God gives us a template of His love of how much He loves His creation through His plan of redemption- “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The month of February we get to celebrate love with Valentine’s Day and Black History all month. We are celebrating Loveuary- as we celebrate love and Black History Month. In this episode 86 of Oasis of Hope Podcast, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti discuss the contributions of African Americans to the robust culture we have today.

Our nation has been blessed with the notable contributions of all people to this great nation – United States of America. We have reiterated many times, each history of every people, kindred and tongues is American History. As we celebrate Black History, Asian History, Hispanic History, Native American History, Jewish History and many more histories, we are celebrating American History. As we celebrate Black History this month, we are highlighting some of the notable inventions that are now part of our culture and lifestyle. One major standout in celebrating Black History this month is family values. Adding this critical aspect is important as we celebrate family values.

⁠Albert Brown and Marie Van Brittan Brown⁠- a husband-and-wife team, invented the home security system in 1966. They were granted patent for their invention of closed circuit TV security system in 1969. This invention formed the foundation of video monitoring that included the remote door locks, push button alarm triggers and two way voice communication. Their invention also led to CCTV surveillance in public areas. In 2016, it was reported that over 100 million concealed closed-circuit cameras are operating world-wide. We have the Browns to thank for every home security system we have today. ⁠Another genius is Benjamin Banneker⁠ who invented the first functioning wooden clock in 1753. The clock kept accurate time and struck every hour. We have Banneker to thank for those wooden clocks we see all around us today.

Setting a gold standard for family values ⁠are Mr. and Mrs. Cleovis and Arwilda Whiteside-⁠ African American couple that were married for 84 years old. Mr. Cleovis Whiteside passed on to heaven last year, 2023 at age 102 years old with Mrs. Arwilda Whiteside at 98 years old at the time of his passing. According to the American Community Survey ⁠(ACS),⁠ in 2018, stated in their research that only 8% of married couple reach the 50-year mark in their marriage. In 2022, ACS updated that number to 7.7% and stated that only 2% of marriages reach the 60-year mark. The Whitesides are in that rare 2%- married for 84 years! The Whitesides attribute their faith to the longevity of their marriage and lives. The Whitesides were recognized by the ⁠Arkansas Family Council⁠ in 2019 and 2022.

The power of faith in the life of a believer in Christ cannot be underestimated. Faith is an active living fellowship, power and fire with the Almighty God- the Creator of the universe. What a blessing God bestows on every believer in Christ! “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands” --- Revelations 7:9

Our team count it a blessing getting to serve you through Oasis of Hope Podcast. All the requests we have received for prayer lets us know the need among God’s people. We encourage every follower of Christ, to stand in the gap for the many needs of the hour.

In this episode 85 of Oasis of Hope Podcast, , Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti answer the question on what to do in a situation that looks like an intentional attack or smear campaign by someone you love.

The scriptures provide a guide in all life situations so that no matter the situation, followers of Christ can live out a life that brings honor and glory to God! The command of having the foundation of love is critical in addressing this mistreatment and wickedness. In 1 Corinthian 16:14, “Let all that you do, be done in love” ensures having a pure and open heart so that God can work on your behalf because He is the God of justice.

DARVO (Deny, Attack, and Reverse, Victim and Offender)- is a tactic that is used against any form of whistleblowing, confrontation, or accountability. This is a reverse role of victim and offender, so that the perpetrator assumes the role of victim and turns the real victim or whistle blower into the alleged offender. We live in a fallen world and it is certain that followers of Christ will encounter people that abuse their power, place, authority, position, access or influence. DARVO is a reaction from perpetrators or abusers for being confronted or call for accountability.

Some of the rationale of DARVO towards the whistle-blower is to attack credibility, reputation and sanity of the target under attack of whistle blowing or retaliation. It is important to be empowered and equipped to adequately address any form of DARVO. Let us be reminded that as an ambassador of Christ, the scriptures call each believer to a higher standard of living for God’s glory.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” --- Proverbs 4:23, NIV

A new year is a gift from God! Placing the gift in God's Mighty hands is a great start to having a fulfilled and satisfied year that brings honor and glory to God. Happy New Year Oasis of Hope friends! We pray this will be your best year yet!

