Matt & Mary Patch
Matt and Mary are passionate about discipleship and helping others step into their identity and calling. Their dream is to empower Kenyans to minister to their own people. They have been a part of Oasis since December 2015, and continue to develop, empower and love on each and every child and staff member at The Valley and The Shelter.
If you would like to read more about their time in Kenya, please visit their blog.
Nicole Medina
After spending four summers serving and growing with the people in Kenya, Nicole decided to move there upon graduating from Olivet Nazarene University in 2019 with a degree in Social Work.
She felt the Lord tugging at her heart the summer before her senior year, and decided to follow His lead. Nicole loves others well through encouragment, empowerment and moments of laughter.
Fred & Jess Odhiambo
Fred and Jess, living half a world apart, both felt the call to join the Oasis team in 2019. Fred began working as a houseparent, and later moved into a pastoral position at the Valley, while also counseling and mentoring high school and college students. Jess also works in the High school and college program and loves to use her gift of administration to serve where needed.
Fred and Jess married in March 2024 and are excited to continue to serve the Lord together fulfilling the great commission through helping the orphaned and vulnerable children that they both have grown to love deeply.
Nick & Emma Butler
After interning with Oasis the summer between her junior and senior year of college, Emma couldn’t ignore the way God had captured her heart. She moved to Kenya shortly after school for a year before marrying Nick.
Now, a couple years later, Emma and Nick live in Kenya. They walk alongside students, teachers, and accountants, serving with their unique skillsets and experience.
Bob & Deb Ruzga
Bob and Deb moved to Kenya in 2014 with Oasis as full-time missionaries for more than four years. They managed the building of the Shelter and were the Directors for two years. After being gone for three years, an exciting opportunity with Oasis became available that would allow them to return to the mission they left in 2018. Without hesitation, they said yes!
In their new roles, Bob manages Kenyan finances and works alongside Kenyan staff to project manage the new school, The Shelter Academy. Deb supports missionaries and provides ongoing trauma care training.