Friends of Oasis

[Eli Brayley]

I'm going to being posting our regular newsletter updates on the message board so that you can be aware of what God is doing here in Utah through the Oasis ministry, and so you can be actively involved in prayer, praying for us and for the lost. I'm sure you'll be encouraged and blessed.

------------------

Dear Friends,

A month ago, I asked you to pray for a Mormon USU student, Tyler, whom Eli was discussing the Bible with at Oasis. Tyler did come by again and Eli had a good conversation with him. The ideas were very new to Tyler as he is trying hard to follow the Mormon plan of salvation. Eli expects to have more conversation with Him. Pray for Edwin, whom we had long conversations with on the free-speech plaza at USU here over the past two years of our witnessing there. He has come by Oasis three times in the past three weeks for long conversations. Several believers witnessed to him. He is a well read Mormon who is striving to improve but is humorous and honest--at least in his head--about his sin. He freely admits that his one sin makes him guilty of all. His heart needs conviction though. Edwin is depressed in trying to make Mormonism work. He enjoys conversation with us. He left this week after hearing some shocking new words. Eli asked him if Christ had done vicarious work for him yet. This made no sense. Eli rephrased the question. Edwin said such was impossible because that would mean that he (Edwin) would have to be dead. Eli smiled and told him that he was dead in sin and needed Christ's vicarious work. Debra, a USU student, returned Mormon missionary, has come many times to our free book table for long conversations and many free books. She laughs with us as we discuss her sin, God's perfect standard, and her excuses. She repeatedly tells us that she will not become a Christian. Debra came by Oasis for the first time last week. Her family seems to be squelching her relationship with a Christian woman who has loved her and witnessed to her.

God seems to have answered our prayer for early spring weather so that we can return to USU to witness--open air preaching, and much conversation around the free book table. We plan to begin Monday, March 16, the day the students return from spring break. We plan to be there 10:30 to 2:00 Mon - Th (maybe longer depending on student response). Hopefully the following weeks will be even warmer. We have not been there in the spring before as the weather is unpredictably snowy, rainy, cold or occasionally warm. This week is forecast to be sunny and in the high 40's. Please pray for God to bring the students who are ready to listen, and to give us boldness and kindness. It is enjoyable to discuss righteousness and the cross with people who are striving much to be perfect. USU reports that 85% of the student population is Mormon. Hundreds of students took free books and had conversation with us in Sept and Oct. May God prepare their hearts to receive the gospel. We want to win souls as well as plant seeds. Mormon students have been asking us when we will be back on campus.

Over the past 10 years Kevin, a super depressed Mormon in his 40's, who lives in North Salt Lake City (70 miles south), has driven occasionally to Oasis for conversation. He came by early today to talk and said that he has no one else to talk to. He cares for his aged mother, who refuses to move to Logan to be closer. He feels unworthy, tired of life, and beat down by everyone but his mother. [Mormonism aggressively teaches that he must be worthy to receive the atonement.] Many of you have read my little pamphlet, Thankfulness and Confession. Kevin has read it. It tells of an always super depressed Christian brother whom the Lord has lifted up to become cheerful saint. I suggested that this brother and I could visit him. Kevin became excited and started making plans. Pray for that visit in the near future.

While Kevin was there, Patty, a super depressed, returned Mormon missionary in here 50's (never married), whom I have witnessed to occasionally over the past 15 years, came in Oasis to visit. She has slowly let down her guard over the years. Today she was willing for the conversation about worthiness. Some new believers kindly witnessed to her as well. She is gripped by bitterness and unworthiness. In Mormonism there is no other way for her than by worthiness through stopping all her sins and keeping all the commandments. Today she gladly let me pray with her and gladly took free materials.

Late today, Dennis, a retired, striving Mormon, wandered in for the first time. I had not met him but had prayed for him years ago because he was a friend of the brother in my pamphlet. Dennis asked about him because he had not seen him for 10+ years. I told him the rest of the story and then we had a friendly conversation about Dennis' weekly promise to keep all the commandments. He became a little uncomfortable as he admitted that he knew he could not keep that promise. He admitted he would not promise such to his mother. I wrote a few lines on a paper about how God saves us not by our works, but by the works of Jesus, and then transforms us to do good works. Dennis could not believe his eyes and thought I mis-wrote. He asked for clarification, then said with sudden emotion, that the part is unacceptable about "not by our works". He got up and stormed out. God seems to be stirring him. May God convict him.

I hope to send a prayer note weekly or so to those who would like news and/or to pray for the Lord's work here. Each note will include a simple Insight to help understand Mormon thinking to help with witness or just understanding.

INSIGHT: The Bible teaches that God gave the gift of SALVATION (eternal life) through the perfect work of Christ. The Mormon mindset is entrenched with the teaching that God gave the gift of the PLAN OF SALVATION for people to become perfect by obedience to the commandments of God.

Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,
Brad Scheelke

[Eli Brayley]

Dear friends,

Last week I asked you to pray for several people, Tyler, Edwin, Kevin, Patty, and Dennis. Of these, Edwin has returned, at least twice this week while I was out. Other believers witnessed to him. He seems to be drawn by the Word and the kindness of the saints. We have invited him to Bible study. We have a Friday night Bible study at our home, which is near Oasis. Some of the saints come for dinner prior. I emailed an invitation for dinner Friday. Pray that he would join us. He seems lonely, depressed and troubled.

The Lord provided a good time of witnessing at USU last week. The weather was much warmer than forecast (low 60's Mon & Wed. instead of high 40's as forecast). Monday there was a steady stream of conversations until 5pm. Tuesday was cooler, cloudy and fewer students were out. Wednesday was sunny and students seemed eager to stop and listen to Eli preach to the crowd. Several atheists have been regulars with us on the plaza over 20 months. One, Ryan, said that he skipped two classes on Monday to stay. He was back with us at length on Wednesday. He has read many of our books. When the atheists hang around, the active Mormons have more freedom to stop and listen, and some stay for conversation. The atheists sometimes do this intentionally to draw crowds for us. Three of these atheists, John, Ben and Mike, have been in weekly Bible study, since September, with Eli in the Gospel of John. Pray for them and other regulars, especially Kevin and James, who are a bit argumentative. Kevin said that the Atheist/Agnostic/Free-thinker club has 120 members, most from a Mormon background.

On Wednesday we were at USU until 7 pm. Eli spoke at length with another Mike, who was in despair, having no certainty in his life. Pray for him to heed Eli's words and find his certainty in Christ. Many returned Mormon missionaries came by the table to talk. A new tract, Amazing Grace, drew several into conversation. Jeremy listened attentively and really liked what I told him. This was refreshing as most Mormons mock at the idea of free grace. Several Christian students were at the book table helping in the conversations with unbelievers--nearly all of whom are returned Mormon missionaries. Derek & Elsey, new from SC & TX, who play on the football team, and who want to be witnesses, stopped by. They were able to observe a bit. We talked at length about the cross and how to witness to Mormons. They have not really connected with local believers yet. Pray for them. Blake, a freshman, said that he has witnessed to 17 Mormon Missionaries this year. Jade, an older student who is regular with us at the table and who seeks to encourage the younger brothers, witnesses often. Both had witnessed to LDS missionary, Metcalf, who wanted a modern Bible. He was discovered and transferred. Shayla, Darin & Blake helped witness at the table, especially to Justin and Kyle, two Mormons. Justin and I had a long talk last fall.

Two of our objectives are to encourage the few Christian students to be unashamed, bold and kind witnesses to the Mormons, and to grow together as students of the Word. There are 3 to 5 small Christian groups on the USU campus of 20,000. It is easy for them to be intimidated here. This year their vision has been noticeably rising. Pray for them.

Pray for John, a Iranian student in his 50's, whose brother in Iran is a believer. John left Islam, but is hesitant because of possible persecution. His brother spent 5 years in prison--some of it for being a Christian. Reza, a young Iranian student, said he would come by Oasis to get the dvd testimony, Escape from Darkness, of an Iranian Jihad trainer who now preaches Christ.

