Hello, my name is Derek Oman and God has called me and my family to be Independent Baptist church-planting missionaries to the country of Croatia. Croatia is a beautiful country in the Balkans filled with a rich history and breath-taking landscapes. It is also a country of great spiritual darkness. Although many Croats profess Christianity, it is a religion reliant on works and devoid of grace. We believe God has called us to minister to a people who desperately need someone who will "open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light." We would love the opportunity to share with you our vision for planting Independent Baptist churches in this part of the world and bringing hope to Croatia through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The need is great - the time is now. Will you consider partnering with us to shine the light of the Gospel in this dark place?

Derek was born and raised in North Bend, OR. He grew up attending and serving at Bay Area Bible Baptist Church in his hometown where he was saved at the age of 12 and baptized. After graduating from high school, he attended Southern Oregon University where he received his Bachelors in Business Administration. During his junior year, the Lord began to press upon his heart the call to enter the ministry as a pastor. On his graduation day in June of 2014, he surrendered to the Lord’s call on his life and accepted a position at Harvest Baptist Church as the full-time Youth Pastor and later as the Assistant Pastor. Then, in October of 2022 during a revival meeting, the Lord began to speak to Derek's heart about the call to the mission field, specifically the country of Croatia. The Lord confirmed the call when he and his wife were able to take a survey trip to Croatia in October of 2023.

Sierra was born in Florida, but her family never stayed long in one place as her father served in the National Guard. One day in Lawton, Oklahoma, Sierra understood her sin and her need for a Savior at 6 years old. In her mother’s bedroom, she accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized at Bible Baptist Church two weeks later. After graduating from high school, Sierra attended Heartland Baptist Bible College for a few semesters in the Secretarial program.

Derek and Sierra met at Silver State Baptist Youth Camp in Sedalia, CO in July of 2014. Derek was a youth pastor and Sierra was working on staff at the camp. They were married in April of 2016 and currently reside in Abilene, TX serving at Harvest Baptist Church while they are not traveling on deputation. They are parents to two beautiful boys – Levi and Theodore.