Over the last two years, we have had the opportunity to help children in the foster care program of Allen County, KY. These children are here by no fault of their own and have little to no chance of receiving anything for Christmas.

We are committed to provide Christmas for 25 foster care children and one elderly lady with no family. Often times their needs and wants list contains only hygiene products or a new blanket. We do our best to go above and beyond to make sure they have a great Christmas. All gifts include a Bible and personal letter letting them know that Jesus loves them and so do we.

In years past we have had people donate teddy bears, shoes, hygiene products, books, non-perishable food, and many other amazing gifts for each child.

This is only made possible through the generous donations and support from you, our friends and family.

Your financial donation will go 100% towards providing a Christmas to a child who will not otherwise have it. We will also be posting a follow up blog post after Christmas with pictures from our wrapping party and delivery for the gifts you provided.

How you can help

We’ve made donating easy. Simply click the button below to donate via PayPal or Card, or you can mail a check to:

We also would like to ask for you to share this article by clicking the “share” button below. The more people that know the more we can make a difference.

Theme: The Bride of Christ – Your Bridegroom Awaits!

When: August 24-25, 2012

Where: Oasis Christian Center & Retreat

Keynote Speaker: Monica Schmelter – www.monicaspeaks.com

More Info Coming Soon!

Click Here To Register

Be sure to share and comment below!

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Recently, we had a ladies retreat visit with an excellent idea for the peaceful walk around the pond at Oasis Christian Center and Retreat. They printed scriptures that matched their ladies retreat theme of “A Time Out For Restoration” and tied them to the lamp posts around the pond. Then as each lady walked around the pond, they would pause and read the Bible verse attached to the post. During that time, the ladies were encouraged to reflect and let that verse resonate for a moment then walk to the next light post and repeat the process.

We have 17 light posts around the primary walk and thought this was such a great idea that you may want to use it for your next event at Oasis Christian Center and Retreat.

The verses used for the “A Time Our For Restoration” prayer walk were:

• Song of Songs 2:8-15
• Psalm 121
• Psalm 3:1-5
• Psalm 1:1-3
• Jeremiah 17:7-8
• Isaiah 55:10-11
• Isaiah 55:12-13
• Isaiah 35:1-7
• Isaiah 51:1-3
• Isaiah 58:9-11
• Zechariah 8:11-13
• Hosea 14:5-7
• Song of Songs 2:1-4
• Psalm 19:1-6
• Isaiah 43:1-4
• Zephaniah 3:17-20
• Psalm 23

Looking for a great online resource to look all of these Bible verses up? Try YouVersion!

Your Turn

What prayer walk theme would you use?

What are your best tips for Easter Decorations?

Let us know in the comments below.

Purpose

This is a good activity for getting a group to think about what they can do with their own resources. It can generate a lot of fun and laughter as well as provide some useful learning. In using this exercise it is important to be sensitive to local culture and tradition.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Ask the group to form two lines with an equal number of people in each line.
2. Explain they are going to use anything they have on them to make the longest possible line (shoe laces, belts, over-shirts, jackets, etc.)
3. Each person must be in contact with another person either by means of a part of the body or an article of clothing.
4. The team that wins is the one that forms the longest line.

Questions:

• To what lengths were people prepared to go to make the line as long as possible?
• What were the barriers to people sharing what they had?
• What does this exercise teach us about using our own resources?

Key Learning points:

• It can surprise us when we see what we can achieve only using what we have.
• Sometimes challenging situations produce natural leaders.
• Once people have a clear vision of what is needed they become motivated and energized.
• Challenging situations can produce creativity. For example, people may decide to lie down on the ground to make the line longer or find creative uses for their clothes and accessories.
• For some people this exercise may be uncomfortable. Sometimes, giving up our resources for the common good can be challenging and uncomfortable too.

What to expect at the end of this stage?

• Positive energy over identifying needs to be addressed
• Formation of a church core group to undertake practical tasks
• Recognition that the church has plenty of resources within its own membership and community
• The church has confidence in its own abilities to meet community needs
• The church undertakes some new practical projects and initiatives
• Celebrating what we have

Tips:

1. If it doesn’t come up in discussion, you may like to remind the church that their resources include knowledge, time and prayer.
2. Once all the objects have been put down in the shape of a cross, play some music or sing a song to allow people to reflect on the range of resources, gifts and talents.

Question for you.

What fun and interesting participation games have you played at a retreat?

Today, we decided to list our 10 favorites.

1. Location

Our location is perfect for a retreat! It is just off the interstate enough to make you feel like you got away, but close enough to drive without a problem. We are conveniently located 9.2 miles off Exit 6 on I-65.

2. Complete Audio/Video System

No need to haul your sensitive sound or video equipment. By hosting your event with Oasis, you get full use of our 16 channel sound system. Our projector system works off a laptop which can display songs or PowerPoint presentations with ease.

The best part is that you do not need to bring a dedicated person to work your event! We provide an Oasis staff member to operate everything for you.

