University of Kentucky Oasis
ISM Group Profile of Student Leadership
Staff: Brian Rightler
Group Website: www.ukoasis.org
Reaching:: Grad students & undergrads, visiting scholars, English as a Second Language (ESL) students, and internationals from the community
Key Activities: Large group meetings are held twice a month with free dinner and speakers or activities based around holidays. Small groups are held throughout the week including Bible studies, a cooking class, a prayer group, and Nations at Play (a play group for kids of internationals). We also plan activities including camping, zoo and orchard visits, hiking, cookouts, a garage sale for students, conferences (including the Kentucky International Student Conference each October that we started), and spring break trips (we visited New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington DC in 2007).
Ministry Success Factors: We have a core group of people that love Jesus and have a passion for reaching the lost. Our ministry is very relational. We spend a lot of time just hanging out with students: eating together, grocery shopping, watching sports, playing games, etc. By taking time to listen, spending time with internationals, and helping meet their physical needs, we are able to share the love of Christ with them. We maintain those relationships even after they leave campus.
Leadership: Currently, the leadership team consists of a Japanese and German volunteer couple, 2 Malaysian undergrads, an American volunteer couple, and myself. As we meet international Christians and get to know them, we ask them if they would like to be a part of the leadership team. We look for those that have a love for Jesus and are willing to serve and want to grow into more of a leader. We value a culturally diverse leadership team, but there have been times when working together is difficult. We have had to be very intentional in making sure all thoughts and ideas are heard. I think the hardest part is getting people to commit at a higher level for a longer period of time. We value the help of busy grad students, so instead of asking them to attend every meeting, we ask them to be involved in one or two activities or meetings throughout the semester.
Growing Leaders:
Christine became a Christian in Korea, but her parents are not Christian. Through Oasis, she was given the opportunity to use her gifts by serving on the leadership team, being involved in different outreach events, attending conferences and participating in a women’s Bible study.
Kenji is a very quiet Japanese man who came to know Christ in college. He recently graduated and is a volunteer in our ministry. Being a part of our leadership team has really stretched him to be more involved in the lives of the lost and to grow in his knowledge of the Bible.
Wei Yen is an undergrad from Malaysia. He comes from a strong Christian home and has a real heart for reaching the lost. I have seen him really grow in his prayer life and evangelism. He has been very involved on the leadership team and Bible studies.
Anshu is a post-doc student from China. She became a Christian 2 years ago but did not receive any initial spiritual training. For the past 6 months she has attended an Asian women’s Bible study that my wife leads. She has grown in her walk with Jesus and has a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Several girls from our leadership team also attend the study and have reached out to Anshu beyond the Thursday night studies.
Student Leader Testimonies
Deborah from Ghana
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Being a part of the Oasis family has been a blessing in my life. At Oasis I am able to experience the kind of fellowship that I used to have when I was back home in Ghana that I miss so much. God has allowed me to develop friendships with people from different countries and travel to several states because of Oasis. During these times I have grown spiritually and socially.
Yit-Hong from Malaysia
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering. I have been attending Oasis for two years including several conferences. My relationship with Christ has prospered and my understanding of the Bible has grown. Oasis members are a tremendous support. Emotionally, whenever I am down there is someone in the Oasis circle that is always available to encourage and listen. Spiritually, I gain new godly perspective through discussions and group Bible studies. Physically, I enjoy having Monday night basketball at a local church (which is organized by Oasis). I love the leadership meetings because we pray for Oasis and hear from God.
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