Oasis for Orphans

Rick and Ann have a passion for the children of Oasis and for the Maasai community.  Since 2008, they have been closely involved with Oasis initiatives. The Smith family also sponsors two Oasis children, Lekuta and Oloinguari,.

For the past 7 years, Rick, Ann and their four children have lived in Round Lake, IL.  Rick has been serving as the Campus Pastor at the Chapel's Mundelein campus.  Ann, a registered nurse, has served in leadership roles for various community, church and school projects while homeschooling their children.

How did they get involved in Oasis?

In April of 2008, Rick, Ann and their four children visited the orphanage for the first time.  This trip was the foundation for their involvement with Oasis. 

Shortly after returning from their visit, Ann felt a passion for addressing the children's health needs and began managing the children's medical issues. She has since led two medical trips to the Hill.

In December 2009, Rick was asked to join the Oasis Board. He has visited the orphanage twice since 2008 and has worked directly with the Maasai community on administrative issues, leadership issues, and pastoral care.

Their oldest daughter, Katie, has also been directly involved in Oasis teaching initiatives and all the Smith children are involved with fundraising efforts. 

How did they decide to move to The Hill?

From the first moment Rick and Ann stepped foot on "The Hill" in 2008, they knew they would be returning in some capacity. Two years later, it became very clear to them just how this return to "The Hill" would happen.

Earlier this year, Rick and Ann each experienced a calling to live on the Hill in support of Oasis. Despite the fact that both of them felt the pull to do this, they were still uncertain, and felt that they needed additional confirmation. 

Two weeks later, during one of Rick's trips to the Hill, the chief of the village requested that Oasis send a family to live on the Hill to be a liaison between the two organizations.  This affirmed the Smith's desire and plans to move there.

What will they do on The Hill?

Rick and Ann will have the unique opportunity to live and serve in the community that Oasis has partnered with for the past 7 years. This will be a tremendous benefit for Oasis, the children and the community. Their presence will help improve communications, a better understanding of cultural implications and the building of strong relationships with local leaders.

Rick is specifically interested in community development, leadership training and advancing the education system for the children. Ann's interest is to advance the level of health care in the community and work on community development programs as well. While the exact duration of their stay is unknown, they have made an initial two year commitment.

What can you do to help?

The Smith's will need our support in carrying out this incredible mission. Pray for their safety and for their strength. Oasis also needs your prayers as we support them on this effort. These are giant steps for everyone. Your commitment to pray regularly means so much to us.

To be on their mailing list, please send a request to RAKRJCSmith@gmail.com.  Their blog is SmithFamInAfrica.blogspot.com 

Thank you to those who have supported The Smith's financially as well. If you would like to make a donation to support the Smith family, please send a check to Oasis for Orphans, P.O. Box 524, Wadsworth, IL 60083 and indicate ‘missionaries' on the memo.  You can also donate here on the website: just click on the Donate tab and navigate your way until you see the "Missions" giving option.   

Rick, Ann, Julia, Rachel, Katie and Caleb: Know you are in our prayers as you embark on this journey!