Saying Goodbye to a Friend
For the past few months, we’ve gotten to know one Iraqi man very well. He had grown up as a part of a religious sect called “Followers of John the Baptist.” Since coming to the Oasis he has had the opportunity to learn about Jesus as the Messiah and has become a follower of Jesus Christ. He has become a good friend to us and we have enjoyed the opportunities to have him over and get to know him better. His love for children was evident and Caleb took to him immediately. This past week he was transferred to the far western side of Austria. It was very sad to see him go. We pray for him as he continues through his asylum process and that he will find fellowship with other believers in his new location.

Beginning of Ramadan for the Muslims
This past week began Ramadan for Muslim’s worldwide. This month-long time of fasting from sunrise to sunset is a time for Muslim’s to learn about patience, modesty, and spirituality. Since a very high percentage of those we work with are Muslim, Ramadan has a great impact on all Oasis programs and especially those in the evening. On a normal coffee bar night, we would easily give away 200 cups of coffee and tea. During Ramadan, that number decreases to around 50. We pray that during this time God will speak to the hearts of so many Muslims and that they would see the true love and forgiveness that comes from a relationship with Christ.

Happening at the Oasis
During the summer and fall, we have many short term teams that come to the Oasis for two week periods of time. They help with programs and with many other things around the Oasis. For the first two weeks of August, we had a team of nine from the Czech Republic. It was a blessing having them here as some of them spoke a few of the languages that the refugees speak (mainly Farsi and Russian). They’ve also helped with some maintenance projects in the Oasis (we are repainting the inside of the building). In September, October, and November we have three more short term teams coming (two from the US and one from England). Please keep this time in your prayers as it is a very busy time at the Oasis.

Links – Afghan Youth Seek a New Life in Europe
Here is an article published yesterday by the New York Times about the rise of young Afghan refugees in Europe. It hopefully will give you a perspective into the lives of those we work with here. The largest group we see are young Afghanis.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/world/asia/28afghankids.html?_r=2&ref=global-home

The Oasis Webpage & Blog – oasis.iteams.org
In our last newsletter I mentioned that the Oasis has a newly created website. It is a good resource for everything that has to do with the Oasis and refugees in general. Over the past two months, we have started a team blog on the site (http://oasis.iteams.org/blog.html). This is updated weekly by different team members. You’ll find many stories on the blog as well as various projects happening at the Oasis. Check it out!

On a Personal Note
We are doing well. We’ve had a few family members visit this summer and have enjoyed spending time with them. They’ve also had a chance to spend some time at the Oasis and be a part of our ministry there. Caleb is now six months old (he weighs 17 lbs and is 27 ¾ inches long). He’s a very happy boy who loves to laugh and scoot around in his baby walker. We are really enjoying seeing him grow in his self awareness and mastering all sorts of new skills.

Thank you to all of you for your continued prayers and financial support. You make it possible for us to be here and to share the love of Jesus Christ.

In Christ,
Dan and Regan