The Oasis of Hope: a ministry of
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Isaiah 1:17
It is a hard thing to look into the sunken and staring eyes of an infant who has subsisted on sugar water for three days. The screaming cries of an ever-empty belly forcefully fix your eyes on the source, demanding immediate attention. In the country where we serve, the sharp fangs of hunger follow babies like a spectral shadow. Now we provide hundreds of very hungry babies with nutritious food. We also feed mothers and encourage them to nurse their babies when possible. We teach mothers basic nutrition and how even small changes in diet can make a big difference. Fortified baby formula is our single most urgent and costly need. “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him.” 1 Samuel 1:27
The Oasis of Hope was truly born of necessity. More than simply a feeding center, the Oasis of Hope is a “living” center where we provide comfort for today and hope for tomorrow.
At Oasis of Hope, we believe that lasting change begins by equipping women with the skills they need to provide for their families with dignity and confidence. Through our vocational training program, vulnerable women learn practical income-generating skills such as sewing, soap making, jewelry and beadwork, and other handcrafted artisan products. These skills empower them to start small businesses, earn a sustainable income, and reduce their dependence on outside assistance. Every new skill learned represents a new opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. As these women gain confidence and financial independence, they are better able to care for their children, provide nutritious meals, pay school fees, and build a brighter future for their families. What may seem like a small investment in one woman’s life can create a lasting impact that reaches generations. Together, we are helping women move from surviving to thriving—one skill, one family, and one transformed life at a time.
At Oasis of Hope, caring for a child means caring for the whole family. Once a month, mothers gather at our center for practical nutrition and personal hygiene training. When a baby reaches six months of age, we teach mothers how to prepare healthy, nutrient-rich meals and porridge using affordable local ingredients, helping them nourish both their babies and their families. We also provide personal hygiene education, equipping women with simple, life-changing practices that help prevent illness and promote healthier homes. These trainings empower mothers with the knowledge and confidence they need to raise stronger, healthier children.
At Oasis of Hope, we believe that every new believer should have the opportunity to grow in God’s Word. That’s why we provide both printed Bibles and audio (radio) Bibles to men and women who have recently placed their faith in Jesus Christ. For those who cannot read, audio Bibles allow them to hear Scripture in their own language, making God’s truth accessible to everyone. Through this ministry, we are helping new followers of Christ build a strong foundation in their faith, one Bible at a time.
Malaria is a daily occurrence in the country. You likely know someone who has it, had it, or will soon have it. We distribute mosquito nets, insect repellant coils that burn all day, and personal insect repellents. We pay for boxes of the three-pill Malaria treatment. We often pay for or help with hospitalizations for treatment.
When a mother or parents arrive with a child who is too weak to eat, there is often an underlying medical condition, such as a malformed heart, cerebral palsy, or a neural tube defect, such as spina bifida. Treatment is too costly for the vast majority. When not locally available, we have paid for surgeries in foreign countries and for the mom to accompany the child along with a translator. We partner with others to bear the cost of the most expensive treatments. Cash on hand helps to ensure a quick and adequate response to urgent needs.