OUR STORY
The Olson's
Dr Paul & Marcy Olson are the founders and directors of Refuge CMI. They grew up in denominations that had a great focus on missions around the world. However, missions became personal for them in 2003 when they embarked on their first mission trip to Kenya East Africa. When they returned, they felt the call to continue and formed Refuge Christian Ministries Intl. In 2004, they formed a team and returned to Kenya. Since those beginnings, they have also ministered in Mexico, Haiti, Belize, Guatemala, and the USA. Their focus is now primarily the three bolded countries.
They love to provide opportunities for others to join their mission trips and experience missions for the first time. In their 20 years, they have provided that opportunity to approximately 50 people.
How it all started...
Refuge CMI started in 2003 after Dr Paul & Marcy went on their first short-term (ST) mission trip to Kenya & Uganda with Dr. Atticus Register. We started hosting ST Mission Trips in 2004 to Kenya. Our initial focus was ministry to children in Kenya, Haiti and the USA. We participated in feeding programs and sharing the love of Jesus with the children. Over the years we have enlarged our vision to share the HOPE of Jesus Christ to people of all ages, which included HOPE Festivals, HOPE packs, and HOPE Centers. Additionally, we saw the need to provide training to pastors and leaders to expand their ministry effectiveness to their congregations and villages, so we started Refuge CMI School of Ministry (RCMI-SOM).
Since 2019, we no longer host short-term mission trips, but offer some other organizations/ministries that people can join if they want to go on a short-term mission trip (go to our MISSIONS page). "Training Pastors and Leaders...Giving HOPE To the Hopeless!" - and - "ENCOURAGE - EQUIP - ENGAGE" continues to be our focus.
Expanding the vision...
We continue to look for opportunities to fulfill the mission and calling God has placed on our lives and this ministry. To participate and sponsor outreaches, and to continue to train pastors and leaders, we need Team Refuge members; those who commit to be prayer partners, and those who commit to be financial supporters to the mission and vision of Refuge CMI.
Where we are headed...
We continue to look for ways to expand our ministry through outreaches, feeding programs, and training opportunities. Why? The time is short and we need to be putting all our extra resources into getting the Good News of the Gospel out to the lost and hurting. As more people join TEAM REFUGE we (you and us together) are able to do more for the Kingdom of God. It takes a TEAM!
Be a part of our story...
(325) 453-7761
info@RefugeCMI.org
PO Box 58 - Goldthwaite, T X 76844