On Thursday a brother called and asked if any of our contacts from witnessing at USU had come by Oasis. I said no. Five minutes later, Ross, a USU freshman, walked through the door and with emotion asked if there was anyone available to talk to him as he had some questions. Ross reminded me that he and I had spoken on campus in the fall and said that Eli had spoken with him on Monday. He looked troubled. He said 1) that he had tried Mormonism and it had not worked, 2) that he was empty, and 3) he was reading the Old Testament and could not see what we had told him about the Law. He knew that he was a sinner and knew that Jesus died, rose again, is God, and is the total sacrifice for his sins. But, he added that he lacked sincerity and confidence to believe Christ. I sought to help him notice that his sincerity was worthless to God and that now was the time to look away from himself and trust Christ. He seems very close to the kingdom. I forgot to mention Bible study to him. Please pray.

This week is and will be cold and snowy. Pray for next week's weather. We would like to be on campus Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, (3/31-4/2) all day if possible.

INSIGHT: Mormonism teaches that a man must offer God a broken spirit and a contrite heart, otherwise God will not fully accept him. Techincally, this is evidenced by stopping all sins and living in perfect obedience, to all known commands, always. Since that seems overwhelming, nearly all Mormons lower the standard. This translates into a gripping focus and conversation on striving to be sincere. The Bible teaches that the only offering God accepts is the blood the Lamb, which God provided. We do not need to be sincere; we simply need to rest in the sacrifice of Christ. "Trying to be sincere" is all about self. This is an important distinction to help folks like Ross realize. He cannot rest in Christ while searching inside himself for sincerity or confidence. He has been tricked to look in the wrong direction for hope.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,
Brad Scheelke

[Eli Brayley]

Dear friends,

In the last note (3/23) I asked you to pray for Ross, a USU freshman who had spoken with us on campus and had come in Oasis for answers. He had declared that he had tried Mormonism, was empty and sinful, and acknowledge the truthfulness of the gospel, but was working on his sincerity. He returned Thursday with more questions. We again encouraged him to rest in the finished work of Christ rather that seek to be more sincere. He mentioned being unsure that Jesus was trustworthy. As we read passages from John, he marked his Bible. I urged him to read through John and notice the certainty of Jesus' promises to those who trust him. He seemed eager to do it. He again let me pray with him. May the Spirit reveal the Son to him.

The snow has continued to fall much and frequently last week and this, so we have not been back to USU to preach and give out books. The forecast for next week hints at clearing and warming. This would be good timing as Friday to Sunday (4/3-5) are the big semi-annual General Conference for Mormons, where instead of going to church, they watch speeches of their leaders televised live from Salt Lake City. The leaders seek to stir up the members to be more diligence and hard at their religion. Some Mormons try harder and probably many feel more guilty being reminded of their failings. We tentatively plan to be on campus all day Tuesday to Thursday to preach the righteousness of Christ so as to provide hope for their mountain of guilt. Pray for God's provision of unusually good weather. (He did such for us two weeks ago)

Twice this week a new brother, Mark, has come in Oasis. He is a local businessman who is an active Mormon. Over the many years of trying to look good and make the Mormon religion work, he has felt the heaviness of his sinfulness. Every few years he would share the weight of his sinfulness with his bishop, who simply gave him more church jobs to do to distract his mind. This winter when Mark unburdened his soul to his new bishop, the bishop quizzed him and asked him to give a testimony speech at church. Mark said that he would consider it. As Mark pondered and studied what he had to testify about, he concluded that he had nothing but sin. He knelt on the floor and cried out to God for mercy. He got up and began to read the New Testament. It seemed a new book to him. For three months he has been devouring the New Testament and telling others about what he has found—that the righteousness of Christ is all there is. Of course they think he is crazy. He said that in his ward (neighborhood area of about 300 people) there are only two non-Mormon households. His wife, Valerie, has been willing to listen and has questions. Pray for her salvation and especially for him to rest in the Lord's strength. His sons are returned LDS missionaries. The pressure is going to be very intense as he lives among high-pressure Mormon professionals. Mormon culture is very manipulative, even toward those trying to live by their rules. Mark hopes to join Bible study with believers this week.

Mark mentioned that 28 years ago when he served his Mormon mission in Texas, there was a Christian pastor who witnessed to him. He thinks that pastor's words may have been significant in getting him to the cross. He hopes to locate that pastor and thank him. Be encouraged in your witness to Mormon missionaries. God is faithful to draw some of them to himself. They are under great pressure to “look good” and perform. They are far from home and often lonely. Very few people take the time to speak with them. And sadly, some Christians speak angrily to them. One new brother here said that when he was on his Mormon mission, that in his mission (area) 2 female missionaries and 7 male missionaries had nervous breakdowns and had to go home. Please love them, show them kindness and speak clearly of their sin and the hope of the cross. Even take joy in pointing them to the cross. Pray that when they finish their missions they would return to Utah and meet kind, bold Christians.

Eli has a Thursday night Bible study in Romans on campus for believers. Pete, a returned LDS missionary, whom we have spoken much with on campus, has come the last 6 weeks. He has heard the gospel much. This week Mike the atheist brought an active Mormon friend to Eli's Monday night John Bible study for Atheists. Eli said that the gospel is beginning to make sense to Mike. Ben, who leaves on his LDS mission in June, drove 130 miles with friends to Oasis to visit Eli, who happened to be out of town. In the fall, Ben listened to Eli preach on campus and had much conversation with him about spiritual matters. I asked Ben and friends about their Sunday promises to God and encouraged them to be honest about their sins. Christine, a returned LDS missionary, and I had a long talk about her sin and the cross in the fall on campus. It turns out she works in our building at Kinko's. We've had friendly conversations over her counter. She came by Oasis today to buy Surprised by Joy, C.S. Lewis' autobiography, for a gift. That provided a little spiritual conversation. She gladly took a tract about the song, Amazing Grace. Last time we were on campus, Trinity, a returned LDS missionary came by the book table to talk. We had fun with his name (Mormons dislike the idea of the trinity). He was trying very hard to be good. He was refreshingly honest in freely labeling his weekly broken promises to God as lies. He will be easy to remember to pray for.

Recently I had my haircut and was meditating on the morning's comic strip that had been pointed out to me. In Dilbert, one character was teaching the group that “being good was overrated.” “It was better to appear good than to be good.” As Elaine cut my hair (for the first time) we laughed about man's pretending to be good. We discussed our sins and pretenses, and how good is good enough for God. We discussed what she promised God every Sunday and how well she was doing at it. At the end she exclaimed with emotion, “It is just too overwhelming to think about keeping all the commandments all the time.” It was a beautiful moment. I told her that that was the point of the law, to overwhelm us with our sin, so that we would give up trying and cry out for mercy. Pray for other believers in her chair to be bold and kind and for the Father to save her.

INSIGHT: MORMONS take communion (SACRAMENT) every Sunday at church. They pray and promise God that they will remember Jesus always and keep all God's commandments always. The words of the prayer are a bit mushy but the LDS church aggressively teaches the meaning to be such. Few seem to think much about what they are doing. It is a fun conversation to tease out the implications of promising to do something you know you won't do—try, yes. . . do, no. What do we call that? . . . a lie. Mormons usually show surprise in this conversation, and laugh a little at themselves. But they have to do it every week, and eyes are watching. The pressure is on. In the BIBLE communion is a celebration of the sacrifice of Christ in the place of unworthy sinners. It is a remembrance and proclamation of the death of Christ. We don't promise to do anything, but simply rejoice that He has done it all, forever.

Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,
Brad Scheelke

[rivqah]

Thanks for sharing these updates. I enjoy reading what the Lord is doing in your ministry. Thanks for adding that little bit of information about Mormonism at the end. I have recently learned that Glen Beck, is also a Mormon. My husband and I have always enjoyed listening to him. We really thought maybe he was a christian at first. It makes you really wonder if these are truly God seeking people that have just been misled. It's great to hear how you are reaching out to these people and having these meetings in your home. I will remember to keep you in prayer. Now that you are sharing more about what has been happening I will know more now what to pray for. God bless you.