We also provide a 60” big screen in our meeting/game room for you to use to show DVDs.

3. Professional Staff

You are not left alone in an empty building at Oasis. Our experienced and always friendly staff are with you every step of the way. We cater your meals, operate sound/video systems, keep the bathrooms stocked and a lot more!

We like to refer to it as hassle-free retreating. You don’t have to worry about a single thing while visiting Oasis.

4. Always Private Rentals

When you reserve a date with Oasis, it is reserved for your group alone. We do not double book events with other groups. You can truly “let your hair down” by knowing that no one else but your friends are here with you.

5. Best Food In Town

Our meals are one of the most complimented areas of Oasis. Each delicious meal is professionally prepared.

6. Beautifully Decorated

Another benefit with using our facilities is that you never have to decorate for an event again! You will not find boring white tables here! Our dining hall, sanctuary/chapel and meeting rooms are seasonally decorated. We also cycle through many different variations so each year you come it is different.

7. Flexible Itineraries

Since your group will be the only one on the property, there is no set schedule. We are completely flexible. We do not create a dining schedule for you to work around. You have full control on customizing a retreat agenda that works best for you, and we will adapt to it. Simply give us a copy of your schedule when you get here to let us know the times you want to eat, have services, etc.

8. Very Comfortable and Clean Lodging

Our facilities are new, and we make sure they stay that way for you. Our beds (bunks included) have great-quality mattresses.

9. Beautiful and Peaceful Surroundings

While retreating on the hill of Oasis you will be surrounded by 75 gorgeous acres of God’s great countryside. Whether you are watching the sunset in the open-air pavilion, reflecting in the prayer garden or taking a stroll around the pond, it’s hard not to stop and think about God’s amazing love and beauty.

10. Reasonable Rates

Lastly, if the previous 9 haven’t sold you. Our affordable rates will! You will not find another retreat facility as nice as Oasis with rates this fair.

Reserve Your Date Now

If you have booked with us before or want to try us out, there is no better time than now to reserve your date and book your “hassle-free” retreat.

This year we pledged another $500 to provide these local children with a good Christmas. Through your donations we were able to raise over $2,100 along with generous donations of food, clothing and hygiene products.

Upon receiving their wish/needs lists, our hearts were saddened by some of their requests for such things as bedding, hygiene products and undergarments.

One story that tugged at our hearts was of a 17 year old guy known as “Child 103.” His mother had recently passed away and his father chose to no longer be a father by walking out after her death. This resulted in him going into foster care until age 18. Even through all of this, he is doing well by staying positive and keeping his grades up in school.

It’s amazing to see how God uses each of us to help others. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for helping us provide a blessed Christmas for these children this year.

Thank you for the many personal donations and corporate donations from The Bridge Ministry and Creation Gardens.

Please share one of your favorite Christmas memories with us in the comments below.

Below you will find many videos of the night. The first video is the longest and features all of the Christmas carols led by Pastor L.H. Hardwick. The remaining videos are the fun karaoke style ones from the Christmas carol humming game. What a blast!

Thank you to everyone who made a donation to help the foster kids of Allen County. A detailed post of what you helped make possible will be coming after Christmas.

Pictures

All pictures from the Christmas Banquet can be found on our Facebook Fan Page. You can share, comment and download them there.

Christmas Carols with Pastor L.H. Hardwick

Humming Christmas Song Search (Winners at end of video)

Sonya Slaton, Bob Driver and Pastor L.H. Hardwick

Jimmy and Carlene Greer and Kim McGhee

Tina Medlock, Rhonda Medlock and Rhonda Nerren

Steven Medlock and Christy Courtney

Tim and Sonya Slaton and Mark Yeargen

Charles Wade and Mel Crosson

Rhonda Nerren, Carol Hardwick and Joyce Settles

Rhonda Medlock, Deborah Blanchard-Wade and Bill Elliott

Di Yeargen and Ira Wade

Betty Wade and Fred Settles

Cheryl Elliott and Sandra Glisper

Lana Shoulders, Lester McGhee and Dr. Adrian Jones

Robert McClung and Marcie Hendrick

If you had a great time we would love for you to leave a comment below then share this post by clicking the “like” button.

Merry Christmas!

When you enter the main building for your Christmas banquet this year you will be greeted with a gorgeous red and white tree in the foyer.

This year we went with a purple and green theme in our dining room. We also decorated vases on the tables and in the corners of the room with live branches from our evergreen trees on the property.

The sanctuary is decorated with a beautiful nativity scene in front of the pulpit because we never want to forget the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The sanctuary also features a little Christmas town scene with a caroling family.

With two different type of Christmas trees and beautifully decorated tables, you will have many different photo opportunities for your Christmas banquet.

Feel free to share your Oasis Christmas photos on our Facebook Fan Page. We would love to see them!

Learn more about affordable Christmas banquet pricing here.

Feedback

Let us know what you think about the Christmas decorations this year in the comments below and by “liking” this post.