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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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,…
Continue Reading

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,…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

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…
Continue Reading

Alive

Hello! It has been quite awhile since I actually took the time to sit down and write. I forgot how much I missed it! Anyway, I wanted to thank you for reading my ramblings, and for continuing to follow Conquering Kingdoms. There are some really exciting developments on the horizon, and I am looking forward to watching what God will do through them! The words below were penned while reflecting upon the past year of my life; remembering the pain, the purpose, and the Divine Detours along the way. Be encouraged today! Because of the sacrifice of Christ, YOU ARE…
Continue Reading

The Benefit of Darkness – Part 3 of 3 – The Solution

In my previous posts, “The Struggle” and “The Sorrow,” I began detailing my journey through the valley, and my eventual discovery of a “benefit” to the darkness that began to surround me. Here is what I found… When I was in the middle of my struggle, drowning in my sorrow, I never thought that anything good was going to come from it. But even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I found it! The Benefit of Darkness. However, it took me a little bit longer to realize just what I had found. It didn’t “click” for me until a…
Continue Reading