UNPACKING

It is hard for me to believe that three weeks have passed since I moved back to America! My return “home” has been one of the most fascinating transitions that I have ever encountered. Experiencing the familiar sights, sounds, and smells through the lens of my new adventures has been equal parts exciting and daunting. I have been intentional about guarding my first weeks home, giving myself the needed room to process through my transition. I find that in the stillness, my ears are more attuned to hear the Voice of The Lord as I seek Him for direction on…
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Pruning For Growth

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” –John 15:1-2 (NASB)As I approach my final months in Wales, this truth has been reverberating throughout my being. I have been learning how to remain rooted in The Lord while facing the challenges of adjusting to a brand-new culture and intense schedule of ministry.While I am unsure about what the next step looks like, I am sure of this…WHEN THE LORD DOES THE PRUNING, HE DOES…
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DISCOVERY

One of the key words that keeps popping up throughout my time in Wales is DISCOVERY.As an author and avid writer, I pay attention to the consistent occurrence of specific words over a sustained period of time. This has happened through many different ways. Whether in songs, on television, or through Scripture and other reading; there is usually a link between the words and something that The Lord is trying to teach me.In the seven months since I landed in Wales, every day has held new and exciting discoveries. New foods, people, places, surroundings, and experiences have become a dominant…
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Soaring Above My Fear

During my missionary journey, one of the most difficult struggles has been the distance. I wouldn’t call it homesickness, because I have lived away from my hometown before. Whether I look at the distance of time (anywhere from five to eight hours behind my family and friends), the distance of those I love, or the distance of authentic tacos; I find that the familiar seems so very far away at times. That is why I was beyond thrilled at the opportunity to reconnect with my “fam” while spending the holidays in America. It was a beautiful, yet difficult trip because…
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From Me to WE

INTRODUCTION: This spoken-word poem was originally written for some of the missionary work that I am doing in Wales. I hope that this simple testimony encourages you, and inspires you to transition from a "me" focused lifestyle to the community that resides within the "WE" of Christ-centered community.   FROM ME TO WE: By Shane M. Oberlin I was born in America, in a very nowhere place. Quite often, people would look at me like I was from outer space. Their pace was not one that I would chase, emulate or embrace. I had a bad case of never fitting…
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Change Your Perspective

As I write this, I am seated outside on a weathered bench; safely nestled in a picturesque meadow. I am surrounded by trees, a sweet song on the Summer breeze, and a resounding whisper from The One Who formed my soul. Even the gravel in the parking lot emanates the glory of God in a way that is becoming increasingly rare. There is a rich deposit here; a deep well that grants life-giving refreshment to all who are thirsty. This oasis is home to an Ekklesia that has grafted me into their family; despite the fact that I live nearly…
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Words In Due Season

“A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment – how good it is!” Proverbs 15:23 (AMP)Recently, I experienced a first-hand reminder of the reality found within this passage.While attending a service at my church, my pastor was teaching about the spiritual Gift of Encouragement (Romans 12). After the message, there was a time of “activation,” which encouraged parishioners to begin stirring up this gift within the congregation. As people began encouraging those around them, I felt The Lord “highlight” a few individuals for me to encourage.…
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Fight or Flight (FLY)

  FIGHT OR FLIGHT? (FLY) I wrote this poem recently, as I was contemplating the many choices that lay ahead of me. There are lots of details related to leaving one sort of life behind to embark on a whole new existence as a full-time missionary. During the last week, I have dealt with a wave of realizations related to my journey. There are only THREE MONTHS between now and my anticipated date of departure! Beyond the financial puzzle (I am currently under 10% of my fundraising goal), there are multiple major details yet to be established. Visas, flights, and…
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Safe Space

We live in tumultuous times. In this moment of history, it is increasingly difficult to separate fact from fiction, love from justification, opinions from truth, and faith from fear. As each day passes, we experience a collective loss of innocence. We are no longer safe to casually roam our streets as we once did; with childlike wonder and whimsy. We never know when the next catastrophe will occur.  Nearly two weeks after the tragedy in Manchester, England stunned the world, the shock gave way to new depths of sorrow. Two days ago, on London Bridge and throughout the area; three armed terrorists took…
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Manchester: UNITED!

Yesterday, a senseless act of terrorism in Manchester, England stunned the world. A suicide bomb was detonated at Manchester Arena as over twenty-thousand people were heading back to their hotels, hostels, and homes after watching musician Ariana Grande perform. Daesh (the Arabic word for “cowards,” known to many as ISIS) is claiming responsibility for this attack. This act of terrorism is the deadliest in England since July, 2005; when suicide bombings in central London claimed fifty-two lives. As I write this; twenty-two people are confirmed dead and fifty-nine more were injured. Many of them were children and youth. Normally, my…
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REBIRTH

Today is a very special day for me. There are many reasons for this, and not all of them would be considered good ... Three years ago today, I was at the lowest point of my entire life. My hope had faded, my dreams had died, and my faith in God was at an all-time low ... I was broke, homeless, and emotionally bankrupt. I had lost the will to live. I contemplated many ways to just make it stop. The inner turmoil was boiling over, and the cacophony of my soul was deafening. "Rational" thinking was nowhere to be…
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The Stolen Years

INTRO:The Story Behind The Poem: This poem was born out of the last three years of my journey. In 2016, I  had passed the point of no return, reaching a point where my faith had stopped; completely unable to bridge the gap or find a way across the chasm of hopelessness, struggle, and frustration. Yet, in my desperation I was never alone. Not for a second. The Lord met me in the midst of the darkest chasm, and regenerated me from the inside out! I pray that these words encourage you that even in our most desperate and vulnerable moments,…
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From Beholding to BECOMING