[Eli Brayley]

Dear friends,

In the last note (4/3) I asked you to pray for good weather, as we planned to return to USU to preach and witness over our free book table. The university administration oversees the free speech area and arranges for different groups to have their turn. It turns out that other campus activities had been scheduled for all the weeks except the one we requested—right after students returned from spring break. It turned out that our week was the only sunny one this spring, and it was warmer than forecast—beautiful for preaching and conversation. Otherwise spring has been consistently cold, rainy and snowy, until a few days ago. But our God is a big God and guides and overrules in unexpected ways. Since we could not go to the campus, He has been bringing the Mormon students down to visit us at Oasis. If we had been on campus we would have missed some of them.

This week is the last one before final exams at USU as well as at Weber State University in Ogden, 50 miles south. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (4/21-23) we plan to be at WSU preaching and with our free book table. May the Lord bring many by who want a break from studying. We have been at WSU at least one week each of the past 3 semesters. Many Christians students have joined us in witnessing. Until last Thursday it was cold and snowy. This week is forecast as sunny in the 70's.

At WSU there is an InterVarsity group that was restarted two years ago and is growing. The group had five baptisms last night. Please pray for God give them wisdom in planning for the fall and to fill them with love and boldness. We want to bless their ministry.

In the note of 3/16 I told you of Tyler, a returned Mormon missionary who has been in several times in 2009. He was back for two more long conversations. In that first visit he unburdened his heart and spoke of trying for years to overcome feeling depressed about not keeping all the commandments. Even trying to do his best was depressing to him, so he lowered his expectations further. But still his conscience would not let him rest in his own sincerity and efforts. It is helpful for us Christians to listen and hear in a Mormon's words the heavy burden they are under in striving to be sincere and repentant enough that the Father in heaven might accept them. Tyler complained to his brother about Eli. His brother sided with Eli in saying that justification is by faith alone.

The next day a Christian missionary, Jason, came in Oasis. He was evaluating moving his family to Logan to minister to students at USU. He senses being drawn to minister to Mormons. We had wonderful fellowship. Tyler called to say he was on his way over. Jason listened as Eli and another brother witnessed to Tyler at the table. At about the same time, Spencer, a USU student and returned Mormon missionary, came in to pickup a book he had ordered by phone. He and I had a long talk about sin and salvation over the counter ten feet away from the other conversation. Jason said later that both conversations were encouraging to him. This year Eli and I have been pray for God to raise up Bible studies in the many student dorms here. Jason's mission, the Navigators, specializes in that as well as in evangelism. We think Jason and his family would be a blessing to the saints here. Pray for God to give them clarity and sell their house quickly in Tuscon.

Jake, a USU student and Catholic, has spoken with Eli several times on campus. We met outside Oasis Thursday and I encouraged him to go in and talk with Eli. He did. As typical, Jake asked if we believed we had to keep the ten commandments. Eli smiled and asked Jake if he kept them. He said he tried, and then made excuses. Eli encouraged Jake to take seriously his sin and God's perfect holiness. Jake didn't seem bothered, at least as we could tell. I encouraged Jake to read the Bible with Eli. He liked that idea.

In this Mormon culture, when a Mormon becomes a Christian, he changes his identity. This is good in that now he is in Christ, previously he had been in Adam. But here there is great pressure from family and friends to fit in with the Mormon system that relates to all of life. Mormons don't hesitate to use emotional or financial manipulation on each other. When one of their own is found by Christ, that pressure increases. [In the three high schools here, there are probably well under 50 Christians among 4800 students] An active Mormon girl, Alyse, joined a Bible study. She was in the group off and on for two years before she became a Christian. Her friends had pressured her to not be in the group. She was friendly and outgoing. When she saw her spiritual need, she knew that she would lose most of her friends, maybe even all but one. Certainly her closest friend would not drop her. But they ALL shunned her. Her parents have been so embarrassed, that they have hidden this from the relatives. They allow her to attend a Christian church, of course after attending the Mormon one. The Christian neighbor lady has been a great encouragement to Alyse and a witness to her parents. It turns out that the Lord has given me 12 years of witness to her grandmother, who is aggressively religious. Please pray for this family. Pray for the other saints here who are from a Mormon background. One brother has gotten calls more than weekly from father or brother, mocking him and the gospel and seeking to manipulate him back to Mormonism. His formerly close family now just tolerates him. There can be a great sense of isolation. Human family is important. We saints are their new family, but we outsiders rarely realize how much they need our company, fellowship and prayer. Please pray that we saints here would get a vision of opening our hearts to these dear saints who are shunned.

INSIGHT: In MORMONISM, faith is related to some kind of experience where you personally know that something is factually true. Mormons commonly ask about my experience of knowing. They never ask if I rest in what I know. In the BIBLE, faith is resting in the finished work of Christ. Acknowledging that the finished work of Christ is true, is not faith, but is a necessary step prior to faith. One cannot rest in what one does not acknowledge. Once one has justifying faith, that faith should grow and work.

Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,
Brad Scheelke
Logan, Utah

[runner4jesus]

WE agree with you and pray the Lord will continue to use Oasis mightily and save many by this ministry.

[Eli Brayley]

Dear Friends, May 13, 2009

In the last note of April 20, I asked you to pray for our witness at Weber State University (April 21-23) 50 miles south of here. The Lord provided sunny weather and a long stream of good conversations for two long days. Early Tuesday, Alice listened to conversation about “How good do you have to be?” at the free book table, and then joined in. She had given up on trying to be a “good Mormon” because it depressed her. She knew that she was a sinner but thought her only hope was to improve. She liked the idea of grace and even had an NIV. She took some free books and became animated when she heard that we were with a Christian bookstore. May God give her a big vision of hope in His righteousness. Eli spoke at length with a young woman who said she had left Mormonism. She declared boldly that all religions were wrong because they all taught a works based righteousness therefore making all their adherents hypocrites. She was greatly shocked when Eli explained how the New Testament repudiated a works based righteousness. Christians have freedom to be honest because their righteousness is a gift from God. Pray for God to stir her to read the New Testament.

While I was gone for a short time to officiate a funeral, five Mormons heard that Eli was preaching and brought their Bibles to challenge him. Derek, the leader, had spoken with Eli before. They had a great conversation about faith and works that seemed to effect some in the group.

While Eli spoke with a Christian, Dustin, and encouraged him in his witness, I engaged two Mormons in conversation about how well they kept God's commandments and the seriousness of their sin. It turn out that these two were good friends of Dustin, and were just waiting for him. Pray for Dustin to boldly speak to them and water what I planted.

Most Mormons laugh, maybe somewhat uncomfortably, as we discuss human sinfulness and reveal theirs in particular. Several Mormons were unusual. Trenton, a returned Mormon missionary (RM), was super self-righteous. Eli questioned him in detail about how well he obeyed the commands to love in 1 Cor. 13. Trenton denied any failure to love. Eli spoke for 2 hours about imputed righteousness with Taylor (RM), who was very confident and wants to be a prophet. He is moving to Logan, so we may have more conversation with him in the fall. Bryce said that it is a lie to promise God something you know you won't do. But he said it is not a lie when he does it. (Huh???) Brad #1 (RM) was extremely smooth, soft-spoken, and evasive in making excuses about his sin. Some of these behaviors may be evidence of God's conviction as a result of previous good conversations with other Christians. Pray for WSU students to persevere in witness to people who seem hardened.

Two men in motorized wheelchairs came by. Hector had a big smile and the fastest chair I've ever seen. As I asked him about his performance on some of the ten commandments, he admitted that he was a big sinner and would go to hell on judgment day. He did not want to go there. He seemed to have never heard of the death of Christ or of grace. He gladly took All of Grace, a New Testament and a testimony book. We should see him again next fall. Pray for some Christian on campus to meet him and read the Bible with him. Dave #1, who claims no religion, had spoken at length with Eli in the fall. He stared a length at the white board statement, “Repentance is not repentance until it is repentance,” then came over to talk. He and I spoke at length about sin and forgiveness. He stayed to listen to my conversation with Spencer, an ardent Mormon.

