ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 8, 2026
Guest Writers: Phil and Pattie Chapman
Writing about Cypress Creek
An Oasis in the Desert
Isaiah 35:6-7: “For waters shall gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water.”
These verses speak of God’s promise of restoration, renewal, and joyful healing. They also remind us that even in the driest seasons of our lives, God can provide the living water we need.
As children of the ’60s, we spent free time on Saturday mornings in front of the television watching Merry Melodies and Looney Tunes. Many of those cartoons were set in a desert, where the action often revolved around an oasis—a small pool of fresh water surrounded by palm trees.
During a recent vacation to Morocco and the Sahara Desert, however, we discovered that this childhood view of an oasis was not quite accurate. Our tour bus traveled through several steep valleys where streams flowed along the valley floors, surrounded by lush vegetation. Villagers built their homes and planted crops nearby because of the life-giving water. Our guide pointed out one of these areas and called it an “oasis.” Looking out the bus window, we realized that an oasis was not simply a misplaced puddle in the desert, but a stream that brought life, nourishment, and hope to everything around it.
Like most Christians, we have experienced seasons when our spiritual lives felt like a desert—dry, empty, and in need of refreshing. That may seem surprising because we have both spent our lives actively involved first in the Baptist, then in the Methodist church. We’ve sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, served on church boards and as members of the congregation.
Yet, even with all those experiences, in 2026 we had something missing from our spiritual life. We found ourselves searching for a place where the “living water” of faith could once again flow freely, making our “parched ground” a living pool.
Our first visit to Cypress Creek Christian Church was memorable. We were impressed by the music and preaching, but we loved the fact that the choir remained seated during Ann’s postlude. That courtesy and respect for the organist and the music spoke volumes to us.
That Sunday also brought an invitation from Joel to join the choir for the summer services. What followed was a wonderful series of “firsts”—participating in special music, discovering the friendliness of the choir, meeting new friends, and reconnecting with old acquaintances.
God has used Cypress Creek Christian Church as our own oasis. Here, we’ve found water gushing forth in what had become our spiritual desert. We are grateful for the warm, loving welcome we have received and excited about the journey ahead. We look forward to growing with you and, in turn, becoming an oasis of welcome and encouragement for others.
Prayer: Father, thank You for being our source of living water. When our lives become dry and weary, remind us that You can bring streams into the desert and make parched ground flourish again. Thank You for leading us to people and places where our faith can be renewed and our spirits refreshed. Help us to share that same life-giving water with others who may be searching for hope, belonging, and renewal. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
