Meet Our Staff

Ashley Gray, President/Creative Director

Ashley has been active in global mission work since high school. However, the moment she stepped foot on African soil, she knew she was "home". As a mother, she has a huge heart for women and children in need. Upon returning from her first trip to Africa, Ashley knew God had given her the call, and co-founded Wings of Refuge with childhood friend, Briana Larson. Even when not abroad, Ashley loves to volunteer and is active in many ministries in the Twin Cities. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Jake, and their sons Benson and Kingston. Ashley enjoys traveling, Starbuck's and playing with her kids. She also owns a small business.

Rick Benjamin, Director of Field Projects

Rick has been involved in global mission work for many years, including leading many mission trips to Tanzania from his home church in Lakeville, MN. Rick has a big heart for Africa, especially for children, and was the main inspiration for daughter Ashley's involvement in African missions. He also loves to serve, working full-time at his home church as the kitchen manager. Rick resides in Lakeville, MN with his wife, Sheri, and has 3 daughters and 2 grandsons. Rick also enjoys working outside, taking the paddle boat out on the lake, and most of all - playing with his grandbabies.

Justin Rogers, Director of Media/Communications

Justin graduated from Buena Vista University with a double major in Marketing and Management Information Systems (MIS). He also got a passion to serve from BVU after going on two alternative spring break trips to Jamaica and Mexico. Never having really experienced the "gift of giving," Justin knew spending just 2 weeks of his life giving back thus far wasn't enough to repay everything that had been done for him. He realized how easily we take things for granted growing up and wanted to make a difference in others' lives with his talents. Justin currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa as a web developer.

Abraham Mushi, Director of Operations - Tanzania

Abraham has been a licensed guide in Tanzania for over 20 years, and most often guides mission teams. He has a passion for helping those in need in his country, and is a pillar in his community. Abraham has been integral in helping to facilitate Wings of Refuge's goals and projects in rural areas of Tanzania. He lives in Lawate, Tanzania with his wife and children. Abraham also owns his own safari company and lodge near Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Sheri Benjamin, Secretary/Treasurer

Along with 25 years of business and management experience, Sheri has a unique heart for working with women and children in need. She currently works as a professional life coach for MBA students at Bethel University and owns her own business called “ByDesign for everyday life”, where her passion is helping others with what matters. Her free time is divided between doing pro bono coaching for her church and ministry work with the Healing House of Minneapolis, which gives shelter to women in need and their children. Sheri lives in Lakeville, MN with her husband Rick, who is active in missionary work around the globe (including Tanzania) and together they have 3 daughters.

Lynn Roghair, Education Coordinator/Spiritual Advisor

Lynn has served in a variety of spiritual capacities including: prayer ministry while on mission teams in Africa, hospital chaplain, Stephen's Ministry, and leadership teams for Unidos En Cristos and Teens Encounter Christ. She has a Master's Degree in Special Education and has worked with a unique variety of students and their families in her 37 years of teaching. Mama Lynn has a mother's heart and passion for viewing each child, teen, or adult as a beautiful reflection of Christ. Her family includes daughter Jessica, son-in-law Jeremy, and grandchildren Mariana, Micah, Lily, and baby Johnson (due in October). They serve as urban missionaries with the Orlando House of Prayer - OHOP, in Orlando, Florida. Lynn also has an African spiritual daughter. Pictured with Lynn is Gloria Nderumaki, who is an education student at a university in Arusha, Tanzania. Lynn is an avid gardener and amateur photographer.