Base Staff

Base Team Leader

Jeremy - USA

Life with God gets better with each step as I continue to trust Him… Since 2005, I’ve been a part of the Around the World in 80 Days (AW80) DTS here as student, staff, and school leader. Unquestionably, these have been some of the best years of my life! Each year has produced greater challenges and responsibilities, but along with that I’ve grown in the revelation of God’s goodness and joy. These upcoming years will the biggest yet as I step into the team leading role here at YWAM Oxford.

Prior to my DTS, I finished college in Indiana with a degree in International Studies and Ministry and, following that, had the opportunity to study and work overseas in China and live for a season in Southern California. Some of my favorite things to do are snowboarding, traveling, staying active and healthy, hanging with friends, eating, and drinking good coffee.

It is a privilege being involved with such an impactful organization. God has used YWAM as a means to train and disciple me in my perception of who He really is and what His character is truly like. I am excited as I consider what He has planned for YWAM Oxford’s future and consider it a blessing to be involved with God’s story in this place.

Treasurer

Bill - New Zealand

Bill has been the treasurer here at the base for 10 years now. Bill works two days a week at the Base, and lives in the town of Oxford with his wife Jenny. They have 5 adult children and currently 8 grandchildren.

Before he “retired” 8 years ago Bill was self employed as a gardener/landscaper, he loves all aspects of the English language and has written an autobiography and a 50,000 word illustrated handbook on the Campanulaceae family of plants.

Base Staff

Courtney - Head Chef/Kitchen Manager - USA

I’m from a small town in Wisconsin although I grew up in Minnesota but by my accent people think I‘m from Canada (I‘m not though!). I have a degree in Massage Therapy but obviously God has something that’s way better for me! So let’s see, I did the Backpackers DTS here in Oxford in 2009 yes I am a dirty backpacker. Going in to it I really had no idea what God was going to do but to my surprise it was pretty much life changing. I learned a lot about myself and what God’s will is for my life diving into the unknown with him as my guide. Whilst on outreach in Southeast Asia I wasn’t sure what the next step was for me, until I came back to base and felt a real call to the kitchen. So three months later I find myself back here, in the kitchen which God has given me a real joy to serve the people that come through along with the skills I need to get through the day. I love to love people it brings a smile to my face as well as laughing, I just love to laugh. I am super stoked to see what he is going to do in these next two years of my life. I fully recommend to just take that leap of faith, trust in him to get you through. It will work out every time!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7
Ministry Statement:
To bring God the glory by working in his kitchen serving, his disciples that pass through to learn more about him. To bring joy by smiling to those who come through. As well to create an atmosphere in the kitchen and the dining room during meal times that is fertile soil for all Christ centered conversations. Also to inspire them into their own ministries and to provide a nutritious diet. While providing them with practical skills in meal preparation.

Base Staff

Anna - Registrar - USA

I first came to YWAM Oxford in October ’09 to attend the first ever EarthCare DTS. Almost from the moment I stepped on base, God began laying it on my heart to come back as staff. I wasn’t sure it what way I would come back, but I was faithful and applied. In May the base called and asked me to be registrar. I’m not sure what the future holds for me yet, but for now I am excited to serve the base in this way, and to see the students grown in their relationships with the Lord.

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle of the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me; your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:7-10

Base Staff

Jay & Mary (& Joshua) - Training Co-ordinator - NZ

Hi, we are Jay, Mary and Joshua. We joined YWAM Oxford in Oct 2009. I (Mary) started with YWAM
in 1984 and have been in and out of YWAM ever since. I have worked and studied with them in
Australia, Philippines, England, and Germany and Vancouver doing a SBS, SOFM, leading four DTS’s, staffing one DTS, plus running a BLS. I’m currently the Training Co-ordinator here, training the school staff and overseeing the schools we run here.

I (Jay) was with Frontiers- Canada with a Church Planting team in Russia for 2 years. I completed
my Crossroads DTS in March 2010. I’m currently involved with our Prayer ministry leading Base
Intercession, oversee our Library and database. I am also developing teaching material on Frontier
Missions suitable for the DTS’s.

We were married in 2003 and had our son Joshua in 2006. He is learning lots at the local preschool
three days a week.

