From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the ever expanding story of God’s redemptive work. It is clearly proclaimed in God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
The culmination of God’s plan is beautifully portrayed in John's vision in Revelation 7:9-10. “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.””
In between Abraham's promise and John's vision of eternity lies a command given by the Lord Jesus Christ, found in Matthew 28:19-20. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Because we believe the promise of God and have received the command of Jesus, we at Oaks International count it our joy and privilege to be swept up in the mighty work God is doing to accomplish His great vision. Simply put, Oaks International exists to proclaim Christ and multiply disciplemakers for the glory of God and the joy of all nations.
Meet the Global Missions Leadership Team
Bryan and Renee Gibbs
Bryan and Renee Gibbs are passionate about reaching the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. In 1999, they moved to Japan where they served for 20 years laboring to raise up a new generation of disciples and disciplemakers. In 2019, they moved to Colorado where they led the missions department at The Navigators for four years. Then in 2024, they joined Oaks International where they are now responsible to design, build, and lead the Global Missions branch. Bryan and Renee have three children (Austin, Ethan, and Katie) who were all “made in Japan.”
Shannon & Lisa Sandquist
Shannon & Lisa Sandquist have served in ministry for 37 years, with a passion to reach people for Christ among the nations. They serve on the Global Missions leadership team to recruit, prepare, send, and sustain short and long-term missionaries. Having lived as missionaries in Southeast Asia and worked in the U.S. with mission sending, they feel well-suited to this role. They also continue to reach out to international students in Ames, Iowa where they live. Shannon and Lisa enjoy investing in the lives of their eight grandchildren whenever they can.
Joel and April Otero
In response to God's heart for all nations, Joel and April have ministered to international student from all across the world for the past twelve years. It has been a joy and privilege to love and disciple these students in order that the gospel might spread to new places and people.
As a part of Oaks International, the Otero’s will bring their cross-cultural experience to the Global Missions Team in order to help build a pathway for sending disciple makers to the nations.
Want to get connected?
We’d love to hear from you and share more about our mission. Whether you have questions or want to partner with us, let’s connect!
📩 Email Us: global.missions@oaksintl.org