Oasis Fordlands is the story of a Rotorua couple who want to make a change in the neighbourhood they grew up in.
Darren and Michelle Brown started working in the Fordlands community two years ago.
They would drive Darren's bus, which he still uses for work each day, into the Fordlands area, taking families on day-long trips using money they received from fundraisers.
The Christian-based community work has grown significantly since those early days.
The work of Oasis Fordlands now includes giving free food to families in the area, giving advice and help for parenting and providing youth support and activities.
For example, just last weekend the couple took a group of about 30 to a camp in Papamoa, providing a fresh experience for many people in Fordlands.
Darren says the goal of their community work is to raise the hopes and aspirations of the people in Fordlands.
He says this desire to serve in the area started long ago.
"When I was a teenager I was always getting into trouble and I could either change my ways or go to jail basically . . . so I gave my life to Jesus.
"Having lived in that community some time ago and having become a Christian there I felt God had called me to serve.''
His wife Michelle says it is God's love that compels them to keep up the work, building up relationships, serving people practically and sharing about the work of Jesus.
Oasis Fordlands now operates out of the Fordlands Community Centre, and may be best known for handing out free bread every Monday to homes in the area or organising the Fordland's Christmas in the Park each year for local families to enjoy.
To get involved with Oasis Fordlands or to hear more about why Darren and Michelle love to serve, you can go along to a bible study on Tuesdays at 6pm or to a church service on Sunday mornings at 10am, both running out of the Fordlands Community Centre. All are welcome.
To find out more or to help the Brown's cause visit www.oasisfordlands.org.nz.