Mothering Sunday is a day of mixed emotions for many. For some it is a day of family meeting together to celebrate all that is wonderful about a mother – love, happiness, memories, belonging, being a mother, having a mother, being part of a family. For others it conjures up all sorts of emotions - sadness, loss, disappointment, heartache, distance, what could have been or what never will be.
As God loves His children and as a mother loves a child, here at Oasis we want to share God’s everlasting and unconditional love with every precious person that walks through our doors. One of the very practical ways in which we do that is by providing free hot breakfasts and lunches.
“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me.”
Matthew 25:35-37
Every weekday the amazing Oasis team of staff and volunteers prepare breakfast and cook a wonderful hot, nutritious lunch in our free café, where all are welcome. At 12 noon a long queue leads to the serving counter where everyone is met with a big smile and tasty food from around the world. Our café is central to our Oasis community, it’s where everyone gathers to share food and share life.
In 2022 our free café cooked a staggering 33,600 free breakfasts and hot lunches!
Aran* has volunteered in our Oasis kitchen for the past 8 months for 2 days each week. This Mothering Sunday will be particularly difficult for Aran – within the last few months Aran has lost his beloved Nan, Mum, also his brother and his dog.
Aran came to Oasis just after lockdown having lost his confidence and wanting to improve his social skills. He loves volunteering at Oasis where he prepares and serves food in our cafe. Aran loves that there are different levels of abilities; whilst getting the help he needs he is encouraged to help those that are struggling with life for whatever reason, he helps others to develop their range of skills and their English.
Aran says “It’s like a family here at Oasis, everyone is genuinely really happy to see you, the people are brilliant, everyone is friendly – you don’t see that in many places these days.”
We are so grateful to Aran for his invaluable help in our café, his cheery smile and willingness to help others, despite the sadness surrounding him.
Whatever your circumstance and emotions this Mothering Sunday, we pray that you know the peace of God that passes all understanding and experience His everlasting and unconditional love.
*(name changed)