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Greetings!
Feet up, relaxing, fishing, sailing, canoeing, or just doing nothing, I was chilling out and enjoying retirement when it happened. I became acutely conscious of the fact that my days on this earth are numbered, and it hit me that I had best make the most of them. The nagging feeling that I was wasting the precious gift of time just would not go away. After three years of retirement with some consulting jobs now and then, I was itching to do something more, something important with eternal significance.
I started mentioning to my friends, my small group and relatives that I was listening for God and waiting to hear from Him about my new assignment, whatever that might be. I prayed. They prayed. And, I waited and waited. Finally, it came out of nowhere.
Two of my good friends were asked to come to Kenya to put together a video for Oasis for Orphans. While they were there, Rick and Ann Smith mentioned that Oasis was in need of someone to run the U.S. Oasis operations. They looked at each other, smiled knowingly, and suggested that I might be interested. Over a period of several months, a conversation ensued between the Oasis leadership and me that led to an opportunity to visit Kenya.
 | | Tom at The Shelter site. |
In March of this year, I went to Kenya to see for myself if this was where God was leading. I instantly fell in love with the kids. As I became acutely aware of the orphan crisis, God began placing problem-solving ideas in my mind, and I was hooked. Thanks for the enormous billboard God! I got the message, loud and clear.
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Tom with children from The Valley |
Upon returning to the U.S., it was very clear that Oasis needs me, and I need Oasis. It's been a month since I signed on to be the Oasis U.S. Operations Manager. I have met the amazing people who are pouring themselves into Oasis, and I'm excited about the future of this impacting ministry.
There is much to do as Oasis prepares to double the number of orphans we are caring for in the next year. It's a challenging job, but the rewards are significant. Where else could the work I do directly impact the lives of so many powerless orphans? Where else could I see children's smiles, laughter and bright eyes where there used to be depression, loneliness and pain? I feel privileged to work alongside incredible people who are dedicated to the cause.
Be warned, Oasis is contagious, and you may become infected with a passion that can drive you to do some crazy things. If you think you are already infected, contact me; I just might have the cure for you!
Tom Andersen
tom@oasisfororphans.org
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Pray for a child from The Hill who is struggling with her past. 
TEAM Oasis Michigan for raising more than $9000 for The Shelter. 
