Megan Derse News

In spring of 2011, the Oasis children and staff at The Hill welcomed a sweet eight-year-old boy to the children's home. This young boy, named Mikal, had beautiful deep brown eyes and a brilliant

Meeting Gladys

smile, both of which were rarely seen because he often kept his head down, staring at the ground. Although he was a quiet boy, Mikal often talked of a younger sister who was left behind at his guardian's home. The months passed, and daily Mikal prayed that one day his sister, Gladys, would somehow join him at The Hill so she too would find the hope and love that Mikal had recently discovered.

In October of 2011, Mikal, along with his sponsor family, made the long journey to his guardian's house for a visit. On the long ride 

there, Mikal was anxious and could hardly sit still. Upon arrival, the travelers, along with a translator, were welcomed into the guardian's house. A few minutes into the conversation, the Oasis team began

Mikal, Megan and Gladys

 inquiring about Mikal's younger sister. Just then, the older woman who had been his guardian slipped out of the room and returned moments later with a small, quiet girl dressed in filthy rags. The young girl, who had never seen a white person before, silently greeted each person in the room before taking a seat next to her brother. After a few moments of discussion, the guardians commented on the positive changes they had seen in Mikal since he left for The Hill and asked if there would be any possibility for Gladys to join Mikal at The Hill as well. This was the moment Mikal had been praying for! The Oasis team watched with tears in their eyes as Mikal took his sister's hand, led her out of the door, helped her get into the Oasis van, and shouted out the window, "We are ready to go now!"

Since Gladys' arrival at The Hill, both she and Mikal have undergone remarkable transformations. Once quiet, shy, and sad, Mikal has become a confident young man with a contagious smile, who excels in his studies and shows great leadership qualities. Likewise, Gladys has grown into a fun-loving, kind, and strong little lady who loves to sing and worship Jesus!  

This beautiful story illustrates the moment in which God confirmed in my heart the calling to serve His precious children through Oasis. This is the story of my first trip to Kenya; Mikal and Gladys are the sweet children my family sponsors. Through witnessing these incredible scenes unfold before my eyes, there was no doubt in my mind that God was at work and was saving and dramatically changing these children's lives.  This story and other similar stories excite me and have led me to become a part of the Oasis Fellowship Program.

Recently, I have accepted a two-year fellowship position with Oasis. During the next two years,  I will spend time in America and in Kenya. While in America, I will be working out of Oasis' Libertyville office, focusing on trip planning, sponsorship, administration, and other various projects. While in Kenya, I will be continuing sponsorship work by organizing communication between the children and their sponsors through sponsor letters and sponsor phone calls, working with the Oasis staff to plan and teach evening devotions, teaching at the local school, organizing and running an after-school homework program, and building relationships with the Oasis children and staff. I am very much looking forward to being a part of the Oasis team and being used by God as we work to serve His precious children in Kenya!

For more information about Megan's ministry, you can contact her at Megan@oasisfororphans.org

Ruzga News

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us...".~ Ephesians 3:20

Bob Ruzga leans on this truth, "God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called." While they didn't know it at first, Bob and his wife, Deb, have been on a journey of preparation for a very long time. God has been equipping them to serve Kenyan orphans since long before they ever considered they might be called halfway around the world. 

Bob and Deb have developed a deep compassion for the plight of orphans.  Their hearts have been broken and, at the same time, impassioned by so many things- from verses to sermons to missions trip experiences to books to a face-to-face encounter with a single child digging through garbage to find something to eat. The burden was heavy.

In June, Bob and Deb will leave for Kenya, having sold their home and most of their possessions. Bob will take on the role of Project Manager for the building of The Shelter and will be supporting some Oasis technology efforts. Deb will be part of the support team organizing the Oasis short-term missions program; she will also develop the training program for Kenyan Mamas serving at The Shelter and network in the area to develop local resources. These are daunting tasks for anyone to undertake, especially while living in a foreign country. But, the Ruzgas have confidence because God has equipped them with the managerial, organizational, and networking skills they will need to accomplish Oasis' goals for The Shelter.

As June draws nearer, the Ruzgas will 

continue to raise funds for their 2-year commitment in Kenya. Please consider whether God has equipped you to come alongside them in some way.  Trusting in God's provision and determined to raise their own support, they hope to be fully-funded and bathed in prayer before leaving.

How exciting it will be to share in their journey and watch as God's plan unfolds! 

For more information, e-mail Bob@oasisforoprhans.org or Debbie@oasisfororphans.org

Oasis for Orphans

PO Box 1144

Wheaton, Illinois 60187-1144

 

www.oasisfororphans.org 

info@oasisfororphans.org

224.277.5678