Our History
From a prayer assignment to a growing ministry in Ghana.
Since its founding in 2006, Oasis Partners in Ministry has worked to share the love of Christ while serving individuals, families, and communities throughout Ghana. What began with a prayer assignment has developed into nearly two decades of ministry connecting people across two countries.
A Calling to
West Africa
The story of Oasis began several years before the ministry officially had a name. In 2003, while attending a prayer night service at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, Virginia, the section of the church where Patricia Emerson was sitting was assigned to pray for West Africa, and Patricia was given Ghana specifically to pray for.
She took that assignment beyond that night, continuing to pray for Ghana on her own. During a period of fasting and prayer, what began as an assignment grew into a personal calling to serve the people of Ghana.
Believing God was calling her to do more than pray from a distance, Patricia began preparing for missionary work. She sold her home in Virginia and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to attend Rhema Bible Training Center, where she received ministry training with a focus on missionary work, graduating in 2006. That preparation would soon lead her to Ghana and the beginning of Oasis Partners in Ministry.
Oasis Partners
in Ministry Is Born
On September 6, 2006, Patricia Emerson and her then 14-year-old son, Mark Powell Jr., founded Oasis Partners in Ministry. Soon afterward, Patricia relocated to Takoradi, Ghana, turning the vision behind Oasis into hands-on ministry.
From the beginning, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ was paired with serving the practical needs of those the ministry encountered. The name Partners in Ministry reflected the belief that people working together, each contributing their gifts and resources, could accomplish more than any one person could alone.
The Early Years in Ghana
Living in Ghana gave Patricia the opportunity to become part of the communities Oasis hoped to serve rather than ministering only through short-term visits. Relationships with local churches, schools, ministries, community leaders, and families created a foundation for the work ahead.
Oasis became involved in a wide range of efforts, including providing food and other necessities, supporting education, assisting with medical and housing needs, working with orphanages, participating in prison ministry, and sharing the Gospel. These experiences helped shape the direction of the ministry and identify areas where Oasis could make a meaningful difference.
Growing Through Partnership
Over the years, Oasis has led more than 20 mission trips, bringing individuals and teams from the United States to serve alongside those working in Ghana. Churches, organizations, businesses, families, and individual supporters have contributed their time, resources, talents, and prayers.
Working alongside people and organizations within Ghana has allowed Oasis to reach more communities while remaining connected to the people it serves.
From Outreach to Lasting Impact
As the ministry developed, its work expanded into projects designed to address needs over the long term. Oasis has provided scholarships and educational assistance, supported schools and families, hosted conferences and ministry programs, and invested in opportunities that equip people and strengthen communities.
Oasis has completed four clean-water wells that now provide safe drinking water to more than 6,000 people. Its commitment to education has also grown through significant investment in the Pretlow Lee Stevenson Jr. Learning & Leadership Academy, creating a place where children can learn, grow, and prepare for their futures.
Together, these efforts continue the purpose established at Oasis's beginning: sharing the love of Christ through both word and action.
Clean Water
4 wells | 6,000+ peopleEducation
Scholarships | AcademyMinistry & Community
People | OpportunitiesThe Story Continues
Nearly two decades after its founding, Oasis Partners in Ministry continues to build upon the foundation established in its early years. What began with a prayer assignment for Ghana has grown into an organization with leadership in both the United States and Ghana, supported by partners who continue to help carry the work forward.
The story that began in 2003 continues today, guided by the mission and vision at the heart of Oasis Partners in Ministry.