STOA is kind of a funny name. “It’s Greek to me!”, really is true in this case. STOA is the Greek term for porch. Back in the days of the late Greek philosophers like Aristotle and Plato and theologians such as the Apostle Paula and Clement of Rome, these type of men would meet for public debate and dialogue on the porch area of a prominent public gathering place. The outside colonnade or “porch” area was where everyone was welcome to talk about everything from politics to religion, social needs or even the arts. Because it was on the porch it wasn’t completely in a sacred place like inside a sanctuary and because it wasn’t just anywhere outside, but on the porch of a special place, it was a little more sacred than just a secular social spot. It was a place somewhere between the sacred and the secular, where all ideas would be heard and truth could come forth to be found by anyone willing to consider.

     In this same way, the desire of STOA is to reveal the truth about Jesus Christ to all people and from any origin. STOA is that place between the sacred and the secular where sincere thought, dialogue and ideas can be expressed in an open and benevolent manner. It’s like setting on the porch with a friend and having a conversation.

     But STOA is much more than inviting people to have a thoughtful conversation - STOA is also ACTION! In our travels we have learned the great relevance of helping people’s social needs by connecting resources from here in the United States to the great need around the world. Things such as; clean water sources, educational assistance, leadership development and training, support and care of orphanages, eye care and medical care. STOA seeks new and creative ways in which we can care for people’s needs no matter what those needs are or where they are or on the globe.

     A key component to STOA’s ongoing outreach to those in need, is to provide teams that penetrate communities in places such as Albania, Africa, Brazil, El Salvador, Jamaica, Haiti and even here in the United States. We have assembled a great group of Doctors and support staff, willing to serve with us, to provide the very best care to those in need. We believe God loves all His children. We seek to honor Him, serve His world and tell others of His love. 

-Wes Davis