The Oasis Centre, Gorton

A God with plans
The Bible is clear that God, in his sovereignty, determines the ‘where’ and ‘when’ of our lives, and that His guiding hand is at work even before we come to know Him.

This has been the story for Victoria Armstrong, who, looking for cheap student accommodation in the early 1990s, found herself living in one of Manchester’s most deprived areas.

Through a series of providential circumstances, Victoria met with God and, after becoming a Christian, was challenged to stay in the area, and explore what God had in store.

She has remained in Gorton ever since!

A woman with a vision
In 1996 Victoria had a vision of a building pumping out God’s unconditional love 24/7 to the communities of Gorton and East Manchester.

Today, the Oasis Centre now operates from a new purpose-built centre, catering with an extensive range of support, training, work and advice, and currently employing 17 staff alongside 62 volunteers.

Those working at Oasis have no doubt that Oasis is God's work and that they have been invited into what He is doing in an area facing multiple challenges.

Everything at Oasis comes from a place of, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done", seeking to create a kingdom culture where love is shown unconditionally, putting other first and with no hidden agendas.

Oasis is unashamedly learning to love like Jesus, recognising that for a community to really change unconditional love must be its foundation. The greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbour. Putting God first, and treating the neighbours in Gorton as they themselves would like to be treated, the Oasis team are beginning to see their community flourish.

A work with a purpose
The charity’s 2022 report well summarises the work of Oasis, which  focuses on five holistic support programmes. These programmes address the needs of an area facing high levels of unemployment, homelessness and criminal activity, alongside prevalent drug and alcohol abuse (challenges compounded by low educational attainment).

The RE-BUILD programme moves people’s lives from chaos to stability: helping people become safe and healthy. The centre provides emergency provision, a free cafe, a charity shop and a crisis support service.

The RE-ENGAGE work moves people from isolation to inclusion: helping people become involved and enjoy themselves. This includes group activities, workshops, craft, games etc. and partnering with the Manchester Hallé Orchestra, creating an Oasis choir.

RE-SKILL moves people from hopelessness to becoming skilled and aspirational. The work includes education in Maths and English, and ESOL as well as organised educational day trips.

The NEXT STEP phase moves people from inexperience to volunteering; helping people find value and worth in a safe, productive and creative working environment. A person-centred approach helps participants to become trained and equipped in new skills.

RE-START can then move people from a place of worklessness to employment: helping people find work and contribute. The centre provides free access to laptops and wifiand helps people into productive work.

A hopeful future
God has always been faithful to the promise found in the first scripture Victoria felt Him impress on her heart for the ministry of Oasis in Gorton.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Many of the people served by Oasis have suffered harrowing abuse of many kinds, and so the project is very careful not to inadvertently coerce in any way the precious people who come for support.

Over the years this gentle approach has borne fruit, with many people freely choosing to attend Oasis’ own Alpha courses, Freedom in Christ and other introductions to Jesus.

In partnership with local churches and many in the Oasis family have connected there and been enabled to start their own personal journey with Jesus. There are many stories of people trapped in addiction, abusive relationships, debt and trauma, finding a new life in Jesus and learning the unforced rhythms of grace.

Now that Oasis is well established,with a brand-new purpose built centre and an incredible team to match, Victoria spends most of her time supporting churches across the UK with the Resource programme: helping inspire, equip and resource local Churches to love their communities well through holistic support.

If Oasis has inspired you, or reminds you of the work you are developing at your church or Christian charity please contact her directly by clicking here.

To hear Victoria Armstrong interviewed about the work of Oasis, Gorton on Simon Guillebaud’s ‘Inspired’ podcast click here.

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Written by Richard Wilson (Jubilee+ Volunteer)