Our Mission is to Refresh Through R.E.S.T.
We host pastors, global workers, and Christian leaders at Oasis homes around the world for week-long retreats at no cost to the guest, giving them space to rest and safety to unpack the burdens of ministry life.
R etreat
Life in ministry can be all-consuming. Getting away to a space designed for rest, where leaders can receive hospitality rather than pour out, is essential.
E ncouragement
Entering into the woundedness of others can be emotionally draining. Being reminded that you have value, apart from your ministerial work, is critical for any Christian leader to flourish.
S afety
Vulnerability requires trust and is often difficult for leaders to access within their own ministry contexts. Our hosts keep absolute confidentiality and have only one motive: helping you find true rest in Christ’s love.
T ransformation
Given space to receive hospitality, process their wounds, and be reminded of their worth as people made in God’s image, leaders return to ministry with bodies and souls renewed by the grace of Jesus.
Our Story
Oasis Rest International exists because ministry leaders need care too.
Founded in 2003 by David and Sheri Grissen, long-term missionaries with The Navigators, the organization was born out of firsthand experience with the pressures, isolation, and burnout that quietly drain ministry leaders. Their vision was simple but powerful: create a place where those who serve could come and be restored.
They developed the “oasis” model where trained hosts offer safe, unhurried space. In the comfort of a home setting, leaders find physical, spiritual, and emotional renewal while working through the challenges that often go unaddressed in the busyness of ministry life.
What began with a single location in Sunriver, Oregon has grown to over 25 locations worldwide. Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Nathan LaGrange, following the leadership of David Knauss, Oasis Rest International continues to expand. New locations are increasing access and opportunity for leaders to be equipped through the R.E.S.T. framework. This movement of R.E.S.T. is driven by a conviction that the health of ministry leaders is crucial for fruitful, enduring ministry.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
As a pastor for over 20 years, R.E.S.T. was rarely on my radar. Who has time to retreat when the needs are overwhelming? How do you walk in encouragement when you’re always pouring out? Where do you find safety when all eyes are on you? And how do you experience transformation when you’re burdened by the past? We were so busy serving, building, and achieving that we nearly lost sight of the One who says, “Come to Me, and I will give you rest.”
By God’s grace, a series of crisis moments became a glorious movement that transformed our lives. This isn’t theory. We’ve walked this path, know the pitfalls, and have discovered: R.E.S.T. changes everything. And now, with you, we’re sharing this hope with the world.
Our Values
Attentive Hospitality
We ready home and heart, with attentiveness to the Holy Spirit before, during, and beyond an oasis stay.
Incarnational Empathy
We offer a ministry of presence, a trained listening ear and biblical comfort.
Joyful Presence
We listen intimately to God for ourselves, lean vulnerably in local community and live joyfully in our collective Kingdom calling.
Restorative Wisdom
We offer biblical coaching, skilled debriefing, and a transformative process of spiritual renewal.
Intentional Stewardship
We take great care to steward all resources for the glory of God.