|
Greetings!
We are the Derses, and we are so excited and thankful to join the Oasis for Orphans family! Our Oasis story begins in the winter of 2011 in Sheboygan, WI. God had been preparing our hearts for quite a while that something wonderful was coming soon that would change our lives, our hearts, and our faith. Friends had invited us to come to their home to meet some visitors from Oasis for Orphans and to learn more about this amazing ministry.
As these Oasis families shared their hearts for the orphan children in Kenya and the redemptive work that the Lord was doing on The Hill, our hearts were stirred. While learning about the vision of Oasis to rescue orphans in Kenya and listening to the startling stories of the children from the Oasis Children's Home, our entire family became more and more excited about the possibility of getting involved in some way.
Before the end of the evening, we knew God was leading us to sponsor a child through Oasis and commit to praying for the ministry and the children. A few weeks later, we received wonderful news that an eight-year-old boy, Mikal, was rescued and had been brought to the Oasis Children's Home. Would we consider being Mikal's sponsor family? Our answer was a resounding YES!
We knew from the moment we saw his picture that Mikal was the one we had prayed for! Mikal became part of our family! Letters, pictures, and even an Easter morning phone call with Mikal helped us to get to know him better.
In October of that year, our entire family had the opportunity to travel to Kenya with a sponsor team to meet Mikal. During our time there, God also gave us the privilege of taking part in the rescue of Mikal's six-year old sister, Gladys. We were able to physically bring her to the children's home and welcome her into our family as well.
Within seconds of arriving on The Hill, we knew that God was working powerfully to not only rescue orphan children but to bring them to a loving and nurturing home where they have hope for a wonderful future. We also discerned that He was calling our family to play a larger role in this ministry and the lives of the 98 children living there.
Upon returning to Wisconsin, it didn't take long to realize that our lives would never be the same. God had broken us for His children in Kenya and He was giving us a passion to serve in a greater capacity. After much prayer and discussion with the Oasis organization, we felt strongly that God was opening a door for us to serve at the children's home on The Hill.
In January of 2013, our entire family will be moving to Kenya for six months. We are so excited to have the opportunity to love and serve the children, work alongside the Oasis staff, and have an impact on the nearby Maasai community.
Scott will be working to set up a small medical clinic at the children's home as well as training other Oasis staff to care for the medical needs of the children.
Kathi will be assisting in the implementation of a spiritual development program for all of the children and starting a preschool for the young children.
The Derse children will also be playing a role. Megan and Matthew will be assisting with the sponsorship program. Joining them will be James, who will work with them to mentor the young adults at the home. James, who is an accomplished musician and recording artist, will also be bringing recording equipment and will work with the children to record a CD. Sarah will be helping in all of these areas and assisting in formal music instruction for the children as well.
Please pray that God will work powerfully in and through us during our time in Kenya and that He will continue to provide ministry opportunities to serve His people in Kenya!
Blessings,
Scott and Kathi Derse
and Megan, Matthew, James and Sarah
| 
Pray for the Class 8 students, who take their national exams on December 4th - 6th. 
TEAM Oasis for your incredible job "Running with Kenyans!"
