Oasis Rest International - new sponsor

 After much investigation, prayer, conversations, 

feedback from our key supporters, 

we made the decision to move to Oasis Rest International!

Over the last several months, we've had the opportunity to meet with many of you to share this news. For others, you may have some questions, so, below, we have some responses to FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions about our move from Gabon to our work, running a retreat center in the Brittany Region of France:

1. Are you leaving the Alliance (C&MA)?

No, we are official Alliance workers on special assignment 

with oversight from the Eastern Pennsylvania district of the 

Alliance. When Alliance workers come to us for care, they 

won't have worries that we aren't "safe ears" that they are 

free to be completely open with. Our sending church, 

the York Alliance (C&MA) Church, remains the backbone

of our sending body. We are so thankful for their partnership

with us over many, many years, and helping us to discern

our new chapter of ministry.

2. Is Steve leaving the Gabon aviation ministry?

No, in fact, since February of 2024, Steve has been in more of

a "remote" role, shifting from "operations" toward "mobilization."

Steve's tasks focus on staff care, mentoring, fund-raising, and 

project oversight- all from his new base in France.

3. Who's flying the airplane in Gabon?

Since 2013, Rob Peterson has been a teammate, as a pilot

and mechanic. He and his family enjoy life at Bongolo and 

plan to be there for years to come. Other families are

investigating joining! 

4. What is Oasis Rest International?

Oasis was founded out of the Navigators ministry over 

20 years ago. International workers (IW's) were burning out 

and seeking resources. Oasis provides "sacred places" with 

"sacred faces" (trained hosts) in over 20 free locations

worldwide. 

5. Why the Manor House in Brittany?

The former hosts were retiring and the setting is so beautiful

and peaceful (built in 1613) ! The need for care is great- 

70% of IW's leave their work due to preventative reasons.

From life on the steamy equator (Gabon)
to the chilly/moderate 48th parallel (Brittany)!

6. Why shift and Why now?

Through prayer with key friends and our sending church,

we saw the Lord opening doors & sensed the invitation.

By God's grace, this new chapter allows us to leverage the

full scope of our life experiences, training, and over 3 decades

in ministry to pour into wounded and tired IW's. 

Don't worry,
"Frenchy Steve" still knows how to
connect with the youth!

7. When Can I come!

Yes! Please come and visit!

After some time to settle in and orient ourselves a bit, we 

will start receiving guests. IW's needing care are our top

priority, but we'll sprinkle in others. Our AWESOME sending

church, York Alliance, is sending a work team in October!!!

Thank you for your support!

This month, we are officially switching to support

through our new sponsor- Oasis Rest International!

Here is the link to our "coming soon" 

announcement:  CLICK HERE

Here is the link to support us 

through Oasis:  CLICK HERE

(if you'd prefer an EFT/ACH transfer, please email us

at Steve.Straw@oasisrest.org)