The Dynamic Impact of OUC Community Service
Debleaire K. Snell, Senior Pastor, OUC and Speaker/Director, BOL Ministries
Editor’s Note by Communication Ministry Leader
PATRICE THOMAS CONWELL
n the swing of the holiday season, nearing the end of 2024, I can’t help but assess what the past year has looked like for me, my family, my friends, my church, and the country at large.
Upheaval has been front and center for many of us, causing tension, worry, and stress. Our ability to see what’s not there, through faith’s eyes, has been challenged. My family and I endured being displaced from our home by fire and reconstruction for 15 months.
Family and friends have endured painful deaths and internal strife within their circles.
OUC members and students survived displacement from our church building awaiting the completion of structural improvements. The country is divided over political and ideological differences and the implications of their impacts.
Through it all, God provides the lens of blessings – past and present – through which to look at the present and future and be able to praise Him for what is and what’s coming. Focusing on His blessings, His promises, and the outcomes already experienced continue to assuage our stomach knots and emotional discomfort.
So, having enjoyed Thanksgiving and as we approach Christmas, I hope you, like I, truly feel thankful for all we’ve experienced up to now. I hope we can accept the negatives as God’s tools for continuing to build our faith. I hope we’re learning to feel content –though not passively – in whatever state we’re in while we allow God to do whatever He needs to do to save us. I hope we’re using life’s lessons as a buffer to endure whatever comes next.
And I hope we’ll share all of our lessons with each other and with others, so we can all profit from a stronger connection to God, active faith, unshakable hope, and, ultimately, eternal life.
Happy holidays and here’s to 2025!
InOther WORDS...
Design
Editorial
A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR DEBLEAIRE K. SNELL
COUNTRY GOD
ver the last year, a very intense debate has roiled about the role of the church in government. There has been an attempt to merge principles of patriotism and Christianity under the banner of God and country.
We’ve seen entities create Donald Trump Bibles which included copies of the Constitution or Declaration of Independence serving as a buffer between the Old Testament and New Testament. Christian symbols have experienced a revival as the Louisiana governor passed legislation to place The 10 Commandments back in public schools. The principles of Project 2025 firmly support the principles of Christian nationalism.
And as an ardent believer, you would assume that this would cause great celebration. You would think that true believers view this as a move of God. And yet these things cause my prophetic “spidey senses” to tingle. These things are actually a cause for great concern. Here’s why:
Reason 1
Politics and religion are unequally yoked. The tenets of Jesus Christ do not align with any culture or system of governing. To merge the two, you would have to dilute the principles of Christianity or manipulate them to fit whatever the political agenda may be.
Politics and Christianity don’t mix. Every time the two are merged, it is the result of a political entity using religion as a pretext to gather influence with the masses to push an agenda. That is oftentimes unrighteous; i.e. the way the Bible was used to promote the tenants of transatlantic slavery.
Jesus describes the influence of the Christian church in the world this way. “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:13-14, NIV).
...You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden”
The religion of Christ was never designed to dictate or control government or culture. Through the providential placement of godly men and women, Christianity should influence the culture with the same subtleness that salt flavors bland food or the silent pressure light places on darkness. The Christian church was never designed to be a political force multiplier. The Christian church was to maintain its distinctiveness by operating with political autonomy so that its purity could never be diluted by partisan agendas. This is not to say that Christians should withdraw from the process. This is not to suggest that Christians should not vote. Christians are to be socially conscious, politically aware, and civic-minded while maintaining a distinct loyalty to Jesus Christ that supersedes governmental loyalties.
Reason 2
Whenever government establishes or prioritizes a single religion, it happens at the expense of someone else’s conscience. It is often celebrated in churches that Nebuchadnezzar made a law requiring that no one worships any God except the God of Daniel and the three Hebrew boys. It seems like a great thing. However, this is not a cause for rejoicing. It is that ideology and line of thought that put Daniel in danger in Daniel chapter 6, as he was cast into the lion’s den because he elected to pray to God three times a day. State-sponsored religion is only a good thing when the state endorses the beliefs that you share. However, there inevitably comes a time when someone in power promotes a different set of beliefs that may put you in conflict with your convictions.
The gospel is to be preached through spirit-filled preachers and Christlike lay persons. It is to be received voluntarily and acted upon by faith. It is the result of choice, not pressure. The one limitation that God has assigned to Himself, is that He does not trespass the boundary of choice. Governmental force will never be the catalyst for true Bible conversion which requires a conscience that is not fettered or coerced by any entity outside of the presence of the Holy Spirit. The only time I will embrace the idea of a religious kingdom is when the prophecy of Daniel chapter 2 is realized; when the “rock cut out of the mountain without hands” destroys every earthly kingdom, and the kingdom of Christ is established with no end. Until then let us be diligent in our work, authentic in our character, and intentional in our witness that we might operate as salt and light in a fallen world.