Spencer had spoken at length with Eli and me the previous three semesters--rather he spoke at us, by his admission to stop our “false teaching”. We had taken those opportunities to witness to him by asking him repeatedly about how well he was doing in keeping all God's commandments and especially about whether he was serious about stopping his sins so that he could quit being a frequent covenant-breaker. This time he said that he felt so unworthy that he had stopped taking the sacrament (communion). This is a good step. But he was still striving to stop his sins rather than giving up and crying out for mercy. Earlier in the day, David #2 (RM) had come by the table. In the fall he and I had had a long friendly conversation about the nuances of his sin and his attempt to offer God something to “merit” receiving the atonement. About ten Mormons and a few Christians had watched attentively. He immediately picked up the conversation from the fall and demanded that I tell him how I knew personally that the Bible was true, reminding me that I had refused to answer this previously. I recalled the conversation, and again refused on the ground that God did not have to prove to me that His word was true. He simply declared it to be. I jokingly asked him if he had yet repented of being a repetitive covenant-breaker, since we had discussed this matter in the fall. He said that he had stopped taking the sacrament because he felt so unworthy. He also seemed to be trying to figure out how to improve rather that give up and rest in Christ. This is a good sign of some conviction of sin stirring in Spencer and David because there is great pressure to be phony at the sacrament. Pray for God to give them deep conviction of sin and frustration in all their striving to improve. Then the gospel will make sense to them.

In between David #2 and Spencer, Brad #2 (RM) came by the table. For a returned missionary, he was unusually honest about the seriousness of his sin. He freely admitted that he had not noticed how he had been lying to God every Sunday at church. Now he did notice and made no excuses. Mormons usually are quick and profuse with excuses. Brad agreed with these facts: the deity, death, resurrection, ascension, and sacrifice of Christ. He added that it is even true that Christ was the last and great sacrifice. He agreed that the only difference between us was that I rested in that sacrifice and he did not, since he had to keep the commandments. I told him that faith was resting in the facts of Christ's sacrifice, and therefore, he had no faith since he did not rest. I told him to read John, Acts, and Romans. He seemed very thoughtful and glad for the conversation. I suspect that he is close to the kingdom. Please pray for God to stir his heart to let go of any remnant of trying and rest in Christ's work for him.

We did not return to WSU on Thursday as we needed to prepare for the Oasis men's conference that would begin on Friday at 6 pm. At 4 pm on Friday, Curt, walked in Oasis looking for a Bible. A Hastings clerk had referred him. Curt, 45, had left Mormonism at 11, and said that he was a sinner who deserved hell. He was attracted by the gospel but wanted to read the Bible to be sure. I invited him to the conference and so a brother picked him up 30 minutes later. Many brothers spoke with Curt about the Lord at the conference to point him to the cross. He became a believer a week later on Friday, May 1. The next day, Saturday, he spoke by phone all day with his much older brother, Craig, who hung up on him three times. They are close and talk often. Every month for twenty years, Craig had called and tried to convince Curt to read the Book of Mormon, but to no avail. This time Curt sought to kindly convince Craig that the Bible is all you need to know Jesus. The Lord gave Curt an unusual blessing in the weekend with those Christian men who loved him. He says that life is all about God's love for sinners. Pray for God's grace to flow through him as he talks to his friends and relatives.

Eli and I began door-to-door evangelism on Saturday using the good person test. At the first house we witnesed to David, a Mormon bishop! We talked 30 minutes about sin and salvation. Hopefully God gave him new thoughts on Sunday as he again promised at church to keep all the commandments. At the second house was Emily. Upon failing the test she told Eli that she still thought she was a good person because she did not think her sin was very serious. He was able to share with her about the seriousness of offending God which she seemed to understand. After explaining the gospel, Eli gave her a dollar coin while reminding her that she did not earn it by passing the test. It was simply a gift to remind her that free gift of salvation in Christ. At the next house was Travis, who was in the process of moving out, but still wanted to take the test. Later, John, his brother arrived to help him move. He joined the conversation. Eventually Travis got back to moving and we talked further with John about his unworthiness and the free gift of perfection. First outing results: 90 min., ½ block, 3 houses, 3 conversations, no refusals. On the walk back to the bookstore I gave a comic tract to a young man. This led to a 30 minute conversation with three atheist (ex-LDS) mockers: Nate, Aaron, and Shell, who had read the tract before (repeatedly). I teased them about sin and grace and told them about a forgiven murderer. Eli was praying. May the Lord move them to drop in at Oasis. We would like to go door-to-door with the test weekly and see other believers catch a vision for this. If you are local and want to join us, and want to learn how to witness to Mormons the easy way, contact us (435-753-8697 or [e-mail]). We are praying for God to bring believers to join us in this.

On May 17, 16 eager witnesses from Oklahoma will arrive here to help Valley Church in Smithfield witness in the community. Valley Church is somewhat new and is the only Christian church in a town of 10,000 (7 miles from Logan). These saints will be in town for five days to help the saints here. Sunday afternoon (May 17) at 2pm, at Alan Taylor's house, Eli will explain how to witness to Mormons for the benefit of the friends from Oklahoma. Local saints are welcome to join even if they don't attend Valley Church. Afterward the saints will go door-to-door in Smithfield. Feel free to join. Materials will be provided. For directions or more details, call Alan 757-5973 or Eli at Oasis 753-8697. Another group from Oklahoma will come in June to build on this work. Please pray.

INSIGHT:

IN MORMONISM: Mormons believe that contention is of the devil, and that if a conversation has any contention whatsoever, whatever is being said in not of the Lord. When Mormons feel contention when you are witnessing to them, they will think what you are saying is not of the Lord, and justify rejecting your message.

IN THE BIBLE: The Bible teaches that “Only by pride cometh contention.” (Proverbs 13:10, KJV), so that it is the one who feels contention that is at fault because of pride. When a person's pride or self-security is wounded, they often react with agitation and anger (contention). Whenever there is contention, it is because there is pride involved. Meekness in evangelism is the key to witnessing successfully to Mormons, so that when they feel upset about what you are saying and try to explain it away by saying your words are of the devil, you can kindly point them to Proverbs 13:10 and show them that it is the one who is feeling contention that is really at fault. Jesus and His apostles stirred up a lot of contention! That does not mean that their words were of the devil, but that their hearers were full of pride. Contention will often exist when preaching the gospel, but we as Christians must avoid getting agitated lest we be the ones exposed for having pride!

(Might this principle apply beyond evangelism?)

Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,
Brad Scheelke
Logan Utah

oasisbooks.blogspot.com

[rivqah]

Praise the Lord! This is wonderful to hear how God is using you. The Lord was speaking to me yesterday about keeping a journal. I used to keep one long ago but haven't felt led to up till now.

I will continue to keep you all in prayer as always. God bless you!

[Eli Brayley]

Dear Friends,

Thank you to those of you who have been praying for God's work here. We appreciate it much. You have probably noticed already, but I have bolded key words throughout the newsletter to help give ideas for who and what to pray for. Please pray as you read through the note. Your prayers are greatly coveted.

In the last note of May 13, I mentioned the then upcoming door-to-door evangelism day of Valley Church in Smithfield, which is a town of 10,000 people 6 miles from Logan. It has only one Christian church which was planted in May 2008 as a daughter of a church in Logan. The high school of 1600 there has fewer that 10 Christian students. The spiritual need is great. The evangelism training went very well: the college students from Oklahoma were eager and saints from other churches in Logan joined in. Seventeen teams of 2 or 3 went door-to-door late Sunday afternoon and God arranged for many good conversations, mostly with older Mormons. One older Mormon, Stephen, was very receptive. Eli and Dennis, the pastor of Valley Church, have gone back to visit him again. Stephen has invited them back for further visits. The Oklahoma group later went through Smithfield hanging packets on doors—gospel messages and information about Valley Church and upcoming evangelistic events. June 13-18 another group from a church in Oklahoma will be in Smithfield to help with these events: Vacation Bible School in the park, a block party, a showing of the Christian film “Fireproof”, and more. Please pray for God to open doors into lives and hearts of Mormons in the town.

God continues to bless our times of door-to-door evangelism in Logan. Three weeks ago, Jonathan, a brother who had been an active Mormon before finding Christ, and I knocked on one door and spoke for two hours to Brent, a young married returned Mormon missionary. Conversation was calm and gracious as we took him through the good person test. He did not even flinch as he spoke glowingly about his goodness and plans to become a god. Most Mormons would probably laugh and say he was lying by denying that he ever disobeyed his parents as a child or ever had a sinful thought, word or attitude toward his wife. He did admit a few sins and so failed the test, but would not take the dollar coin that we offered to him as a picture of God's grace to an undeserving sinner. Jonathan later told me how Brent's self-righteousness reminded him of how he used to be. Brent actually saw his sin as an asset since it gave him opportunity to improve. Pray for God to help Brent feel the weight of his sin.

