Testimonials

CHECK OUT LETTERS OF SUPPORT

This is what Participants are saying . . .

About the Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides program...

SDSG has helped me rediscover the moment—here and now—and celebrate in it. Being well schooled in delayed gratification, I am relearning to enjoy life as it happens.                                                                           ~ Verne Greiner

SDSG sparked a fire I didn’t know I was ready to light.                  ~Fern Gaffey

At this time of transition in my life, the Oasis SDSG program has offered the opportunity for gentle gestation, quiet transformation, and a gradual unfolding moving me to further growth in God.                                         ~ Arlene Hoyt

We all have had dryness and desert emptiness in our lives. Oasis, as the name implies, gives our mind, body, and soul a place to splash in the love of God that often gets buried with the busyness of our lives.                       ~ Diane Joseph

The SDSG program of Oasis Ministries provides a great opening and deepening for any called to a deeper spiritual life and the possibility that you are called to be a spiritual companion for others.                                              ~Keith Braucher

My growth in faith and relationship with the Divine surpassed whatever I thought upon first entering SDSG…Out of that came the call to be a spiritual director which has brought breath, joy and enthusiasm in my daily life and ministry.”

~Linda Bonfiglio

For a very long time I have been searching for something that was missing in my life. I found it in SDSG. It has helped me in my personal journey and in journeying with others.                                                                 ~ Marie S. Rodichok

GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT -- What does training in spiritual direction offer?

Melanie Reed (Year: 2003)
Melanie writes: “I have used my training to develop a spiritual direction practice to companion others on their spiritual journeys. I find joy in incorporating all of the contemplative aspects that I learned into other aspects of my holistic wellness practice. It is a joy to teach others what I love to do myself. You also might be interested in knowing that Oasis has impacted my life forever with its stellar teachers, mission, and focus on drawing closer to God actively contemplatively.” Melanie invites you to learn more about her ministry at www.illuminationofspirit.net.

Judith Snyder (Year: 2006)
Judith writes: "I have used my training to become more sensitive to the power and presence of the Holy Spirit when serving as a spiritual director to others. IT IS NOT UP TO ME! What a relief! I feel much better prepared to companion others desiring a contemplative prayer life and feel better informed in various spiritual disciplines. Having had the training, I can let go of the anxiety I had previously experienced and trust that God is at work in the situation. I discovered a new confidence – not in myself, but in God, which ultimately helps me to become a more effective spiritual guide. I find joy in companioning others on their spiritual journey and in witnessing the power of God’s presence in their lives.”

Jane Bartholomew (Year: 2004)
Jane writes: “I have used my training to be open and attentive to the movement of the Spirit in my daily life and in my leading of prayer retreats and bible study at my church.”

Other participants are saying . . .

“Oasis taught me how people of dramatically different ages, experiences and denominational backgrounds can work, pray and learn together in a supportive and trusting atmosphere, when we are all focused on listening to the voice of the Holy One.”

Laura Howell,
Associate Priest, Trinity Episcopal Church, Bethlehem, PA

“My formation in spiritual direction disciplines through Oasis Ministries has not only deepened my spiritual journey and work with others along the Way, but has also deepened & broadened my ministry, teaching, preaching, and pastoral care as a parish priest.”

The Reverend Paul Gennett, Jr.,
Rector, St. Thomas's Episcopal Church, Newark DE

“In attending the Oasis Ministries Program called Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides, I have shared deeply meaningful experiences in which God's presence is clearly felt through conversation, prayer, guided meditation, and directed activities. Although I have employed prayer journals, study guides and serious religious writings in my daily activities in recent years, this program has caused a deeper focus and a better established direction in my relationship with God.”

Ezetta Walter,
Participant in Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides (Year I)

“My years with Oasis Ministries opened a way for me to explore my gifts along with the sacred circle of people who gathered during the six years I was on staff and on the board of Oasis. The leaders embraced me and   encouraged my growth and contributions. My tentative roots of faith were watered and weeded. It has been a privilege to explore new ideas of being, of waiting, of paying attention to the Spirit within the safety of such a community.”

Emily Wallace,
Former Oasis Staff, Spiritual Director, Bethlehem, PA

“I became involved in the two year Spiritual Direction study while I attended a graduate program at Seton Hill University. It became part of my thesis which was "Art Therapy and Spirituality". This summer (2005), I am attending a national Presbyterian seminar in Ghost Ranch, NM, to work with others in developing increased spirituality in the lives of all members through Presbyterian churches (USA). My Oasis study has become a golden thread in my life and my life design is so much richer because of the gift of experience. Thank you!

Karen Elvin,
Professional Art Therapist, Life Coach for Human Potential, DuBois, PA

“I have learned in OASIS that I don't get to see the whole path to the destination, but I will be given light to take the next step, and it will be enough. I have learned this with my head and am learning it with my heart.”

Margaret Hardy,
Participant in Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides (Year I)

“How wonderful it has been to bask in God's healing love together.”

