Welcome to the blog for Protect Western Oaks.
For our first entry, we want to give all the opportunity to share what Pastor Jeff and Melodee Blevins have meant in their lives. All who have been touched by their lives are welcome to share, whether you're currently a member of Western Oaks or not.
Pastor Jeff and Melodee have served the Lord with integrity for 18 years at Western Oaks, touching hundreds upon hundreds of lives. So just like you were at a church testimony meeting, take a few moments to let others know how the Lord used these two servants in your lives. Or you may just want to share an encouraging word with them.
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And come back to this site for more information in the days to come.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
How Have Pastor Jeff and Melodee Blessed You?
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From the first moment we walked through the door at WOBC, our family has been blessed by Pastor Jeff's sincere and loving heart. We knew right away that the comments that he made to us as we left after a message on Sunday were genuine. Although, it took us several months to finally join the Church, we were drawn in, in part due to Pastor Jeff's calm "no pressure" nature. As a matter of fact, I have carried a card that he sent to our family around in my day-planner for the last couple of years. The card says, "Just wanted to let you know you have been missed. Hope we will see you back this sunday. If there is anything I can do, let me know, Pastor Jeff". This was the first time in my entire life that I think I actually believed what was on a card that came from a church.
Since that time, we have had the opportunity to get to know and really love Melodee as well. She has such a heart for God, and deeply cares for those around her.
Thank you Pastor Jeff and Melodee for your years of sacrifice. They will not go unnoticed in the Kingdom of God.
We love you both beyond words!
Kevin and Cindy McConnell
Sine we came to Western Oaks Pastor Jeff and Melodee have been a wonderful blessing. They have shown the love they have for Christ and his kingdom in everything they have done. They have talked and prayed with us on many different occasions. The one moment that stands out in our minds is how Jeff blessed Abigail and Christopher before they passed away and how he was there for us as we lost them. He spent many countless hours sitting in the hospital praying for us and guiding us through the most difficult thing we have had to endure in our lives. We are so grateful to have had a pastor and his family who are so caring and loving. Pastor Jeff and Melodee we thank you so much for the way you have ministered to us throughout the time we have spent here. May God bless you as you touch other lives in His work.
Pastor Jeff and Melodee have been a main stay at WOBC. For me and my family it has meant being baptized by Jeff and leading me and family down the right path. There has been times I have strayed from the right thing and Jeff has been there to just tell me "that was really dumb". And of course it was. He has sacrificed his family time for mine, putting my needs in front of his own. And anytime you just need to talk his door was always open. Jeff would stop whatever he was doing and focus on me.
Jeff and Melodee are a key part to my walk with the lord. My family all loves you Jeff and Melodee.
Thanks for all your sacrifices.
Tom and Jan Andrews
Although we haven't been members of WOBC for a long time, Pastor Jeff has managed to be a huge blessing in our lives. He has counciled me through tough times and always bent over backwards to help me and pray with me. With him being who he is, he has given me the ability to overcome so many conflicts I have dealt with for many years. Watching how Jeff lives his life has helped me to be a better person in my own life. His gentle, kind, never quick to anger nature has made me want to be more like him and therefore brought me closer in my walk with God.
Although we did not know Melodee well, we always saw the strengh in her and how committed she was to her husband.
Pastor Jeff and Melodee, Thank you for be such an encouragement to us.
With love and support,
James and Sarah Shriver and Family
Several years ago, we began searching for a new church after the collapse of our previous church. We visited WOBC several times. Each time, I was impressed by the ministry of Pastor Jeff - he just exuded a true pastor's heart for ministry. His words were always authentic, spirit led, and from the heart. As it happens often when you are lost and searching, other things got in the way of regular church attendance, and we definitely were not regulars! Then came the day when we found out that Grant had a 90% blockage in a main artery in his heart and would need open heart surgery. We came back to God really fast(although never fully away)! One of the first things we did was to call for "our pastor". It was a Saturday, we left a message at the church, and Jeff did not get it until Monday morning. And even though we were not regular attenders, Jeff was right there for us that Monday as soon as he heard. He prayed with us, and helped support us through a scary time. Some months later, we met with Jeff to become members of WOBC. His vision and passion for our church are just so on target with what I feel God would wish a church to be. The lead pastor of church is the face of the church to many people, and we truly see Jesus in you!
Blessings to you both, Jeff and Melodee. We are praying for you.
Grant & Claudia Warren
I still remember it. I still remember the first Sunday I attended Western Oaks. From the time I walked in the doors, I felt welcome and felt like I was home. That great feeling was a combination of some of the great people at Western Oaks and because of Pastor Jeff.
I haven't known Jeff that long but I learned a great deal about him during the men's trip to Colorado in March. Jeff truly is a man of God. He cares about everyone and has sacrificed so much in his life to help others. Jeff really opened up on that trip and let me into his life. At the times I felt blessed to be in his presence. Here was a man that has given his life to make sure others know God. What a blessing to experience that and to be around someone life Jeff. Even though I no longer live in the area, Jeff is still my pastor.
