If you’ve ever run a race, you know the value of the cloud of witnesses. An encouraging cheer at right moment can make all the difference when the physical strain seems like too much to bear. There is much to be learned about the value of encouragement by participating in a race.
On May 24, several members of CBOQ’s staff team ran the Oasis Spring Run, put on by the Oasis Dufferin Community Centre. With bright sunlight, enthusiastic volunteers and a good cause to spur us on, it was truly an honour to be able to participate. How much more so knowing that Oasis is providing physical, emotional and spiritual support to people who are struggling with poverty and other challenges!
CBOQ is a long-time partner with Oasis, supporting the ministry through a Barnabas grant. This has encouraged Oasis to develop their “Urban Ministry Training Ground,” where people can come to learn about engaging in urban ministry. And now, a new aspect of Oasis is emerging in the pastoral ministry of Joe Abbey-Colbourne. This may well develop into a new congregation of CBOQ one day.
With partnership as our foundation, we ran encouraged by the cheers of others, but we were also able to cheer back for Oasis, for our Baptist family, and for the ways that they are showing, and living, the love of Jesus.
