As you may know, over the past few months we have been on a search to find who God was raising up to join the Oak Tree team. We entered the process with open hands, trusting the Lord’s timing and asking that He would give us patience as we waited on His guidance to the right people. We are over joyed to share with you how He has abundantly provided people who will strengthen our team and help us grow our ministry in the Village! We can’t wait to see what else the Lord does this year!
Piretta Key
Greetings, My name is Piretta Key. I have a passion for spreading the good news of JESUS. I grew up in Bessemer, Alabama. I have a husband and two kids. I like skittles because one day I will pass the rainbow, crushed ice, seafood and pickled okra. I’m super excited to be a piece of the bigger picture at Oak Tree!
Piretta has just begun leading our ministry to teen girls. This includes leading our Monday after school program for middle schoolers and Wednesdays with high schoolers. She will also be working closely with our partners in Putnam Middle School. We are so grateful for the blessing the Key family has already been to us and are thrilled God led them to serve with us!
Megan Smith
Hey y’all it’s Megan! I’ve always loved people and learning, which led me to my degree in Special Education and to many different jobs and serving opportunities. I’ve worked as a nanny, a camp counselor, a preschool teacher, and a therapeutic horseback riding instructor. I’m currently serving as a special needs buddy at The Church at Brook Hills on Sundays and working as an aide at a middle school. Though I’ve lived my whole life in the Birmingham area, visiting Marks Village a year and a half ago opened my eyes to a side of this city I’d never seen. While saddened by the needs and injustice I saw around me, I also quickly grew to love the kids I met. I have learned so much from them and from everyone at Oak Tree. It’s been amazing seeing God at work here, and I can’t wait to be a part of all He is doing!
Megan first began volunteering with Oak Tree in December 2017. She recently moved into the East Lake community and started working part-time with us on the weekends. We are excited to announce that she will join Oak Tree team full time in June!
Aaron Meeks
Aaron grew up in Ashville, Al.. He graduated from University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Child Studies Degree and minors in Math and Anthropology. He has lived in China working with vulnerable children and evangelism among an unreached people group with the International Mission Board. He moved to Haiti in October 2017, to be a Trauma Care coordinator and advocate for a Children’s Home. His passions include sharing the gospel, working with children, and equipping Christ followers to share the gospel!
Aaron will be moving back to Alabama soon and joining the Oak Tree team in June. We can’t wait for you to meet him!
Please celebrate with us how God is growing our ability to provide opportunities for families in the Marks Village community! If you see one of our new team members around, be sure to give them a big Oak Tree Family welcome!