Last Saturday, as we knocked on doors looking for someone at home, we handed a tract to a young man on a bike named Travis. He stopped us and asked us what we were doing. Eli and Ed J. had a long conversation with him about sin and salvation. He realized that he was a sinner and did notice that what Eli and Ed were sharing with him was not what his bishop had told him. The bishop told him to try harder. Travis seems to want more. Pray for God to bring him by Oasis. When Eli and Ed finally knocked on a door, Mari, a young Catholic Hispanic mom invited them in. She was shocked at discovering the seriousness of her sin, and was also just as shocked to hear the gospel. She seemed much effected when they gave her the dollar coin as a token of God's gift of salvation to an undeserving sinner. She may have become a Christian, or else is certainly is close to the kingdom. Pray for us to visit her again soon and for Mari to join a Bible study. In the meanwhile, Hannah (age 12), Ed's daughter, and I visited through the screen door for 90 minutes with Joyce, an 85-year old active Mormon who is a very articulate retired educator. I had prayed for her for years and had left tracts and blessings on her doorstep. She wanted to take the test. As we applied the ten commandments to her life in surgical detail and from many angles, she kindly and repeated denied ever violating God's commandments. She told us many stories to illustrate her good deeds and good life. I mentioned that the apostle of love said that God is so holy that He considers hatred to be murder, and asked if she had ever hated. Joyce could not wait for me to finish but blurted out that there were some people that she still hated with every fiber of her being, longing for them to be in the hottest part of the fires of hell. She said that they deserved it. She spoke much of this and said that she was not guilty because they deserved it. When we mentioned that God's standard of judgment was perfect obedience, she finally admitted that she was not perfect. We told her that she failed and was not good according to God. She would not take the test paper with the gospel presentation on the back or the dollar coin as a token of grace. But she almost would not let us go and seemed to want another visit. Please pray for God to reveal her need of grace. This will take a real miracle, but our God specializes in hard cases.

Ed J. has frequent conversations with white-collar Mormons on his long commute to, and at, the office of the rocket factory. He does not attack their church but rather asks personal questions like: Can a person say he has repented if he has not stopped all his sins? Or, if God has given you the ability to keep all the commandments, why don't you? Or, isn't it a lie to promise God something you admitted you know you won't do? Mormons love spiritual conversation, but not in this way of honesty. We Christians have the freedom to be honest about out sins, but these men are under such pressure to pretend to be perfect that they have begun to get angry with Ed. They are so nice that they always apologize later. One man had Ed against a wall and was berating him. Anger in calm conversation about sin is a good sign that God's holiness is working to disarm the sinner. Pray for God to fill Ed with even more love and grace and to save Matt, Dave and the others.

Edwin has been back in many times the past month for much conversation about sin and the scriptures. He is smart and proud of it. He claims to be striving to stop his sins and says there is no other way to God. He doesn't like the completely-free gift idea. Friday I asked if he had sinned in the prior three days. He pondered much and said, “Certainly no sins of commission.” He then took the Lord's name in vain. I pointed it out. His lack of noticing it seemed to bother him. The day before, Eli had quizzed Edwin about his definition of a Christian. Edwin kept lowering the standard as each time Eli pointed out that Edwin did not meet his own standard. This seemed to effect him. Giving up seeking one's own righteousness is traumatic. Pray for God to give him a deep conviction of sin so that he will see his need of grace.

Shirley, a 78-year old widow, came by Oasis in May to sell me something. In our friendly conversation she mentioned the atonement, and so off we went. As she explained her way of salvation and I probed with questions she began to realize her sin and God's perfect standard. She sadly said that she had done everything in the Mormon temple but still had no assurance. She then asked for my thoughts on how to get forgiveness. As I shared she listened eagerly to the way of grace. She seemed attracted and was very glad for the conversation. She has been back several times since. Pray for God to open her heart to come to Bible study.

J.B. came by Oasis on Wednesday to talk. Edwin had referred him. JB grew up steeped in Judaism but confessed that he had no true knowledge of God. He recently joined Mormonism for a woman. Eli, whose own background is Jewish, listened for two hours as JB poured out his troubles. JB said that next time he will listen. Eli anticipates much future conversation with JB. Pray for God to draw, convict and save him.

After a few Saturdays of door-to-door evangelism, we have worked out a long-term schedule. All interested saints are invited to meet at Oasis at 10 am every Saturday to pray and get organized for going door-to-door. At 10:30 we will go out—then we will meet back at Oasis about noon for prayer, conversation and/or lunch. If you know the Lord and want to learn to love the lost, then you are qualified. Beginners will be paired with those with some experience. No minimum or maximum age limits. Oasis will provide all the materials and the dollar coins. We will be doing this weekly through October. If you are not local please pray for us.

This Friday afternoon, June 12, from 1:00 to 4:30, we will have evangelism training at the Jarvis' home -- the usual Friday youth Bible study location, 132 S 300 W in Logan. We expect mostly youth, but adults are welcome. No cost. No experience needed. This will repeat in more detail the Smithfield training, with more time for questions and discussion and some practice via role-playing. Invite your friends.

INSIGHT: MORMONS believe that works are necessary to receive salvation. [faith + works = salvation] They like to quote verses from James 2 to prove this. They think that perfect works are required. They are conditioned to think that we Christians teach that works have no value. IN THE BIBLE: James 2:14 actually says: “What does it profit my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” Help a Mormon notice that the verse applies only to those who say they have faith but have no works. A true Christian has faith and he does have works, thus the verse does not apply to him. We Christians value works very highly as a fruit of salvation, but not as a prerequisite for salvation. [faith = salvation + works]

Thank you for your prayers,

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,
Brad Scheelke
Logan, Utah


oasisbooks.blogspot.com

[Eli Brayley]

Dear Friends, August 23,2009

Thank you again to those of you who have been praying for God's work here. We appreciate this much and hope these letters encourage you to see that God is shining His light in the darkness of the Mormon culture in Utah. In bold are key words throughout the newsletter to help give ideas for whom and what to pray. Please pray as you read through the note.

In letters of 3/23 and 4/3 I asked you to pray for Ross, a USU freshman. Last week he stopped by and told us that he had prayed the sinners prayer, was back for the fall, and ready to join Bible study. Praise the Lord! Pray for him to be a good witness to his fellow students and to his Mormon family back home. We have previously requested prayer for Ben, Jon, and Mike, the three “Mormon” atheists that Eli did Bible study with in gospel of John the past year. They were back on campus and in Oasis and said that they are eager to resume the Bible study. They are also eager for us to resume campus preaching and asked if Eli would speak to the Atheist club on campus. Pray for God to draw and save these three and to give us wisdom in how to take advantage of the many open doors for the gospel.

At the County Fair here, August 6-8, Oasis Books had a booth (for the third year) with large banners declaring, “Are you a good person? Pass the test. Earn $1.” Saints from various churches and a few from Ogden and Salt Lake City joined the effort. Several high-school youth helped administer the test. This was the best year yet. More patience, kindness, grace, and boldness flowed from the saints. Probably 350 to 500 Mormons heard the gospel clearly-- individually or in small groups. Sometimes people were lined up waiting to take the test. We gave away 190 dollar-coins as gifts to folks who seemed thoughtful about the seriousness of their having failed God's test (the Ten Commandments). Upon failing the test, Mormons usually told us that God would not hold their sins against them because they were planning to repent and thus get the atonement (Christ's payment for their sins). The key to the conversations was asking what “repent” meant. Mormons would explain that they become worthy by repenting, which means: be sorry, apologize and then try to never sin again. If they stopped all their sins, they said that then God would forgive them. Most Mormons, especially the youth, eventually told us that they knew that they would never stop their sins. They were then stuck, not knowing any other way to get the atonement, though they wanted it. This was the door to tell them about the gift of forgiveness paid fully by the blood of Christ and given freely to unworthy sinners who could do nothing to prepare to receive it. We used the coin as a surprise gift to illustrate God's great gift. Some thought this very good news. Others were suspicious about a “free gift.” Here are a few to pray for. But very many more seemed to have an “aha moment” as we discussed the gift.

