paths to rising above adversity. Readers receive a survey filled with intense battles involving self-healing, transformation, and the kind of self-improvement that leads to helping others both through example and by outward-oriented effort.

Take 'A Mother's Love', a hard-hitting interview with mother Marcy Stone about an amazing journey into motherhood against all odds. K.C. Armstrong's interview here is designed to follow the building blocks of how Marcy Stone evolved her life perspective and came to rely on it to face and overcome many obstacles in her life. From how she overcomes impossible predictions to her realizations of what it really means to be a mother, her story is filled with insights readers will find hard-hitting, remarkable, and clear in their progressive learning opportunities.

Another thoroughly engrossing piece is 'A Song of Gratitude', an interview with Dr. Feyi Obamehinti, who met her abusive mother for the first time at age 16. Dr. Obamehinti's life experience not only led her to become a prominent Christian figure serving as an example for other women, but helped her build a strong family without many of the challenges she faced as a child: "Sometimes, we have to become what we never had. For me, that meant being a loving, caring and present mother for our daughters."

As these remarkable lives unfold through interviews designed to pinpoint the origins of their strengths and perspectives, readers are treated to a moving, inspirational account offering various strategies for overcoming adversity.

As a new world replete with fear, death, and division emerges, there is no better time for reading and considering this book's underlying message about not just survival but building and rebuilding a better life from the ashes of disaster. Very highly recommended as a torchlight guiding the way to transformation.

Simply Amazing Women | K.C. Armstrong |WMAP Publishing
Hardcover: 978-1-7347058-0-5         $28.99
Paperback: 978-1-7347058-2-9         $19.99
Ebook: 978-1-7347058-1-2                $8.99

Until next post friends, stay safe and healthy. Love & Blessings!!!

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2: 8-9).

Variety of Resources

3/25/2020

Howdy Friends!

Hope you are staying safe and healthy. With the shelter-in or lock down across the world, also hope you are getting lots of fresh air, be it in your backyard, front porch or a brisk walk outside. Fresh air does the body good. We are all doing our part by adhering to the guidelines of staying in, to slow down the spread of the coronavirus. In the last two weeks, Oasis Focus Inc has been inundated with emails (we are still catching up) for prayer and inquiries. My husband has covered the prayer and worship requests in his recent post. My post covers inquiries we have received and the resource links we have sent to families so far. We are making it public for anyone that could use them. Please feel free to share with people in your network that could use any of the resource links here. In case you happen to have any resource that might be of benefit to people during this crisis, please send it and we will include it here. We have a high traffic daily to the website. We want to make sure; people are able to find help one way or the other when they visit Oasis Focus Inc. website.

1. 100 Things to Do While Staying Home. Ideas that will help spur your creativity while at home during this shut down.

2. Texas MealFinder Map For School Children: (Click on the Meal Pickup Locations)

3. Counseling: Situation like the coronavirus tend to add stressors and compound its effect. Virtual Christian Counseling is available to talk things out with Christian licensed professionals. Safe Harbor Counseling Center. Rock Your World Naturally.

4. Internet: Spectrum will offer two free months of internet and WiFi services to new customers in households with a Pre-K to 12 grade student or college student who needs it for school. Call Spectrum at 1-(866) 874-2389 or (855) 243-8892 to sign up for this Covid19 offer.

5. State of Alaska Internet: GCI is offering free internet service or upgrades to people in Alaska who are affected by the coronavirus until May 31, 2020. They are also offering cellular wireless service for low-income families.

6. AT&T has indicated it will not terminate service and will waive late payment fees of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer due to an inability to pay their bill as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Plus all AT&T consumer home internet wire-line customers, as well as fixed wireless internet, can use unlimited internet data during this pandemic.

7. Meals For Kids by State: Various restaurants are providing meals for kids in different states. Find out which restaurant is participating in your state.

8. Google has a dedicated space online to everything you need to know about Covid19; such as Health Information, Safety Tips, Data and more.

9. Expert Facts from CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are your one stop place for updated information on the coronavirus in the U.S.

10. Tech & Learning have put together a robust free online learning resources for schools affected by Covid 19 world-wide.

