Scripture References: “For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15a). “So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army” (Ezekiel 37:10). “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; according to His great mercy He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

For the past forty days Christians around the world have observed lent as they prepared their hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. It was in Antioch in the book of Acts (chapter 11:26) that the disciples were first called Christians because they were Christlike.

The data from the 2011 Pew Research stated that a comprehensive demographic study of more than 200 countries found that there were 2.18 billion Christians of all ages around the world. These 2.18 billion Christians represent nearly a third of the estimated 2010 global population of 6.9 billion. It’s 2025 and that number is more around the world.

Resurrection Sunday or Easter as it is called is the foundation of faith for Christians. Without Christ’s resurrection Christians all around the world have no hope of a relationship with Jesus Christ. In fact, without Jesus’s resurrection there is no basis of a faith in the Almighty God. The resurrection authenticates a believer’s faith in God, just as the scriptures states and explains.

The resurrected life we celebrate during Easter is all about transformation; from dying, to burial and to resurrection. Every believer that has experienced the new life in Christ is a living witness and testimony to the transformative power of God.
This is why observing lent is powerful for everyone that has been born again through the Spirit of God. Understanding the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf so we can have a relationship with God is life altering.

The wonderment of the power of transformation is fascinating. It is Jesus sacrifice that makes our resurrected life possible as His followers, who adore and worship Him. The resurrection is what makes transformation a reality in the life of a follower of Christ. In this special episode of Oasis of Hope podcast, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti share what the resurrected life means to each of them.

From two different backgrounds, they each know firsthand the incredible change that happens in the life of anyone that invites Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD. They know firsthand that the resurrected life is a daily relationship with the King of Kings who daily loads them with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3). Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection! Jesus Christ Is Risen!


In Christ's Love,

Drs. Johnson & Feyi Obamehinti

This is an umbrella episode covering three topics in one podcast episode. In this episode 88 of Oasis of Hope, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti answer three questions: (1) Do we take out all our 401K now? (2) How can we trouble-proof our youth? (3) There is so much noise that it is not clear which ones are Biblical- what is a best counsel you can provide?

In a fast rapidly changing world, it can be daunting for Christians to stay updated on different topics of our world. This is one of the main reasons here at Oasis Connections, we appreciate all our friends and partners who share and send us all types of feedback. Our team can use your feedback for learning and growth as we serve you through the podcast episodes.

Tune in and take a listen to the guided answers on each of the questions of this umbrella talk episode. We encourage everyone to be informed and educated on those things and topics that are dear to you and your families. With everyone doing just that, the Body of Christ becomes a light that cannot be hidden in the midst of darkness. Let your light shine beloved!

Scripture Focus: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." --- Matthew 5: 14-16

In this special Lean Into Lent episode 87 of Oasis of Hope, Drs. Johnson and Feyi Obamehinti give a shoutout to family values with another local couple that has been married for seventy years from listener feedback! The couple have three children, seven grand-children and fourteen great-grand-children. Let's add this to the tapestry of hallmarks of family values celebrations!

Lent started March 5, 2025 and will run through April 17, 2025, with Easter celebration on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray by giving them a template to follow every time they approach God the Father.

The Lord's Prayer gives us that framework as we observe Lent- the special period that precedes Easter. Right after Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God descended and rested on Jesus Christ. This encounter empowered Jesus for the days that followed as He was led into the wilderness for 40 days of prayer and fasting (Matthew 4:1-11).

These 40 days are observed all over the world by many Christians during what we call Lent that provides us with the time to focus on what matters the most- a deeper relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that releases the power of God through intentional times of prayer, fasting, and worship.

During Lent followers of Christ have the opportunity to join hearts with other believers globally to cover the 10/40 Window in prayer. This specific area of the world has the largest unreached people groups. Our understanding as followers of Christ on this specific area of the world is paramount to an effective prayer according to James 5:16b.

We encourage followers of Christ to commit to praying for one of the 10/40 Window nations during these 40 days of Lent, our God will hear and release an avalanche of His love and power to save, deliver and heal His people.

Additional prayer requests during this time is a focus on reformation of God's church in doctrine, theology, and the awe of God. As we walk through Lent, let us turn our eyes upon Jesus and look full into His wonderful face. We will find that the angst of this world will grow strangely dim, and the light of God’s glory and grace will be multiplied upon our lives. With that fullest of God’s light in us, we will welcome Easter on April 20, 2025 with the resurrection power that breathes new life to all things.

Scripture invitation to join in Lent: "The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life" (Revelation 22:17, NIV).

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