The incidence of missionary burnout is startlingly high. The nature of their work and calling places cross-cultural Christian workers under intense stress. While many missionary care centers are devoted to helping workers recover from physical and emotional distress, few places exist with the goal of preventing burnout. My years serving as home support staff and member care coordinator for missionaries have made it manifestly clear how desperately those in full-time ministry need a safe place to let go and relax.

My vision is to create the Oaks Oasis, a safe haven for Christian workers — not a counseling center to pick up the pieces after workers have burned out, but a place where those in ministry can rest and recharge before burning out, a place away from both the field with its associated pressures and their sending country with its challenges of reverse culture shock.

The reason I chose to locate the Oaks Oasis in Italy is because beauty infuses so much of Italian life – landscape, art, music, food. I want workers coming out of difficult places to be able to partake of richness and physical beauty not available in many of the places where they live and work.

The Oaks Oasis will also have the distinctive of offering not only accommodation, but also opportunities to meet with God through a variety of means: guests will be welcome to try different forms of art, music or movement as means of connecting with God. For individuals who want it, I will offer instruction and engagement in spiritual formation practices as well as compassionate listening and prayer. The Oaks Oasis will be a place for people to rest and meet with God in whatever way most refreshes them.