Missionary Spotlight: Get to Know OHI Missionary, Rebecca Mann

Rebecca Mann reached a breaking point in her health opportunity and asked God for guidance. “I had broken my C7 vertebrae at age 18, and after that accident I suffered from spinal stenosis and degenerative disk disease with bulging disks. I was on three different pain meds and had trigger point injections for pain every two weeks. I had three knee transplants and was on steroids for inflammation. I also had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, autoimmune disorder, and am on thyroid medication for that. I was in constant pain and had absolutely no quality of life. One night the pain was so intense that I fell to my knees and cried out for help. I heard a voice in my heart that told me to do the OHI missionary program, and that was it. I went to work the next day and told them I needed to take a 1-year leave of absence to solve my health issues. I applied to be an OHI missionary immediately. The pieces of the puzzle all fell into place, and 2024 is the year to turn my health around for good. I started in January as a missionary.”

Rebecca learned about OHI fifteen years ago from a friend. “I wanted to take a break from the world,” said Rebecca. “I went to OHI, and it was positively transformative. I have been back at least five times over the years but had never considered the missionary program before. Six years ago, my health really took a nosedive. In addition to the above-mentioned issues, doctors found a cyst on my brain and my thyroid. I had terrible headaches, and the meds prescribed made me feel worse. I walked into OHI on January 6 feeling completely broken but determined to change that. I strictly adhered to the diet and went to the lymphatic stretch classes every day. I turned my focus on others and worked in service to their transformations. To see guests walk in who were truly suffering and in pain, and to see everything change as they apply themselves to the program and walk out the door three weeks later completely healed and happy, that was inspiring. But it’s not magic. Transformations are not miraculous. Anyone can get the miracle of healing if they show up and put in the hard work. At OHI, the diet is cleansing, the classes are inspirational, and the guests and staff are supportive. You have all the tools you need to succeed here. Our habits keep us sick, and you need to let go to let the healing happen. If you put in the hard work to break old habits, change your thinking, and embrace a raw vegan diet, the healing will come to you.”

Rebecca committed herself to the program and to serving others, and here is what she found. “By Week 4, I was off all my pain meds and steroids. I didn’t even take a Tylenol,” said Rebecca. “The only medication I was still on was my thyroid medication, and that was cut in half. The raw vegan diet eliminated my inflammation and cleared my clogged liver. It purified my body, mind, and spirit. The quiet of OHI strengthened my resolve and my character. I lost 30lbs of fat and gained 10lbs of muscle. I felt so good that I was inspired to become a yoga teacher, knowing it would increase my overall healing capacity. A friend of mine living in Indonesia had invited me to come visit after my three months in the OHI missionary program were finished. I did some research and applied to a 200-hour yoga teacher training program at an Ashram in Bali. It was incredible!

I want to thank everyone at OHI for all the enriching food, love, friendship and support. I have addressed trauma from my childhood, processed the grief of losing loved ones, overcome a broken heart, and come out the other side a whole person. The three months serving as a missionary helped me regain my mobility and build my strength to successfully complete the yoga teacher training program in Bali. Thank you OHI!”

Rebecca has some advice for anyone considering the OHI missionary program. “Honor the commitment,” said Rebecca. “When you put your heart and soul into the missionary program, beautiful changes await both you and the guests. You’ll be inspired as you help guests on their healing journey, and that inspiration will carry you through on your own journey. You’ll come out a better person for it. I’m hoping to do another 3-month stint as a missionary again later this year. I envision for myself complete cellular reconstruction, and I believe I can achieve that with the help of OHI. If I can heal my thyroid entirely and get my Hashimoto’s in check, I can get off all medication. That is my goal, and at OHI I believe all things are possible.”

Thinking about applying for OHI’s Missionary Program? Call us (800) 588-0809.