Alan gave the test to a young Mormon named Billy. Billy failed and realized that he was in trouble and deserved Hell. When he heard that God called him to rest fully in Christ's work for him, he wanted to pray on the spot and be free. With tears he silently prayed, confessing his sin. Then Alan prayed aloud for him. Pray for him to grow in the Lord and to find a Bible Study. Eli spoke to Alan and Wendy, a couple in their 40's who had drifted away from their Mormon roots. They both saw that they were in big trouble with God and were attracted to the good news like parched men to a fountain. Tears streamed down Alan's face as Eli shared the gospel with them. Eli invited them to Oasis and a Bible Study. They seem close to the kingdom. Nicole, a USU freshman and Catholic, came to take the test. She wore an attractive cross, failed the test and didn't know why God should forgive her—maybe if she changed enough. Her friends kept pestering her to leave with them, but she brushed them off. She was very glad to hear the good news and said that she was going to start reading her Bible. We encouraged her to find a Bible study on campus.

Marion (97 years old) asked if she could take the test. She and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, sat with me for an hour as we went through the test and then discussed God's demand for perfect righteousness. They admitted their inability to stop all their sins so as to become worthy for grace. They liked the idea of the free gift but were confused about how good works fit in. Ruth thanked me for the clear explanation of how God so highly values good works that He requires a person be purified first before doing them. It was beginning to make sense to her. She said that she would be by Oasis for more conversation. Jeremy, the Mormon who produces our Bible-discussion TV program for his secular station, came by and filmed me giving the test to Zhenya, a young Mormon, who seemed thoughtful about his failure. Zhenya eagerly took a New Testament. Jeremy said that everyone kept giving him lists of religious things to do to be right with God. He said that he was just too sinful and would have to go to Hell. I gave him my short list: that he had to 1) give up on his own righteousness and 2) trust fully in Christ's righteousness. He laughed and said he wasn't ready. Pray for God to convict him. Maury has taken my tracts for years. Joe had a wonderful conversation with him over the test. Maury told him that he was done with Mormonism and wanted hope. Later he told me that that he would come by Oasis. Many Hispanic youth (nearly all Catholic) took the test. Many were eager for the gospel upon realizing their state before God. We invited them to Bible study and gave them free books.

Jesse, a thoughtful Catholic college student took the test and saw that he was a sinner. As Eli explained grace and offered him the coin, Jesse said that something inside himself would not allow him to take the coin. Eli said it was pride and Jesse quickly agreed. Jesse declared that it would be shameful to take the coin. He seemed to understand the shame of the cross and did not want it, and so would not take the coin. Some Mormons would not take it either. One threw it back. One father brought it back and criticized us for making young people feel guilty. May our gracious God cause those seeds to grow in young hearts that honesty about sin and the cross would meet and bear fruit.

Travis and his wife Shayna came by the booth and talked with Eli. Eli had spoken with them twice before as we went door to door. They are done with Mormonism. Eli has invited them to Oasis and Bible study, but they have not come yet.

We have continued to go door to door Saturday mornings in the neighborhood near Oasis. A few saints have joined us on occasion and we hope as word gets out that others will too. We use the good person test to start the conversation and don't remember even a single person (who was not busy) declining to talk. Last time, Eric, 33 and Catholic, invited us in to talk. Eric had the Ten Commandments on his wall. He was sensitive to his sin and realized he deserved Hell. He welcomed the gospel, eagerly took All of Grace, a book by Charles Spurgeon, and was very glad when we asked if we could pray with him. He may have become a believer. Someone had given him a Mormon Bible but he wanted one he could understand. We invited him to Oasis to talk and study the Bible. Pray for saints to join us and for ready hearts. If you are local and want to learn to witness the easy way, please join us at Oasis about 10 am Saturdays. We are usually back by 12:30. We hope to shift next week to the apartments around USU.

We plan to begin campus evangelism on September 1st and would like to be on the plaza 10 to 5 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through October. Eli preaches open-air by the fountain and I set up the free book table 40 feet away in the shade. In the past two years, many Mormons have come by to listen to the preaching or have discussions over the table. Pray for many Christians to join us to witness or learn to witness. In April we asked you to pray for Jason, a Christian missionary with the Navigators, who sensed God's call to come here to begin a campus work. The Navigators focus on evangelism and on campus Bible study. The Lord has opened many doors to make this a reality for Jason. And, his house in Tucson is in process of closing and so Jason and family should be here September sometime. Jason shares our vision of style of evangelism: compassionate boldness with a focus on the cross. We expect to team up with him to help him get a running start. Pray for favor with USU administration for us and him in these ventures. We strive to honor and bless the administration in all that we do. When there is a conflict, we plan to go 60 miles south to Weber State University, and team up with the InterVarsity group and other saints there. We have been somewhat disorganized in the past in connecting with them. Also, please pray for volunteers to help at Oasis while we are on campus. This has been a long term need for us. Last fall we gave away $4000 worth of books to students. Pray for provision for these free books.

Recently Eli wrote an article, How to Witness to Mormons: Our Philosophy of Ministry. We think this is the easiest way and a bold way, as well as a way to build relationships with Mormons for the future. The content is focused on witnessing to Mormons but applies more broadly. We would be glad to email you a copy. We have it in two forms: one for reading online and one for printing double-sided, folding and stapling in the center. Simply tell us which one (or both) you desire. Feel free to copy it for other Christians. [note: It is not designed for Mormons to read.]

INSIGHT:

IN MORMONISM: Mormons say that they believe in the Bible. They honestly mean this in a general sense but not in any specific way. Joseph Smith said in his first vision (in the Pearl of Great Price) that he was looking for wisdom but that there was so much disagreement among the Protestant ministers around him, that they destroyed ALL CONFIDENCE in using the Bible to gain God's wisdom about salvation. Thus, today, Mormons have no confidence in using the Bible to find God's wisdom. They learn from the Mormon Church. At the points where the Bible happens to agree with “the Church,” they feel comfortable using the Bible. Otherwise it is not useful. Mostly they have great confidence in their feelings in prayer to confirm their teachings.

IN THE BIBLE: In 2Timothy 3:16,17 the Holy Spirit declares that: “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." God has been faithful in giving and preserving His Word. Thus the Bible is fully useful, profitable, and reliable in gaining or teaching God's wisdom for salvation. Let's use the Word confidently with Mormons and let the Holy Spirit convict them of His truth. Don't expect them to be confident as they are standing on their feelings which are sinking sand.

Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,

Brad Scheelke

Logan Utah

oasisbooks.blogspot.com

[Eli Brayley]

Dear Friends, September 19, 2009

Thank you again for praying for God's work here. Because of the freedom USU has given us, we plan to be on the Plaza all day every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday preaching to the crowds of students and giving away free books at our table, as long as the weather holds. In the first two weeks, days have been long, usually 10 to 6. The second Tuesday was forecast to be rainy—after a very rainy Monday—and so we thought to plan to not go. One brother, whose wife was to cover Oasis in our absence, said that we ought to plan to go and he would pray. The weather cleared early in the morning and not a drop of rain fell on the books as the Lord provided many good conversations. One man has told us that Logan is forecast to have a long fall. May the Lord make it so, even into November. Mormons are gripped by a vision of Christ as a lawgiver. Martin Luther said that his greatest temptation was to see Christ as a lawgiver rather than to see Him as “nothing but joy and sweetness to a trembling and broken heart.” Please pray that the Lord would give us such a vision of His grace that all the saints who join us would model His grace, and joyously speak of the need of His grace and of the glorious riches of His grace.

A young freshman, ____, came by the table to talk. He had read our article on witnessing to Mormons and said it was not working for him. He said that he wants to witness but can't stand to listen to Mormons because he grew up a Christian in the Salt Lake City area and has already had as much of their message as he can take. I encouraged him to confess his sin of lack of love quickly whenever it surfaces, to pray often for God to fill him with love for the Mormons who surround him, and to expect God to answer. Over the years, many believers here have expressed to me that they have difficulty in loving Mormons. Please pray for the Lord to give us saints in Utah such a vision of His love for us that we would become marked by love for one another and for the Mormons who surround us. Specifically pray this for the brother above, who wants to learn this.