I want to thank Pastor Jeff for everything he has done at Western Oaks. I pray that your next journey is full of happiness and love.
God Bless!
Chris Stroisch
It has been our pleasure to know pastor Jeff. There have been times when his presence was felt in our lives, but never one that is over bearing. He has a true spirit from God. He has never been one to condemn us when we failed, but to lift us up to Christ.
Our family has been made greater by his love and concern.
Our walk with Christ has been made closer by his love and concern.
Our faith has grown stronger by his love and concern.
Pastor has filled our lives with his love and concern.
That did not come from himself, but from the love that he has received from almighty God.
The bible teaches that the pastor is the one who answers to God for the work of the Lord.
He has nothing in his ministry that needs called out or to be questioned by man. To do so puts man above God. Those who have done so need to look back and reflect how pastor has loved them without reserve. How he has given his life for the ministry of Christ.
He was called by God. He asnwers to God. As will we also answer to God in regards to our lives and paths we take. The comments we have made both public and private will be made know. I pray that nothing in my, or my families lives has ever brought a bad word or thought about this man who is in God" hand and plan.
We love and support him and will miss him dearly.
Chuck and Theresa Heinemann
The first day we went to Western Oaks, we were blessed by the church, the only person that greeted us was Pastor Jeff. I don't mean that in a bad way, that's just how it happened. Pastor Jeff reminded me of my father, and my grandfather at the same time,- all pastors and in my opinion great men of God.
Going into the service, there was a wonderful praise service (several of the other churches had this as well), but when Pastor Jeff came up to preach, it was so clear after just a few moments that we were hearing from a man of God, preaching Gods message. The true shepherding nature of Jeffs ministry would not become clear to me for quite some time.
During the climbs, and all his ministering to his Church and my family, Jeff has left my and my family's heart forever changed.
My mother picked this verse out for me, and when I go through tough times I remember it and it reminds me that I do not go alone.
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26
That is my prayer and blessing for Jeff and Melody, that even a small portion of the blessings and of themselves that they have poured out over this church for the past 18+ years would come back to them as their own blessings.
To Western Oaks Members:
Please pray for them, and let them know personally what they have meant in your lives.
To Jeff and Melody:
Sometimes we see the fruits of our labor, sometimes we don't. Please don't be discouraged. God has not removed his hand from your lives and you are not being called into a ministry of mediocrity but one of incredible significance.
As you mentioned in the card that you sent Kevin, "If there is anything I can do, let me know". Not as a passing feel good comment, but true and from the heart.
We love you both and you, your family, lives, future and ministry are in our prayers.
Frank and Nadina Walters
Pastor Jeff greeted my family the first day we came to Western Oaks, and for me he has been a strong influence ever since. It was, in large part, Pastor Jeff who led me to return to WOBC when I had only just started looking for a church. I enjoyed his calm, heartfelt sermons, and he helped to make me feel at home at WOBC.
I have been fortunate to be able to attend both CLIMBs with Pastor Jeff. As we climbed in the mountains, Jeff helped me to explore my personal feelings about our Creator and His creation. Our evening discussions led me to a new understanding of myself, my place in the world, and my relationship with God. As we sat together, Pastor Jeff, the consumate teacher, did not preach to us, rather he helped us to find answers in God's word and in each other. He has always impressed me as being every bit a pastor and shepherd.
The day Jeff announced his resignation was the first time I left WOBC without feeling better than when I arrived. I will miss this simple, man of God. I will sorely miss his teaching. I pray that I will be able to stay in touch with him, so that I do not miss his friendship and guidance as well.
May God bless, guide and protect Jeff and Melodee. May He keep his hand upon them wherever He may choose to lead them.
I personally have never met Pastor Jeff & Melodee and yet I feel like I know them in my heart! My sister used to be the children's director or whatever title she carried before she injured her knee while doing her children's ministry work. Tammy has told me so many wonderful things about Pastor Jeff doing this or that, joking around with each other and just plain being "open & honest" with everyone he came in contact with!
I have personally been thru 2 church splits & let me tell you "men & women of God" it is NOT fun nor is it scriptural when "men" think they are more knowledgable than God's Word & teachings! It seems you (the church) have lost a WONDERFUL man & woman of God, and why is that? To allow the select few who "think" their way is the "right" way (or should is it "wright")? When you take your eyes OFF Jesus & what HE WANTS for your lives, you no longer have a body of believers; rather you have a cult...something that is run by a "man" and NOT God! The Word tells us in James..."RESIST THE DEVIL & HE WILL FLEE"... run fast before you are saturated by untruths & then have no means of escape.
To you Pastor Jeff & Melodee I will keep you in our prayers as you seek what the Lord wants for your lives. Continue to follow HIS truths and seek HIS face daily and you WILL BE BLESSED! Thank you for your ministry & loving heart toward my sister & her family. You truly are a blessing!
If you're looking for a new church to pastor, our church in Trenton, IL needs a pastor since our last one moved on to an athletic director's job in Kansas. ;-)
Cindy Holloway, Highland, IL
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