11. Small Business Paycheck Protection Program: Federal government (U.S only)

12. U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Applications (U.S. Only)

Until next post friends, stay safe and healthy. Love & Blessings!!!

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

Care For You

3/15/2020

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

This past week, we received an unusually large amount of prayer requests from families both affected and unaffected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We also received inquiries for guidance on what to do amidst the current (COVID-19) situation. To answer your inquiries, our board of directors have prayerfully provided spiritual and physical encouragement for you and your families in this post. You will find some hyperlinks to resources to further guide you and your families during this time. Keep your feedback coming. We appreciate the honor to serve you during this time. We love you and praying for you.

(A). Spiritual Facts
1. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is a spirit and has to be fed to grow. So is faith. As believers God has given us the power to choose. So instead of choosing to fear, we have the power to choose faith and grow our faith in God. The more we feed our faith, the more it grows with no room or space for fear. This is the time to feed your faith by spending more time in God’s Word, worship, scriptural meditation and prayer.

2. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). There is a reason behind every closure, postponement or cancellations of the things we have all been used to. It takes the Holy Spirit to help us see and understand the wisdom in things we probably would not understand looking from the natural. Leaders are not been fearful by making decisions that disrupt the normal mode of life as we know it. Rather leaders are being responsible by using wisdom to care for the protection of people entrusted to their care. This is an essence of love.

3. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Because God is the same always, this global health crisis did not catch Him unawareness. This is the more reason we need Him now more than ever. We can rely on His peace and joy that are not dependent on what is happening. It is possible to have peace and joy in the midst of all the effects of this COVID-19 situation.

4. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). God never leaves us to fend for ourselves in a dark world of viruses and diseases but reminds us He is constantly with us, fighting for us, even when we can’t fully see. We can trust that God is always at work on behalf of His children. He sends His angels to protect and guard, though we may be unaware. Remember, your battle today of uncertainty may be more about what is unseen rather than what is seen.

5. “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other” (Nehemiah 4:17). As believers in Christ, it is important we pay attention to precautions given by the local, state, national and global entities while we hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word and pray. Because we pray does not negate the practical precautions necessary for not just our safety and protection but for those of others as well. This is part of walking in love.

6. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty”(Psalm 91: 1). While the whole world seems to be in an uproar dwelling on the negative of the virus; we must not forget that God is in control. While people are dwelling on the physical making runs to the stores buying all the germ-killing devices they can obtain and buying food, yet still fearful. Believers must remember that Psalm 91 is true at all times, especially for times like this. This does not mean ignore precautions. Rather it means it’s time to refocus our vision and trust in God.

7. “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Many of God’s people are afraid. Living in fear is exactly what the enemy wants to bring to people. When we live in fear, we take our focus off God and try to handle things ourselves. The supermarkets and grocery shelves are empty because people are afraid of the unknown. This fear of the unknown has created a new problem for grocers. This is a time to be reminded of God’s Word on what to do when we find ourselves afraid of the unknown. We bring hope to a hopeless world and offer the peace that only comes from God.

8. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Though some of you might not be able to be at your local church physically for a while, many churches are still providing an inspiring and encouraging worship experience through online platforms. Make it an experience and participate as you would if you were there in person with your family. The Holy Spirit will meet you right where you are because He is not limited by location or distance.

(B). Physical Facts
1. The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person; between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

2.Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can land in the mouth or nose of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

3.Practicing good hygiene is a good way to limit spread to self or others; such as washing hands often and coughing into elbow.

4. Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

5. Symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, with severity of symptoms ranging from very mild to severe.

6. Older people or those with existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, may be at higher risk of serious illness.

7. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

8. Practice social and personal responsibility if you have been in close contact with a person that has COVID-19, or you have lived or recently traveled from an area with current spread of COVID-19. Seek medical advice and treatment.

For The Cause of Christ,

Oasis Focus Inc. Board of Directors

Fire For Freedom

2/19/2020

Howdy Friends!

This is a short post :).