A message from our Stewardship Leader DR. EVERETT ROPER
Greetings Friends,
October 2024 marked the one-year anniversary of the start of Operation Stretch. This campaign began after recognizing that although our church is not in a meager financial posture, much more needed to be done so that we can continue to spread this gospel truth. The goal was, in three years, to eradicate the $3.2 million debt that was amassed for the construction of our Family Life Center and the renovation and construction of our beloved Oakwood Adventist Academy buildings (K-8, middle school, gymnasium and high school).
As a result of the great sacrifices by you, the members of OUC, I am happy to report that our loan balance has been reduced by $1.2 million to $2 million since the kickoff of Operation Stretch 13 months ago. To God be the Glory! Together, we have surpassed our projected goal at the one-year mark. Will you prayerfully continue your systematic giving over and above your customary tithe and offering faithfulness? Eliminating this debt in three years will save our church over $1 million in interest payments. It will also be a critical step toward continuing to fulfill the mission of our ministry by bringing light to every dark corner and transforming the lives of people all over the globe.
OAKWOOD CHURCH HISTORY NUGGET
By DR. R. TIMOTHY MCDONALD , Church Historian
At its core, church history is the study of the past events, people, actions, decisions, buildings, interactions, programs, finances and behaviors, etc. of our church since its inception. It involves the systematic process of gathering all such information into a concise, well written, public narrative.
What it should be is more than a static collection of data and information about our church and its people through the years. We, therefore, resist the urge to create a stale, yellowpaged book stored on the back shelf. Our committee accepts Pastor Snell’s challenge that our written history illustrates the dynamic and interactive flow and interaction of all people and events.
From the gathered past to the new and now, it promises to be a living history reminiscent of Joshua’s account of God’s people crossing the Jordan River into the promised land and piling twelve large stones from the middle of the river to remember the miracle.
Pray and stay tuned for when the call comes for your input. Thank you.
Seen on the Scene » OUC Ministries
A message from our Community Services Associates ELTON LESTER, DIANE COWAN and PATTI CONWELL
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY
The holiday season is always a time for extending a helping hand to those in need. City residents and companies generously support local organizations engaged in serving their communities. Oakwood University Church (OUC) is no different, though serving community residents is a year-round activity.
Heaven’s Storehouse is a food ministry sponsored and provided by OUC. Every Wednesday, individuals drive their vehicles to the OUC campus and line up between 11:00 a.m. and 12 noon to receive food to help them get through each week. These foods help provide vital nutritional assistance for families in the Northern Alabama area.
Once or twice a month, a church member drives a truck to The Food Bank of North Alabama for food pick up. When the truck arrives at the church, several faithful and able-bodied men unload the heavy boxes. On Mondays or Tuesdays, dedicated volunteers package the food in OUC bags to be given the next day to families in waiting cars. Volunteers happily greet neighbors and friends from surrounding communities, and Oakwood University students, with a smile and encouraging words.
The amount of food given is based on the number of family members, with special emphasis on families with small children. Distributed food includes healthy items such as fresh vegetables and fruits in season, bread, nuts, raisins, beans, peanut butter, rice, spaghetti, tomato sauce, applesauce, cereal, and juices, along with frozen chicken, turkey, beef, and fish when available.
All the volunteers are consistently blessed by the recipients with comments such as, “God bless you!” and “Thank you for your dedicated service!”
We are reminded of Jesus’ words found in Matthew 25:35-40 that when we feed others we are caring for and obeying Him. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (NIV).
Tabitha’s Corner provides new to lightly used clothing and household goods, and home and personal hygiene products for those in need. Named for the Bible character known for her community service, the mission of Tabitha’s Corner has been to follow the footsteps of Christ who “came not to be ministered unto but to minister” (Steps to Christ, Pgs. 77-78). Under the current leadership of Bettie Harris, 10 volunteers work to collect, organize, and display items for distribution.
Every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. donors can drop off items for Tabitha’s Corner in the rear of the OUC near the entrance to the Family Life Center. Volunteers sort through the items, dividing them by type, size, and age and arranging clothes on racks and other goods as appropriate. Donated items should be clean and in good condition, both in looks and function.
Tabitha’s Corner opens its doors to the public each Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Items are available for free to those who need them. Volunteers are on hand to help clients in their search and to bag items for distribution. Mrs. Harris estimates that Tabitha’s Corner serves at least 100 clients each month, many of them unhoused.
The magnitude of this service is reflected in comments made by those who’ve benefited. From
“Wow! This is so amazing what the church is doing” to “This is such a great service to the community,” clients are grateful for how Tabitha’s Corner has blessed them.
