Inside A City Of Refuge: The Christian Mission Serving Women, Children & Veterans

On a 120-acre property in Richland, a City of Refuge has fed, clothed, and safely housed abused or trafficked women and children since opening in 2022. Now the "city" plans to keep expanding at Lake of the Ozarks.

The City of Refuge is operated by Impact Ministries International, a Christian organization headquartered in Minnesota that began in 2008.

Approximately 300,000 American children are at risk to become victims of commercial sexual exploitation each year, according to a study by the School of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. Runaways and homeless youth are targeted, with the average age for entry into the trade being 12-14 years old.

Tom Stammans, president of IMI, and his wife Dr. Teresa Stammans, president of missions at IMI, founded the organization to rescue women and children through self-sustaining, income generating Christian missions.

The first City of Refuge began in Honduras while Tom was on a mission trip. He stumbled on children eating trash from a dump, then discovered the fate of many children was to be sold into sex-trafficking.

"I could not walk away," Tom said, who was almost at the point of retiring.

So he and Teresa created a ministry to rescue orphans, and built the City of Refuge - Honduras in 1980. More than 200 children have been given a home and hope for a better life since opening.

Then "God said I want you to build a city," Tom reflected.

By the end of 2026, the Honduras mission will have 100 buildings.

This includes a school on campus, considered to be a top school in that area. The City of Refuge is also one of the top employers, providing job security to more than 100 Hondurans, as one of the largest dairy farms and diverse fruit and vegetable producers.

The IMI has now expanded to 15 cities of refuge in the United States and one in Peru. The Richland, Mo., location will also be self-supporting, albeit tailored to the Lake area.

The property is divided into five zones:

#1 Safe Houses

"We were able to sleep in peace for the first time in months," said one mom, who was recently rescued along with her daughter.

The quiet country setting in Richland is perfect for healing. For one teen girl, her despondent countenance changed to smiles while picking raspberries and visiting a sleepy horse in his pasture.

#2 Air BnB rental homes and RV rental pads

#3 Rustic camping and retreat dormitories, plus a general store

These facilities are used for family, ministry, and business retreats, as well as Bible camps for all ages. Activities include various sports, ATV and hiking trails, a tree house, and a playground. Camps are geared toward developing leadership skills and nurturing a relationship with Christ.

The military adventure camp, offered to kids ages 9-17, teaches them self-defense skills, how to evade capture, and how to break free if abducted.

City of Refuge Military Adventure Camp 3.jpg

A general store provides goods at affordable prices to the public. From fresh produce grown on the farm to items like clothing, fishing equipment, tools, games, and more, sales help support the mission. On the premises is a food bank as well, with a plan to offer a mobile food bank in the community.

#4 Agriculture and farm animals

#5 Eventually 20 tiny homes for homeless veterans

Interdenominational services are also held at a chapel on site, where Tom invites people to "Come visit us. It will be great."

The IMI invites people to use their God-given talents on short or long-term mission trips at any of their locations. Volunteer opportunities include construction, counseling, agriculture, finances, teaching, maintenance, office, and cleaning.

"Simply being present with a traumatized child is a powerful form of ministry," Tom encouraged.

Donations are also accepted, whether monetarily or through construction supplies and slightly used items for the general store.

Learn more about the IMI and its mission on their website.

For additional information about the Richland campus, contact City of Refuge Manager Joseph Hull at 715-379-7475. Tom Stammans is also available to speak at local churches and organizations at 612-202-6064.