The sun was shining brightly on a recent Sunday afternoon in St George’s Park, Great Yarmouth, as a team from Oasis Chapel set up their stall, filled with an array of free refreshments. For the past month, they have been visiting the park every Sunday, offering tea, coffee, squash, and lollipops to anyone who passes by, all completely free of charge. The team’s goal is to reach out to the local community, showing them love and practical support in a tangible way. As they serve, they take the time to chat with the locals, listening to their stories and sharing a message of hope and faith. It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect with the community, and the team has been overwhelmed by the response.
Despite the many positive encounters they’ve had, the team from Oasis Chapel recently witnessed a disturbing incident – a violent attack on a young man in the park. Thankfully, the young man received help from bystanders and is recovering, but the experience has left a deep impression on the team. Louise, a volunteer from Oasis Chapel, reflected on the incident, saying, “Violence, hatred, and drug abuse in our communities is so sad and worrying. We could all be affected by it in one way or another.” The team is now urging local Christians to join them in praying for the park, the town, and especially for the young man who was attacked. They believe that prayer can bring about positive change and are inviting others to join them in lifting up the community in prayer.
As the team continues to serve in the park, they are reminded of the beauty and importance of this green space in the heart of the town. St George’s Park is a haven for children to play, for parents to sit and chat, and for everyone to relax and unwind. Many homes in the town center don’t have gardens, so the park is a precious resource for the community. The team is grateful for the hard work of Keith, the friendly gardener, and other council workers who keep the park looking its best. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, the team sees the park as a blessing to the town and is committed to continuing their outreach work.
The team from Oasis Chapel has been touched by the response of the local community to their free refreshments. Many people are hesitant to accept something for free, and some of the poorest individuals have even tried to give them money. Louise comments, “People find it difficult to accept something for free… some of the poorest people who pass by try to give us money. We never accept, but our hearts are deeply touched.” This generosity of spirit is a testament to the kindness and resilience of the community, and the team is grateful to be able to serve them in this way. As they chat with the locals, they are also sharing their Christian faith, and many people have been open to listening and discussing spiritual matters.
The team from Oasis Chapel is made up of volunteers who are passionate about showing God’s love to their community. They believe that small acts of kindness, like serving free refreshments, can make a big difference in people’s lives. By being present in the park, they are able to build relationships and trust with the local community, and they are seeing the fruit of their labor. The team plans to continue their outreach work in the park throughout July and will be switching to a mid-week slot during August. They invite anyone who is interested to join them, either to volunteer or simply to receive a free drink and a warm welcome.
As the team from Oasis Chapel looks to the future, they are mindful of the challenges that lie ahead. However, they are also filled with hope and excitement for what God can do in their community. By working together and praying for their town, they believe that they can make a real difference. Louise reflects, “We have really enjoyed meeting people and sharing the Christian faith with them.” The team’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that small acts of kindness can bring light and joy to those around us. If you would like to find out more about Oasis Chapel and their work in the community, you can visit their website at https://oasischapel.com/.
