176: Joani Akers & Aseel Thamer, on Refugees in America (Diverse Perspectives)

This summer, we are featuring stories from diverse perspectives in order to stir curiosity and compassion for others. While we don’t necessarily endorse every stated view, we stand by each guest as a fellow image-bearer and a human of inherent value. We invite you to listen with an open mind and open heart as you hear the pain, struggle, and triumph of other children of God.

Joani and her husband pastored at a West County Church in St. Louis for 18 years. During this time they also led short term mission trips around the world with teams from their church. In 2004 the Lord opened their eyes to what was happening in the city of St. Louis Refugees from the wars going on in the Middle East and Africa were pouring into our city only 20 minutes from their house.

After visiting with some of these families their needs were pretty evident. The Lord directed them to leave their positions at the church. By miraculous intervention they bought a building in South City by Bevo Mill in 2006 and started reaching out and loving and helping the new refugees that were coming into the city.

Some of the help Oasis provides: furniture, household items, clothing, baby showers for new moms, English and Citizenship classes, monthly community BBQ's, help in finding jobs, utility and rental assistance, good neighbor program.

Since January 2024, 820 families have walked into Oasis for some kind of assistance, 183 families from 33 countries received furniture or household items.

Aseel Thamer and her family are refugees from Iraq and now proud citizens of the United States. She met Joani through Oasis and now works for them and for Youth in Need, all in St. Louis.

You can also find Oasis International and Youth In Need on Facebook or Instagram.