Base Staff

Jed & Kayla - Outreach Coordinators - USA

Jedidiah and Kayla or Ked and Jayla, as they were pronounced on their wedding day. Jed came from Colorado and Kayla came from Louisiana to do the Around the World DTS in 2006 where they met and fell deeply in love at first sight. After DTS, Jed went on to Staff with YWAM Oxford for 2 ½ years while Kayla went to college in Missouri. They were friends during this time after which they decided they wanted to get married. When Jed was in New Zealand and Kayla was in Missouri, they started dating (yes, started dating AFTER deciding to get married) over Skype for 9 months, planned a wedding, got engaged in Jerusalem, got married in Natchez, Mississippi, moved to Missouri to finish school, and have now moved to New Zealand!!! 

Jed completed his Basic Leadership school with YWAM Oxford in 2008 and has an Associates in Biblical Studies. Kayla has a Bachelors in Cross Cultural Ministry from Andersonville Theological Seminary! They finished their degrees in December of 2009 and starting raising support full time to move to New Zealand. They have committed at least 5 years to the Oxford Base to head up the Outreaches Department—planning and setting up DTS outreaches, training DTS students to share the gospel as a lifestyle.

Jed and Kayla are incorporating into the Outreach Department their lifelong vision to inspire and equip youth to go out on the mission field and raise awareness on injustice issues. Their passion at Oxford is to show how YOU can partner with God in reaching the lost that have yet to hear His name!

Base Staff

Ben - Property Manager - USA

My name is Ben, and I have been here on the Oxford base for about 8 months now. I completed my DTS in Maui, Hawaii and came straight from there to help with the building project 8 months ago. As that was underway I realized the calling that God has called for my life of serving Him daily and that is when I decided to stay. I am now staffing as the Property Manager and I am
loving the opportunity to be able to serve God and people here on this base.

Future plans? Well, ever since I was young I felt like God was calling me to someday pioneer I YWAM base….a crazy plan, that’s why I think it is His. Everything in between is going to be a continual process of serving God and seeking His will. I am extremely excited for all that God is doing in this base, and it is an honour to be a part of it!

Base Staff

Laura - Green Thumb - CAN

I completed my DTS at YWAM Newcastle in Australia in January 2005. After that, I went straight home for 3 years until God called me back to complete my BLS. I began that program in Oakridge NZ in 2008 and graduated a year later in Oxford 2009. I have recently finished staffing the EarthCare DTS in March and have stayed on to complete landscaping of the base. I take care of the grounds and look after the garden. I am also apart of the BLS staff team and assist around the base as needed. My passion is community development and education (primarily women and children).

“Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Eph 4:15-16

Base Staff

Nate - Vehicle Maintenance - USA

Hello, my name is Nathan Weaver, and I’m the vehicle guy around base. I also help out with whatever maintenance there is to do. I try to keep the vehicles in running order and fix them when they’re not.

I am from Pennsylvania and I went to so school for auto mechanics and worked in a garage for a year and a half before doing the backpackers DTS in October, 2009. I knew from the third week of DTS I was coming back to New Zealand. After DTS, I went back to the states for about two months, but coming back to New Zealand felt like I was coming home.

I don’t know how long I will be here and I’m leaving that up to God, but I would like to hang around a while, so right now I’m just taking it one year at a time.

Base Staff

Mackenzie - Hospitality Expert - USA

Greetings to all from New Zealand! I grew up in various parts of the United States of America. My family has a heart for adventure and the passion was definitely contagious then it came to my upbringing. I love to explore the world and see as much of God’s glorious creation (including PEOPLE and their unique cultures) as He allows me. I’ve been involved with YWAM off and on since 2003. Each time I come back God takes me giant steps forward in this amazing walk with Him. As I’ve opened up to Him and said “yes” to the call, He has transformed me and my focus (Eph. 5:1-2–> “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”) My heart stirs within me for missions and servant hood. Both of these are standards here in YWAM. I love being a part of a vision that encompasses the qualities for which I strive. I am in a place where my strengths are not limited but sharpened and encouraged. God is always within reach and ready to impact an open heart and willingness to serve.