Various secular studies indicate that the most successful people tend to use willpower, positive thinking, avoidance strategies and reinforcement management to keep their new year resolutions. In a 2022 article by Inc 5000 on making new year resolutions and productivity, it states that 91 percent of people won't achieve their new year's resolutions and provides some strategies to be part of the 9 percent of people that would. Similarly, in a 2016 Society for Personality and Social Psychology study, it states that 41 percent of Americans make new year's resolutions, but only 9 percent feel they were successful in keeping them.

For believers in Christ Jesus, we have a blue-print for life that assures believers no matter who you are; of a tested and proven path to having and living a fulfilled life every year that brings honor and glory to God. In this first episode of Oasis of Hope Podcast in 2025, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti answer the question on best way to start out the year as a believer in Christ. They discuss what having a God-infused vision for all areas of life is about and how to effectively execute the vision. Take a listen to the 3 essential vision for life and the 3 ways to effectively execute them. Join us in prayer as we lift up the needs of our communities and place 2025 in God's capable hands! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas! - “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" - Luke 2:52

Christmas celebration was born out of God’s love to redeem His people from eternal separation as John 3:16 explains so well. The Almighty God gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. Giving and receiving gifts is a highlight of Christmas time. Our Wonderful Gift, Jesus Christ, was wrapped with God’s unconditional love to whoever will receive Him. This Christmas, we have the privilege to unwrap the Gift of Christmas with care, reverence and worship. Let us unwrap how Wonderful Jesus has been to us, let us unwrap how Jesus has been a Counselor to us, let us unwrap in worship how Mighty our God is, let us unwrap the joy of having God as our Everlasting Father and let us unwrap the reality of peace through our Prince of Peace.

Thank you to all our partners and friends for an impactful 2024! We have been blessed serving you this year and excited for all God will do in 2025! This year, you spoke which episodes impacted you the most through the visits to our website- here are the top three episodes this year: (1) Episode 74 on the Power of Forgiveness with Holocaust Survivor- Mrs. Rosian Zerner with over 40,000 visits (2) Episode 77 on the State of the Church on the unraveling in the Body of Christ with over 35,000 visits. (3) Episode 79 on Table of Communion- preparing for the 2024 Elections with over 30,000 visits.

As we prepare our hearts for 2025 - we want to encourage you to look to the LORD for His direction. No matter what 2024 may have offered you (good, bad or ugly), determine to leave behind any baggage that could impede or impact your growth and all God has in store for you in 2025! Let Isaiah 43:18-19 empower your determination for a new 2025: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Then prayerfully make Proverbs 3: 5-8 your anchor and guide for all areas of your life for 2025. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! We will be back to serve you more hope in Jesus Christ in 2025!

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" (which means "God with us") --Matthew 1:23

This is one of the best seasons of the year! A time to focus on the meaning and purpose of Christ’s birth. With the onset of the Advent season (December 1- 24, 2024), as our typical focus during this time of the year, we are providing this resource for all our brothers and sisters embarking on Advent for the first time! This brings us great joy that you will discover Emmanuel in a personal way as you journey through this Advent season. From a time of consecration to an increased time spent in God’s Word, prayer and worship, Advent gives us the avenue to renew our minds and allow our minds to dwell on the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ- who is the source of life and all eternal gifts now and everlasting. In this episode, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti discuss the importance of Advent and its essence for Christ's followers. Advent is a great time for renewal, rejuvenation, recalibration, restoration and revival.

We are blessed and honored to serve you and love hearing from you! Our last episode indicate Minority Homeschoolers of Texas is still active through the help of one of our homeschool leaders. If you are a homeschooling family that need information and support, take a listen for how you can connect with fellow homeschooling families.

As followers of Christ, this is not the time to coast, but a time to press into the heart of God for our nation and leaders. As it is in heaven, is exactly what we want in our nation- "Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD" (Psalm 33:12a). Prayer is what will accomplish this as we pray God's will for our nation and leaders.

The body of Christ has a high calling that is like no other. Despite the state of the church as a whole (body of Christ), let us keep at the forefront of our hearts that we are Christ's ambassadors- 1 Peter 2:9 is a guidepost to see where we are and how we are living to glorify God. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Follow Up Resources: To provide support to anyone that can use the professional expertise of licensed counselors, especially during the holiday seasons, we have therapy vouchers to begin your healing journey. Contact us to activate your free six months therapy voucher. A special thank you to our partner and sponsor - BetterHelp

Thank you to everyone that made our newest publication possible- we appreciate each of you! Our Inside Valuables is a great gift for a friend, family, neighbor or colleague. To order your copy and one for a friend, click on the hyperlink. Have a blessed Advent season!