Last year a Mormon student, Laura, spent much time with us discussing righteousness and grace. On our second day on campus this month, she came by the book table, interrupted a conversation and declared that if there is any truth available, it was to be found at this table. She mentioned that she was leaving school due to unknown medical problems, and later laughingly stated that she would probably return from California a “born-again evangelical.” She seems ready to become a Christian but left town so suddenly that we did not get another conversation with her. Pray for God to heal her as a testimony of His grace. We plan to write her a letter soon encouraging her from death to life. The conversation that Laura interrupted was with Shelly, a quiet Mormon freshman, who in the two weeks since first leaving home, had decided to leave Mormonism. She mentioned seeking to evaluate which parts of her religion to keep and which to discard. She was smiling as she held her free books to her chest. Pray for God to draw her to Himself and to bring her back by the table when there is freedom to talk. Sometimes there are so many Mormons around the table desiring conversation, that conversations don't get finished.

As Eli preaches to the crowds, it is interesting to notice many students who are back day after day to ask more questions or simply to listen. Mormon questions are usually about faith, repentance and good works. Students hang around the plaza for hours listening while reading their books or waiting for class. Sometimes the students sit in a semicircle around him and the white board. Wonderful relationships are developing. On Thursday a “regular” Mormon was there when a “new” Mormon asked the common question, “What is faith?” The “regular” spoke up and said that he would answer it. He accurately told Eli's illustration of faith, which Mormons don't believe. It seems that walls are coming down and hearts are warming. Many Mormons thank Eli for having the courage to share his beliefs. Some return and apologize for having been judgmental or unkind toward him. Mormons are developing relationships with each other as they discuss heartfelt issues with us. May God use this to make them willing to be in Bible study together with Christians. Here are a few of the unbelievers who come by nearly everyday to talk or listen: Ben, Lucinda, Harvey, Shawn, Mike, Aaron, John, and Jordan.

Chris, a new student and recent convert to Mormonism, came by the table after listening to Eli preach. He had tried to speak with Eli, but there were too many people. He looked troubled and asked if there was any way he could speak with one of us. He told me his story about being a born-again Christian in California for nine years before becoming a Mormon—yes for a woman but also for himself. It was crowded. He went back to try Eli and then came back to the table and took our card. It appeared to me that he was discovering that Mormonism was not what he had thought. Pray for him to return.

Hussein, from Saudi Arabia came by the table and asked for an Arabic Bible. The following week he returned to get the Bible and eagerly listened as I encouraged him to read the Gospel of John, Acts and Romans. Last year he had taken an NIV NT among other materials, and we had had good conversation about sin and redemption. Other Saudi's have taken books or had conversation.

As Isaac, a Mormon and a regular from last year, and I talked about “how good is good enough” over the table, Rich, a fellow sitting nearby and listening, was drawn into the conversation. After Isaac left, Rich agreed that the harder he has tried the worse he has gotten. He had become guilt ridden in noticing that he can't change. Repentance without works was a pleasant surprise and he was glad to hear about free grace. He seems close to the kingdom. Please pray for him.

Shawn, a young Mormon student, who is openly homosexual, hangs around much listening to Eli preach, talking with me at the table, or listening to our conversations. We give him clear words about sin, righteousness and grace, and show him much kindness. He has frequently criticized all Christians and Mormons for picking on and being mean to homosexuals. I finally asked him if he thought Eli and I were like that. He said we were not, but the others were, so he could still criticize. It finally came out that his criticism of us is that he wants people to get to heaven by trying to be good. I told him that this is his only big sin and the only one he should worry about. Finally we had to go and he said he would continue the conversation on Tuesday. He had hoped we would be back sooner.

This morning while going door-to-door, we visited with Annie, who invited us in to give her the good person test. She was in town visiting her cousin. She is a freshman at BYU, where Christian evangelism is banned on campus and against the honor code. She saw her sin and did not fight against grace as most Mormons do. She gladly took the dollar as a gift and eagerly took All of Grace by Spurgeon. I told her that if she likes the book and wants copies for friends to contact us and we will gladly send them for free. I encouraged her to be honest with her Utah-Mormon friends about her sins because it would help them resist the social pressure to the pretenses that they have grown up with. She appreciated that. Pray for the Lord to save her soon and make her a bright light in that very dark place. At BYU conversion is probably still punished by expulsion.

INSIGHT:

IN MORMONISM: Repentance is a process that includes works and really is mostly works—the striving to be sincere, to stop all sins and to perfectly obey all God's commandments. Mormons are so gripped by this thinking that they cannot imagine anyone believing anything except a weaker version of it.

IN THE BIBLE: Repentance does not include works. Good works and a changed life are the fruit of repentance. Christ purifies sinners completely and makes them then zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). This way excludes pride (Eph 2:9) and makes salvation to be solely to the praise of the glory of His grace (Eph 1:6). We have found that conversations with Mormons are helped by explaining simply and clearly that the New Testament teaches a repentance that excludes works. Use the word “works” often with Mormons as it is an important word to them.

Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,

Brad Scheelke

Logan Utah

oasisbooks.blogspot.com

[Eli Brayley]

Dear Friends, November 2, 2009

Thank you for praying for God's work here. Our gracious Father is encouraging the few saints here to grow in grace and be light to the surrounding multitude who are trapped in the oppression of justification based on human performance. Those who are converted out of it tell us that it is truly a heavy and depressing load. Pray that we would see all the other true Christians as the Father does—as pure and perfect by the blood of Christ. He welcomed each us without hesitation and calls us to receive each other that way as well (Romans 15:7).
Loving one another is the way that unbelievers know that we are Christians (John 13:35). This is a beautiful evangelism tool. Pray for the Lord to help us here to shine up that tool to His glory.

Hussein, from Saudi Arabia, whom I mentioned in the last letter, came by the table again and said that he really likes our books. He said that his friends come over every night to read and discuss the Arabic New Testament. This seems rather unusual for Muslims. Pray for God to save them and send them back to Arabia as joyous missionaries of our gracious Lord.

Tyler heard Eli preach and came back hours later to talk. He had been ostracized by his Mormon family first for his sinful lifestyle and later for his lack of performance after he had sought to change and was trying to be a good Mormon. The gospel resonated with him. He now attends Eli's Thursday night study in Romans and shows a real desire to submit to the scriptures. He freely confesses himself to be a sinner.

Madison, a freshman from Washington, became a Christian in the past few months. Her Mormon family is applying much emotional and financial manipulation over this matter. She has joined Eli's Bible study and found a few saints for encouragement. Pray for her to grow in grace and get a 1 Peter 4:13-14 mindset that she may be ready for the big confrontation when she goes home for Christmas break. Peter reveals God's truth that a Christian ought to rejoice in suffering for Christ since it is a blessing to get reviled for Christ. This is a common blessing here for those like Madison. But it is also common temptation to forget the blessing, especially when the rejection is from loved ones. Pray that God would bring the blessing often to mind for those who face insults, rejection or ostracism.

Pete, an active Mormon, has been in conversation with us for two years and comes to Eli's study. He mostly listens. Certainly the Word is clear and the fellowship is sweet among the saints there. Pray for God to draw him to the cross.

Eli had a good talk with Jedd about the difference between Christian and Mormon repentance. Jedd was intrigued, went home and read Romans 1-5, and came back with questions.

Mike, an agnostic and former Mormon, comes by every day. He was in Bible study with Eli last year. He recently read Romans carefully and came by to declare that what we preach is what Paul taught. He knows the gospel better than most Christians. Pray for him to believe it.

Ben, a Jew, comes by to listen and talk nearly every day. He asks many good questions.
Jack is contemplating becoming a Mormon—his girlfriend is one. He was very thoughtful as Eli spoke with him for over an hour.

Bradley, a Jew and an older student, just returned from 3 tours in Iraq. He jogged by many times before he came close enough for a first greeting. Later he came back to talk. I read Isaiah 53 to him and asked for his thoughts. He was unsure and asked what I though. He did not resist as I explained how Isaiah spoke of the sacrifice of Christ. We seem to have hit it off, even sharing a common name. He has come by several times to talk. I have extended him an invitation for dinner with my family. He says he will be free during Christmas holidays. He has no family nearby. Pray for God to prepare his heart.

