I want to ask everyone to pray for our church Oasis as it's going thru very confusing and difficult times. On Monday morning the lead pastor of Oasis Russ DeVoss was officially dismissed from his position. That was a big shock to everyone since Russ had founded this church that now has over 1200 people. The reason for his dismissing was sexual infidelity. I cannot express in any language how hurt the church is right now. We all love Russ, he is a great leader and speaker and encourager. People looked up to him and trusted him. Unfortunately his affair was not a one time thing. Now as the elders are finding out more about it they realize how much deceit and premeditation took place. Knowing Russ , his wife Heather and their three little ones makes it extremely hard to believe it's all true. Please, pray for:
- The leadership of the church: that they be strengthened in the Lord, given new hope and new direction for the church.
- For community groups and it's leaders: to be able to minister to people, esp new believers.
- For the people: for comfort, unity and hope.
"But for you who revere My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in it's wings." Mal. 4:2
4 comments:
I am sorry to hear that. I hope that the elders will be able to comfort and authoritativly take charge so that the church feels safety and security.
Thank you, guys! The church is showing so much maturity and love right now, it's crazy. Kevin Wright, Anthony Parla and all the leaders are amazing. We don't know yet what direction the church will take, everything is questioned. But we do know that God is true and that He is faithful.
My name is Nathan Gilmer and I stumbled upon your blog and this post and felt compelled to say something. I hope you don't mind.
This is always discouraging to hear. Our church went through something similar about a year ago. It is good to see that the church leaders did the right thing and didn't just turn away and ignore the situation.
The biggest thing that I learned through our situation is that God is bigger than the problem. At first it seems so devastating, but after awhile it becomes appearant that, although your pastor was a huge part of your church, it is God's church and God will take care of his church.
I prayed for you guys when I read about this. I prayed for your pastor as well. I hope everything works out ok
to live is Christ
nathan
Thank you, Nathan! We truly appriciate your encouragement. And you are right, God is so much bigger than any trial the church might be going thru. He's been so good to us, raising up leaders and simply making people realize how we need Jesus. Oasis is His church and He is our comfort. Thank you again for your comment. It's really cool.
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