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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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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