OVM News

Always

OVM Online — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:06:44 +0000

Several weeks ago I heard this awesome song while traveling in Savannah, Ga. I missed the title and artist and have been trying desperately to find the song to no avail. Today while listening to Worship Radio at OVM Online, I finally heard the song again and felt it was worth sharing. Enjoy. The title is “Always” from Building 429.

A (jelly)fish out of water

OVM Online — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 02:30:00 +0000

Today I arrived at Tybee Island for my business trip and wasn’t quiet sure what to do with myself. Ang and the boys weren’t able to come with me this year, so I decided to take a walk. There is just something about walking alone on the beach that washes away the cares of the world. Calendars and alarms are silent and for just a moment, the entire world seems to stand still.

As I began walking past the lighthouse and towards the bird sanctuary (a nice spot with no houses or people), I began to notice a large number of jellyfish washed up on the shore. Feared and respected in the water, these creatures were little more than a blob of goo lying helplessly at the water’s edge. As I looked at them, I couldn’t help but think about how much our spiritual lives mimic that of these grand creatures. When we are where we are suppose to be, we are beautiful and respected by all that are around us. Following only the current of the spirit as it gently leads us along and reflecting His light to those all around. . .but what happens when we leave the place we are intended? We are useless, ugly and disgusting to all who look at us. We are no more revered, but looked at in shame.

Where are you living right now? Are you in the will of God, following the guidance of the spirit or lying on the shore? Think about it and let the tides of His love bring you back to His will.

Until…

Shawn

Going Through The Motions

OVM Online — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Sometimes a song just hits you in a way that takes your breath. I have heard this song on the radio so many times, but this time it got my attention. How often do we just go busy with life – or even serving God that we forget what it’s all about. We don’t take time to worship God because we are so busy doing the stuff that has to be done, but what if. . .what if we gave Him everything instead of doing what was expected? What if we totally sold out to God instead of just doing something because we “have to”? What if our lives really did revolve around God and not just service to the church? What if our motivation for serving was really so that God woud be uplifted, not ourselves?

Find a quiet place and a time when you can sit down undisturbed for 4 minutes to watch this awesome video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dva6-Yu3zkI&feature=channel

An amazing Easter Video

OVM Online — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 23:22:00 +0000

Be Careful For Nothing

OVM Online — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:00:00 +0000

Just as many of you, our family has been feeling the strain of the recent economic downfall. As our budget has tightened, it seems that every added expense possible has hit – vehicle repairs, medical bills, a baby on the way, etc. As a budget counselor, one would think I should be concerned, but the truth is – I have had a peace that I can’t explain and my mind keeps going back to Phillipians 4:6. It says “Be careful for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known.”

Be careful (full of care) for nothing. In modern terms that simply means “chill” or “don’t get stressed out over anything”.

By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known. Basically, this is saying that you should thankfully pray and let God know what you are in need of.

So if you put it all together, it says something to the effect of : Chill out and let God be God. Just tell him what you need and be thankful for what he gives (and has given) you.

I know times are rough, but keep your head up and remember that God is in control.

Shawn

TN getaway/Praise Service

OVM Online — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:11:00 +0000

We just returned from a little getaway to my home town of Erwin, TN. We had a great time as we got to spend time with our family and friends. I stayed up half the night with Mark (the cop that had the stroke) on Tuesday night, which really was nice after all that had happened.

Sunday was an especially awesome experience for us as we tried something new for our ministry. Instead of preaching or singing, I felt that God wanted me to lead a praise and worship service, utilizing scripture between the praises to minister to the congregation. I wasn’t sure how this would be received, but I have to admit that the feedback from the church has been very positive and I hope to be able to follow in this path again in the future.

God bless,

Shawn

Are You Ready?

OVM Online — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:53:00 +0000

I have watched this video several times over the past couple of years and have to admit that every time I watch it I am caught off guard. I believe that a great number of churchgoers are going to be the same way. . . they will know what’s coming, yet they will be caught off guard as the trumpet sounds. Are you ready??

Cardboard Testimonies

OVM Online — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:19:00 +0000

I thought you might enjoy this video. God bless.

Priorities

OVM Online — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:55:00 +0000

I have been a minister for 17 years now and have spent the past 10 years working as a Social Worker. As you can imagine, I have dealt with a hundreds of people in need during my life, however, I must report that I have never seen anything like what I have witnessed in our small community over the past few months. People who have worked hard their entire life, some making a great deal of money for years, have now found themselves in a severe financial state. With the failing U.S. economy, even retirees are starting to find themselves looking for non-existent work.

These economic woes have unfortunately started to work their way into congregations across our nation. Not only is this effecting the way churches assist families in need, it is starting to effect how we minister. As I have started watching churches throughout our area start cutting back on outreach programs in an attempt to continue operations, my heart breaks. While I understand that less money coming in means that a tithe will be less, we are finding that people are not giving at all due to decreased wages . . many times while refusing to reduce other household costs (cable, internet, etc.).

My plea to you is to prayerfully sit down and pray over your household budget, asking God to lead you in what items you can cut without reducing your giving below what God asks of you. Our main priority in life is to minister. When we don’t give, we hinder the ministry of our churches in reaching lost souls for our Lord. I am not asking for a donation to our ministry, but rather ask that you join MY family in keeping our priorities in order during this tough time in our nation’s history.

In Christ,

Shawn Howell

Another Milestone

OVM Online — Sat, 24 May 2008 02:48:00 +0000

One Voice Ministries is pleased to announce that we have broken yet another milestone this month with over 62,230 visitors to www.ovmonline.com. Exactly one year ago (May 2007) we reported breaking the 50,000 barrier. THANK YOU ALL for helping us reach this amazing milestone.

Shawn Howell
Director