July 2011
Hello friends and family,
The first part of this year has been amazing! God has opened many new doors so far. I am reminded of Rev 3:8, that God will open a door that no man can shut. With the many new opportunities that are arising I can sense the urgency of the hour in a fresh way. With all of the areas of ministry that God is opening it seems that the enemy is working overtime in America, as well.
As you probably already know, New York became the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage. This has the potential to change the fabric of our country forever. The gay and lesbian movement has something very powerful on their side at this time of our nations history: UNITY. The church needs to unify like never before for the sake of our sons and daughters that are being raised in this hour.
We here at Joe Oden Ministries are working on bringing 30-40 pastors together here in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) Metroplex for a luncheon to bring a fresh unity to reach this part of our society that Christ deeply loves. I believe we can get this group of pastors on the same page to bring some energy to city-wide unity concerning this great need and endeavor. Our primary short-term goal is to get between 100-300 lay people and leaders committed to evangelizing a gay and lesbian district in the DFW Metroplex twice a week every week, and following-up to be sure the ones who get saved have proper discipleship and care through the local church.
After this is established we will contact hundreds of pastors and ministries in the Metroplex to come and bring their congregations to a 1-2 day training in how to effectively reach this community… with the truth of the Gospel spoken in love and compassion. Larry Tomczak, a leader in the body of Christ and well known author has dedicated this season of his life to this arena and has agreed to come to Dallas and help serve in this initiative.
Agreeing and saying “Amen” isn’t enough! The church must begin to act in the things she has said “amen” to for decades. We have to act on what we as believers concur is the truth according to the Bible concerning homosexual lifestyles and it cannot be ignored any longer. Our children are being weighed in the balance if we remain in silent. We must jump into any opportunity we can to stand for truth. It's time to "Speak now or forever hold your peace.” This is an area where we are partnering together to shape our culture in a righteous Biblical way. Thank you for being a part of this with your prayer and support.
I am excited about a great opportunity that has recently been opened up to me. I have been asked to fly up to Springfield, MO to meet with Pastor Randy Hurst, who is the head of evangelism in the Assemblies of God. We are going to discuss the strategy of evangelism that I have been doing in Texas and across America. It is something that they are going to take a look at and possibly use in different regions of America. Please be in prayer about this because it has enormous potential.
A very powerful testimony from this past month came while I was in Midland, TX. A young lady came dragged by her parent to church the first meeting I was there on a Sunday morning. Many people that morning were saved and got right with God. God started to move on this young 17-year old girl. She came back that night. She was addicted to drugs and used heroin and her life was spinning out of control. BUT GOD! Amen! That night she was set free from depression and felt free for the first time in years and was able to smile again. The next night she was bringing friends and family to experience the freedom she had received and they experienced it, as well. God set her free from drugs and depression and put burning fire in her heart. She now wants to serve God with every part of her life. This was a remarkable miracle of the power of the Holy Spirit and the preaching of the Gospel. If God did it for her He can do it for your family member or friend as well!
Throughout our travels this past months many souls were saved and set free from the bondage of hell. Some testified of being healed of various ailments as well. We are seeing God’s hand touch many lives with eternal implication. Thank you Jesus!!
I can't say enough how much we deeply appreciate all of your prayer and support! Words cannot express our gratitude to you as you partner with us and agree with what God is doing and has done through this ministry. Until next time, May God bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you.
Together in the harvest,
Joe Oden