Donna Kulik,
Participant in Spiritual Direction for Spiritual Guides (Year I)

“The Reverend Dr. Kent Groff conducted a Spiritual Renewal event for all Army Chaplains and Assistants at Aberdeen Proving Ground on 16 Dec '04. During this very busy time of the year, the event centered my life and my outlook where it should be, on God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. During the training and the exercises Kent conducted I experienced the Advent of Jesus in the midst of the group and personally. My life, my being, was re-focused on the Holy Presence rather than all the 'doing' in my life. And the Presence was reinforced throughout our group.”

Chaplain (LTC) Carol VanSchenkhof
Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen, MD

“My journey led me to Oasis Ministries where the caravan of my life ‘camped-out’. In the shade of God’s grace, my spirit has been nurtured and renewed; given the bread and water for the path that lies ahead. The Light seems brighter as the journey continues. Living life rejoicing in the Oasis   experience.”

Randy Schaffer,
Lay Minister of Spirituality, Elam United Methodist Church, Glen Mills, PA

“After retirement from a business and having time to be more reflective in my spiritual life, the training received at Oasis opened a new and rewarding ministry for me.”

Jay R. Oberholtzer,
Oasis Graduate, Lititz, PA

An email received 4/1/2005, by Rev. Cindy Garis, Director of Oasis Ministries:

Dear Rev. Garis,

It was over 20 years ago that I first met and listened to the wonderful sermons that Rev. Groff gave us at Paxton Presbyterian Church. The depth and wisdom that he provided us from the words of the Bible were messages that I cherished.

After he left Paxton and I met up with him at the Cathedral Prayer Group's Service for ministers and people who worked in Health Care, I realized how Kent could make you think deeper and understand better the message for those who needed "Water From the Well".

I have had fun helping him with his brochures and trying to struggle with a newsletter away back when he started doing the seminars. Doing the summaries of the seminars and classes made me think that it would have been fun and educational to listen to the many presentations.

Now that I am getting older, I realize that we all need an oasis to go to when life seems overwhelming. May God Bless all of you for the wonderful "Water You Share With Others".

Helen K. Swaincott

People often ask what Oasis Ministries does? Who are we? What are we about? It is best to say we are people mindful of the movement of the Spirit in our lives and all of life. We seek to be directed by the Great Director and assist others in doing the same.

Probably this is best demonstrated in a story. The following was shared by one of our participants, who indicated that I could share it anonymously for the greater good of the organization. The participant writes:

"Last weekend I faced 'a near death experience'. On Sunday morning I awoke with a large lymph node popping out on the side of my neck! I've had a head cold recently and thought it was from the cold but I have heard of Hodgkin's and such so...I was thinking about it.

I went to church and at the coffee hour... A doctor, an ENT, was there. We had other business, and so we got to chatting. When we were chatting it occurred to me that he was an ENT. I asked him, 'What do you make of this?' and showed him my neck.

He was about 2 inches from my face saying 'You need to be seen by my associate at the clinic at the Hershey Medical Hospital. STAT!!!'

I was knocked for a loop. Now, even though HE thought he was doing the caring thing by pulling all the strings he could, it only sent my fear level through the roof! I had been thinking that Monday morning I'd see my family physician and go from there; however, this ENT had his office call me to set up a STAT appointment. I again was blown away!!!

Long story shortened...I set up the appointment in Hershey, I went to my family doctor in the beginning of the week for blood work and to see if other tests were needed. I began taking an antibiotic, and... I received EXCELLENT blood reports!!! I cancelled the appointment at Hershey (which is out of my network anyway).

I tell you this because, being single I went through so many thoughts. The helpful ENT said, 'I'm treating you like one of my own.' I thanked him. His concern was kind but his 'chaos' was really not good for me.

If this turned out as serious as he was sounding, how would I manage even a 6-9 month treatment time, or news of whether or not I'd even live that long.

What happened for me is that I 'dropped into my spiritual direction training.' I went into the emotion with God. I let go to God. I prayed 'Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy' over and over and over until the panic eased. I honored the shadow side and let it be as it was.

Later in the week, I met with my spiritual director. WHO ELSE WOULD UNDERSTAND? Where would one go other than their spiritual director?
My work with Oasis Ministries has proven invaluable to me during this time of uncertainty. I feel my experiences with spiritual direction allowed me to process the 48 hours of 'near death.'

This is why I will work with Oasis Ministries. I wish to do what I can to help promote quality training of spiritual directors so they can offer QUALITY spiritual direction to others.

I still have a lymph node that is a little swollen but it's getting smaller daily. Whatever this is, it is... and I am on solid ground now. I am so blessed."

Oasis Ministries provides that "water in the desert." You see, life still happens and things will still come at you, but perhaps God invites us to handle life's joys AND sorrows, the scares and the uncertainties, with an ear towards the Holy in our midst and ability to uncover and experience the 'peace that passes understanding.

Oasis Ministries helps to de-clutter the path, so we can walk faithfully on life's journey.

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