Anna, a California Mormon, stopped by the table to talk. She was easy going and very flexible in her religious thinking. As we discussed at length sin and forgiveness she tried to make Christianity and Mormonism and even all religions fit together. She gradually began to think more clearly and finally expressed that she disagreed much with Mormon ideas, especially with performance requirements. She said she really can't relate to other Mormons and felt out of place. She began to appreciate the truth of resting in the work of another for a secure relationship with God. The gospel was beginning to make sense. She was eager to hear about Eli's study. She gladly took two books on grace. I encouraged her to read Romans. Pray for her to return and for her to see the depths of her sin.

Two Christian students from the Dominican Republic, Melina and Eliot, stop by the table often. They want to help witness and to discuss the Bible with us. Melina has a Mormon roommate, Carol, who is also from the Dominican Republic. They had been friends but the university put them in the same suite. Carol has begun going to church with Melina and asking many questions. Pray for her to become a Christian soon so as to be prepared to go back home to her Mormon family and be a bright light to them. It is a wonderful testimony of God's grace when an out-of-state Mormon comes to the Mormon heartland and is converted to the true gospel of righteousness by faith alone. May God multiply these testimonies.

This week, Nov 3-5, is forecast to be warm and sunny on campus. [Last week was snowy and cold.] This will probably be our last week at USU this fall. Pray for many students to return for more conversation and for God to convict them of sin and save some.


INSIGHT:
“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.” --Galatians 2:16
Why should a person believe in in Christ?

IN MORMONISM: Believing in Christ is the first step in the long process of becoming justified by faith plus works. This process makes a person worthy to return and live with the father in heaven.

IN THE BIBLE: The Bible teaches that we believe in Christ that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by any works on our part. Justification by faith alone glorifies God's grace. Mormons can't stand the idea of faith alone—such is too easy. The above question is a good one to ask a Mormon to get to the heart of the matter.

Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,
Brad Scheelke

Logan Utah

oasisbooks.blogspot.com

[Eli Brayley]

Dear Friends, January 26, 2010

Greetings in our gracious Lord who has made all our troubles to be places of strength and joy as we embrace with the apostle Paul what he heard from Christ. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor 12:9 Thank you for your prayers for God's work here in His people as we seek to grow in grace together and witness together of His grace to the Mormons we live among. May the glory of God's grace be praised more and more here in Utah.

A dear Christian friend, Kim, suffers from ALS, commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease. She was a self-righteous Episcopalian for 40+years until her conversion to Christ 5 years ago, about the time of her diagnosis with ALS. She lives at home across the street from Oasis. We have spent much time together these 5 years. Her mind is sharp, but she has lost control of most muscle function. Since July she has been cared for at home by CNA's (feeding, dressing, etc.), most of whom are USU students who are active Mormons. Since Kim gets one-on-one attention, there is much opportunity for spiritual conversation—a bit drawn out though because she can only speak letters rather than words. Kim and a few Christian friends have witnessed much to these young Mormons. Because they are students, they last only a few weeks or months as their schedules change. Here are some to pray for: Melissa, Clair (grand-daughter of a Mormon Apostle) , Meg, Katie (president of Mormon woman's group), Ursula, and Hannah. They even get paid to sit with Kim at church. Hannah was very glad to get to go to church weekly with Kim. Ursula listened many hours to Eli preach on campus and to us witness privately to Mormon students. Kim's new aid, Anika, is very thoughtful. She has said that Eli has given her a new vision of grace. She has asked if it would be OK for her to go to Eli's Bible study on campus. She came to work early Wednesday so she could be with Kim at our Bible study. She said Wednesday that everyone goes to heaven, but that a person's level there depends on his/her level of obedience here. She is planning to serve a Mormon mission in another year. Please pray for God to show her the depths of her sin and the beauty of the gift of His righteousness. May God save her soon to be a missionary to her own Mormon people. Pray also for God's healing of Kim and for Him to give her an ever-growing vision of 2 Cor 12:9 so that her wheelchair would be a place of continually overflowing joy and grace and strength of heart in her near-total-physical helplessness.

In September, Matt, 18, became a Mormon in Texas. He recently moved to Logan to gain residency to attend the university here. Two weeks ago he read the sign in the window of Oasis and came in to talk. Eli told him of the way of righteousness and of salvation by grace. He was interested, but went home in utter confusion and read Genesis and Exodus, finally falling asleep exhausted and in great turmoil. The turmoil lasted until he phoned Eli on Wednesday. They read and discussed Romans 3 and 4 and 1 Corinthians 1 and 2. At one point in the conversation the scales lifted and he said that he felt like he had been punched in the chest when he saw that there was no boasting—that salvation was by faith alone. We believe that he came to true faith that night. The next night he was soaking up everything in Romans 6 at the campus Bible study. Thank the Lord for His grace. Pray for Matt to grow in grace, to love the Mormons he knows, and to clearly and kindly tell them of the way of righteousness as a gift by faith. Pray for God's provision of a job as well.

On Wednesday, Wayne, a Mormon in his 50's, came in Oasis and purchased a New Testament. Eli kindly engaged him in conversation about righteousness. Wayne was troubled by reading James 2:10 and the seriousness of one sin making a man guilty of all. But he also said that even though he would like righteousness to be a gift from God, such was not true: you had to “earn” your righteousness. When Wayne said that we are on this earth to learn right from wrong, Eli asked him if he lived up to what he already knew. Wayne sadly said that he didn't. Eli then asked him what that said about him and his character. He was obviously in conflict. As Wayne left, he repeatedly told Eli that Eli was crazy. He came back shortly thereafter to apologize and continue the conversation. He confidently declared Mormonism to be the only truth. We smiled as he left knowing that he would be back. His next visit will be a good time to ask him about his weekly promise to live in perfect obedience. Pray for God to show him the seriousness of his sin and his need for the free gift of righteousness.

In addition to evangelism, Oasis' ministry significantly includes edifying the saints and promoting unity among the saints in and beyond our county of 110,000 people and 25 small cities and towns where there are about 10 smallish English-speaking gospel-preaching churches (plus 5 Spanish ones). Utah is known as Mormon country and as such, outside the larger cities, there are small gospel-preaching churches scattered across the remote rural countryside. Over the years we have prayed for and with some of these saints. We have mailed books to encourage pastors who often labor in isolation. We have given books to these brothers as we have met them. Recently we have received a few financial gifts to send boxes of books to bless a few of these isolated churches. These gifts came because Oasis is moving this spring to a new location in town and has an overstock of books. We would invite any of you readers to send a donation of $65 to pay for a box of books and postage to encourage one of these small churches. You can give us the name of the church you would like to bless, if you know one. Otherwise we will choose. If you know of such small churches in Mormon country, but don't have money, please send us the names and we will add them to the list of churches to bless. If you would like a tax receipt, then send the donation to Community Christian Ministries, PO Box 9754, Moscow ID 83843. Attach a note indicating for Oasis Books for rural churches. Otherwise send the gift to Oasis Books 76 E 400 N, Logan UT 84321. The gift will go 100% to books and postage. In at least three counties (and probably several more) there is only one gospel-preaching church. Please pray for one of these churches fifty miles from here: First Baptist Church in Malad, a church of 25, the only church in a town of 2100, the only church in a county of 4100 people and 1,200 square miles (I exclude the small liberal group and the Catholic mission). Jack Harwell is the pastor. He has a few eager men to stand with him. Pray for God to give them such a big vision of the cross that their hearts would overflow with love and grace toward one another and that they would witness boldly and graciously to their Mormon neighbors. May God save many there.

INSIGHT on communicating simply that Mormons are not Christians: (from a recent conversation between Eli and Anika)

Anika (inquisitively): Are Mormons Christians?

Eli (smiling): No.

Anika (curiously): Why not?

Eli (graciously): Because of what a Christian is. A Christian is someone who has already received what Jesus has done for him [the atonement]. A Mormon is trying to obtain what Jesus has done for him [the atonement].

Anika: That makes sense.


Thank you for your prayers.

In our faithful Lord Jesus Christ,

Brad Scheelke

Logan Utah

oasisbooks.blogspot.com