I hope your February is cruising along very well. My husband and I just returned from a week long conference in San Antonio, TX. The Riverwalk was the perfect spot to spend our Valentine’s Day. And while in San Antonio, I did something that I could not do before - what you ask? Instead of taking the elevator from the 21st floor at the hotel where we were staying, I decided to take the stairs all the way to the first floor! And then walked 1000 steps to my morning destination. Talk about increase in body heat in a 40 degrees temperature. I share this to say; you build your muscle strength, inner strength and capacity over time. Gradually getting ready for that 26 mile full marathon in 2020 😊.

The use of technology for helping people around the world is getting better with each passing day. Twice a week for the past three weeks I have had the distinct honor to work with some amazing women in Kenya, Africa virtually. These brave women are pastors’ wives from seven different tribes who made a decision to begin their restoration journey using a translated version of my book Crushed to Restored: Principles of Restoration From the Book of Nehemiah (in Bantu Swahili). This is why my calendar has been unavailable this month for virtual one on one sessions. Thank you to my English Learning community translation friends for the invitation and undertaking the huge task of making the freedom sessions possible for these precious women in their native language. Keep up the great work of making God's Word practical in indigenous languages of the world.

More than anything else, these amazing women have blessed me more than they will ever know. Their courage, bravery in the face of unimaginable anguish have sharpened my fire for freedom. I applaud their transparency and vulnerability to confront the trauma they have buried for so long. The oldest in the group of 32 women is 81 years old. It goes to show that it is always the right time to begin restoration. There is no age limit. I am grateful to God for the power of His Word. It is living. It is life. It is liberating. It is healing. What a privilege to be Christ’s ambassador! Until next time friends, keep following the Master Teacher. Love & Blessings!!!

"Christ has set us free to live a free life" (Galatians 5:1).

Masterpiece

1/17/2020

Howdy Friends!

How can it be that we are already halfway through January? The New Year has taken off! I hope your seat belts are on for a terrific ride. As customary, we have technicians come in and do routine inspections on all things like plumbing, electrical, and hvac the first few weeks of a new year in our home. This helps us plan if we have anything that needs quick attention or something for later time. This approach has been helpful to spot things we typically would not have caught. We do not rely on last’s year inspection reports to plan for the new year. Each year, presents different areas to take care of.

The new year-2020 arrived with the Holy Spirit speaking along the lines of a technician. You see a technician has spent countless of hours learning the trade as an apprentice under the tutelage of a master technician. Nowadays we have vocational schools for technicians to attend. Back in the days of Claude Monet, Leonardo da Vinci, Charles Dickens, Vincent van Gogh and such more, they supervised apprentices producing various masterpieces. A masterpiece is known as a creation of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship. As part of our Christmas festivities, our family (with exception of one daughter) had the fun of painting one of Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces- The Starry Night, depicting the village of Saint Remy. Pictured below (with permission to share from instructor), are Vincent van Gogh’s original masterpiece and our painting group’s pictures showcasing each of our paintings. All we had to do was listen to the master teacher’s instructions and follow each step as given. Daydreaming or attending to distractions meant one missed a step of instruction that eventually affected the masterpiece-painting. The best part was that some of us (some of the younger members) had no idea we could make such masterpieces; but we came into the painting studio with eager anticipation to follow the master.

This is what year 2020 requires- following the Master Teacher -Jesus Christ as He leads, guides, corrects, feeds, cleans, and the list goes on and on. The beauty of following the Master Teacher is that you- His creature is already a masterpiece. You are not living to be a masterpiece. In fact, you are the Master’s piece of beautiful creation. Look at what Ephesians 2: 10, says about you who have been created anew in Christ Jesus; you precious follower of Christ. It says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” He has done all the planning ahead of time. He has made you a masterpiece, so you can go and do those inspections and take care of His business on His behalf. So, if there is any repair work needed, He has factored all that into His already completed masterpiece. No wonder, the Bible says, God is an Awesome God! He is! He already thought about every single thing before making you a masterpiece. This is a good place to praise and thank the Lord!

So dear friends, there you have it- your 2020 simple goal: “Follow the Master Teacher” with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). I assure you; He has the best custom designed instructions just for you His masterpiece! This is to a wonderful 2020 under the tutelage of the Master Teacher! Love & Blessings!!!

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” - Ephesians 2: 10

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