          2016 was definitely a year for the history books. From Brexit, to The Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, to President Donald Trump, and much more. Across the globe, people found themselves in a collective state of shock, surprise, and for some a time of great testing and transition.           For me, it was one of the most difficult years that I have ever faced. I lost family members and mentors who had deeply impacted my life. I encountered new levels of depression, and walked through intense valleys of loneliness, exile, alienation,…
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The Truth About Racism

In the English language, there are many controversial words. Abortion. Homosexual. Democrat. Republican. Evolution. The “N” word. Muslim. Christian. Yet, few of them have conjured the same collective attitude as Racism. I despise racism. In fact, I go so far as to ban the word from my everyday speech. All of us belong to the same “race.” The Human race. This may sound extreme to some, but if you look to Scripture, you may change your mind. In Scripture, the Greek word “ethnos,” is usually translated as “gentile,” or non-Jew, yet its meaning goes far beyond that. Ethnos refers to…
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The Death of Pursuit

It has been quite a while since I have posted any new content to Conquering Kingdoms, and there are several reasons for this. First, I haven't made the decision to just sit down and write something that is not related to work or school. (English Composition is taking the vast majority of my time...) Second, I have been reflecting upon many personal issues that I will not expound on in this forum. But, wait a second; this is the internet! Aren't you entitled to access every thought I have? Shouldn't you be able to read, hear, and watch every moment…
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Seize The Suddenly!

If I could summarize the last year of my life using only one word, I would probably use the word "suddenly." However, there are a few other contenders; such as "upheaval," "transition," "whirlwind," "struggle," "desolate," and of course I can't forget my personal "favorite;" "hellish." Yep. I just said it. Hellish. (If you don't believe me, feel free to check out my three-part series called "The Benefit of Darkness, located here, here, and here!") But all joking aside, I really would choose the word SUDDENLY. Merriam Webster's dictionary defines suddenly as: "Something happening, coming, or done very quickly in a…
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The Realization of Identity

Identity is a powerful thing. Without it, our society, and entire way of life would cease to function. Seriously, we would have a difficult time trying to do anything (especially when government bureaucracy is involved...). With the advent of the internet, one of the fastest growing businesses is the prevention of identity theft! Yet every day, there are so very many people who walk the streets without the slightest clue that they were made for something more. Something bigger. Something extraordinary. Our identities are based in two very simple-yet-complicated concepts: 1. Who does God say He is? 2. Who does…
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The Benefit of Darkness – Part 1 of 3 – The Struggle

AUTHORS NOTE: The Benefit of Darkness?! Is this some kind of typo? No, I’m afraid it’s not. However, before I begin, I would like to tell you a secret… Being transparent about my own personal struggles is probably my least favorite thing to do. Which I believe is one of the main reasons that God directed me to start Conquering Kingdoms. Not only to find personal freedom, but also to use my life to encourage others, bringing the One Who is Hope to those who are seeking. That being said, this is probably the most personal thing that I have…
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The Mystery of Divinity

The world was formed and fashioned by a Voice. An enigma, a contradiction; large enough to command galaxies but soft enough to speak peace into my soul. Everything that exists today was established and is held in place because of … a Voice. The Voice of Almighty God. From “Let there be light” to “It is finished” and many times since, the Voice of God has resounded through the ages and has directed and drawn His creation to Himself. From Abraham, Elijah and John the Baptist to modern-day men and women, God has stirred and spoken to the hearts of…
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Divine Detours

    God has a way of working through our lives to get us to a place beyond our wildest dreams, but this usually happens through circumstances that we least expect.  I like to call this little phenomenon: “The Divine Detour."I have seen God take me to places that I never expected to go, through ways that I never expected to get there. I never expected to go to Jordan, or anywhere near the Middle East for that matter. I know that I am called to other nations in other areas of the world, so my trip to Jordan was…
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The Fellowship of The Unashamed

I have always been fascinated by martyrs; people both young and old who were compelled by a cause far greater than themselves, filled with a passionate zeal to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every tribe, tongue and nation, even if that meant that their stand would cost them their lives… As I look at the state of the world today, with unjust laws being passed and the Word of God being removed from its rightful place as the cornerstone (and this is not just happening in America, but worldwide.) I am being faced with the stark reality that…
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Away I Go! Away!!

  I wanted to update you on a relatively new development in my life. I will be taking part in a humanitarian relief mission in the Middle East later this year! I am so excited about this opportunity to impact the hurting and wounded with compassion, and be able to make a difference in their lives instead of just reading about them in the newspaper. If you would like to know more, or if you would like to support this endeavor (either through prayer, or through a financial gift) check us out at www.awaywegoaway.com.
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What is Ministry??

Ministry is a very interesting word to me. Many people have varying views on what this word means and different opinions on how to put it into practice. Some look at ministry as only the five-fold ministry gifts detailed in Ephesians 4:11 (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher).  Some see ministry as a goal to be reached, either through hard work or sheer determination that will eventually result in recognition for their cause.Others view ministry as an elusive dream, something that they aspire to but see as too big for them to accomplish alone, and therefore is (in their mind) impossible.…
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The Path of Faith:

I came across this as I was going through some old writings, and I figured that it would be a great way to start off this blog! To me, this poem speaks of the journey that we embark on when we take the plunge and make the choice to follow Jesus, and I hope that this poem is able to encourage you and remind you that the sacrifices that you have made and the ones that you eventually will make are always WORTH IT! Enjoy! THE PATH OF FAITH As I step into the great unknown, oh so very far from home.I…
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