Oasis Café During COVID-19

Three weeks ago, Oasis Café paused its in-room dining and switched to providing take-out, serving just over 300 meals in the past three weeks. For a place that has become known for fostering community, connection, and friendship, this was a difficult decision. And yet, in the midst of this challenging time during the pandemic, we press on and lean into the opportunity to continue to provide a nourishing meal for those who need it most. The health and safety of our guests and volunteers is a priority so we've not only increased our sanitation practices but have also introduced physical distancing measures and have encouraged as many volunteers as possible to stay home as we proceed with a streamlined meal service. 

We lament the absence of a dining room bursting with colour, laughter, and extended, unhurried conversations. We miss the ambience of live music and tables lined with fresh-cut flowers and baskets of assorted bread. We long for the day we can feast together, once again, as a sacred act of faith.  

Yet, we also rejoice in these current circumstances. Here are some encouraging stories:

• Guests have consistently voiced appreciation that Oasis Café remains open while other meal programs have shut down
• Grocery stores and non-profits partnering together and sharing bulk donations of gourmet ravioli, fresh-cut fruit cups, and bags of spinach!
• People caring and sharing from a distance with personalized homemade cookies of hope!
• A staff member from Lookout, our partners who run the Extreme Weather Response shelter, commented one evening while getting ready to open up for the night, "I'm not a believer, but I see the benefit of what the [Christian] churches are doing for the community. It’s really amazing work you guys are doing."
• A weekly provision of recycled takeout and yogourt containers brought in by anonymous angels
• A local neighbour was jogging by and saw what our church is doing through Oasis Café. Although unemployed, she was drawn to the activity and inquired about how to help out with the effort with her experience as an airline catering chef

Oasis Cafe welcomes your ongoing support in prayer.  Please pray for the safety of our guests, and for wisdom for our leadership team as we continue to adapt to ever-changing situations. We remember that before, during and after COVID-19 is over, it is ultimately Jesus who hosts this feast, and we get to join Him in the nourshment of all people.  

Learn more about Oasis Café at: www.tenth.ca/oasis.

Consider supporting the essential services provided at Oasis Café by giving at www.tenth.ca/give.