Over the last two years, each Christmas OUC has given away new sneakers to children and youth of all ages through its Kicks 4 Kids campaign. The brainchild of Youth Pastor Kimberly Mann, the campaign is in full swing for its third year.
OUC members and others in the Huntsville community are asked to donate new sneakers which are given out on a first come, first served basis. And they haven’t disappointed. Each year donations have grown, from about 500 pairs in the first year, to 750 pairs in year two. It’s hoped that this year will exceed last year’s number.
Shoe sizes from toddler to high school ages are needed and can be dropped off until December 20 at the OUC office during business hours; on Friday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; and during church service times on Sabbaths. Donors can also give money online for the purchase of new shoes. Shoes will be given away at the OUC on Saturday evening, December 21 starting at 3:00 p.m. and distributed to local charities beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Although Kicks 4 Kids focuses on shoes, that’s not the only item given away. The campaign often involves community partners who give other items like book bags, socks, gifts for mothers, and food treats. Past partners have been the NAACP, Costco, Harris Home for Children, Village of Promise, Huntsville City Schools, Central North Alabama Health Services, Inc., Boys and Girls Clubs of North Alabama, and the Mommy Love Foundation.
All three of these ministries provide vital, life-saving services to Huntsville and surrounding communities. Filling the needs of others is the fastest way to ignite people’s interest in our saving message and open their hearts to accept it. Continue to support these ministries through your donation of time and items so OUC can reach even more people with the gospel.
A message from our Health Ministries’ Prostate Cancer Awareness Leader DAVID McELHANEY
Silent KILLER Fighting a
Ask a room full of people what month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and most will say October. Ask what month Prostate Cancer Awareness month is, and you may get a smattering of responses. Oakwood University Church’s (OUC) Health Ministries is trying to change that.
This past September, which is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, OUC’s Health Ministries sponsored a second seminar to share vital information about prostate cancer. With the help of word-ofmouth advertising and an on-air interview with WAAY31 morning news anchor Demetria Green, 70+ people attended, many of which were women. Attendees learned important statistics, such as:
• Most cancer deaths are dropping from year to year, but prostate cancer is on the rise. In 2013, 1 man out of 10 died from late-stage prostate cancer. In 2023, 4 men out of 10 died from late-stage prostate cancer.
• Men with a direct blood line connection to a man who has had prostate cancer, ALL black men are at higher risk for prostate cancer.
• Prostate cancer is 100% curable if detected and treated early.
OUC member, Dr. Michael Johnson, who treats prostate cancer patients, gave a detailed presentation on the cause and effect of prostate cancer, symptoms
to look for, and prevention measures. Dr. Chip Ates, another OUC member, shared his personal walk through prostate cancer.
As a prostate cancer survivor, I’m passionate about raising awareness of this disease with as many people as I can. But I’m also involved in trying to change legislation on the federal and state levels to eliminate insurance fees for the initial screening for prostate cancer in high-risk men. Current medical guidelines call for high-risk men to start prostate screening at age 40 but some insurance companies still require a copay or shared pay for this testing. Women have had their cancer screening free from these fees for years and we want the same for men as well.
I also work with an organization called Zero Prostate Cancer, which offers several resources to men and families dealing with prostate cancer, including a monthly zoom call. If you need access to any resources, contact me through the OUC Health Ministries department.
I thank God for the ability to meet with others to talk about our health issues. Like many of you who have walked this path through prostate cancer, we thank God for delivering us. But it can’t stop there. Let’s work together to not just talk about our health, but to encourage other men to protect themselves from this terrible disease.
GRIEF SUPPORT MINISTRY » “FACING GRIEF TOGETHER”
By CATHY ROCKER, Co-Leader, Grief Support Ministry
The Grief Support Ministry of Oakwood University Church serves people from a variety of backgrounds who have experienced the loss of loved ones. We currently minister through the “GriefShare” program online via Zoom. In 13 sessions, we explore a broad range of grief and mourning issues. The sessions are used
as a time for learning, reflecting, and sharing.
Facing the holiday season while grieving can sometimes feel like taking one step forward and two steps back. Knowing this, the Grief Support Ministry sponsored a special presentation in November on Zoom called, “Surviving the Holidays.” If you
couldn’t attend, an encore presentation will air on Sunday, December 15 at 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. You can attend by using Meeting ID 993-39806781, Passcode 932276.
No one should go through grief alone. Instead, allow us to walk beside you on your grief journey, giving you encouragement and support along the way.
OUC Would Like to Congratulate Pastor Snell and Breath of Life Ministries on your 50th Anniversary Legacy Night Event