On Eagles Wings Church

On Eagles Wings Church (OEW) began in 2005 with a vision to minister to people in Nanaimo’s downtown core. Although connecting with First Nations people in a culturally affirming and respectful manner has always been a core value of OEW, it has also always been a place where all people are welcomed, valued, and loved, regardless of race, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, or beliefs. Many of OEW’s guests are Nanaimo’s most vulnerable and marginalized citizens (poverty, homelessness, addictions, mental health). Since it’s inception, this very diverse group of people has gathered at OEW every Sunday afternoon to connect, be encouraged, be inspired, be supported, and be fed.

OEW meets at the German Cultural Centre at 71 Caledonia. The doors open at 3:30pm every Sunday afternoon when hot and cold refreshments and healthy snacks are available. We have live music from 4:30-6:00pm. At 5:00pm, a brief message of encouragement is shared before a hot spaghetti meal is served. Before and during the meal, our ministry leaders connect with the guests, offering friendship, support, and encouragement. We serve between 70-140 people every Sunday, the numbers fluctuating due to weather conditions because almost all of our guests have to walk various distances.

OEW exists due to the sponsorship of Maranatha Church and other generous individuals and businesses. Would you consider joining this sponsorship team by making a one time or recurring gift? A $450 gift covers each week’s base operational expenses. Perhaps you can sponsor one Sunday, a month of Sundays, or one Sunday per month? Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated and will make a huge difference in the hundreds of lives that are touched through OEW. Please click here to make a donation.

OEW is also dependant upon a large base of volunteers. And although most of the volunteers who shop, cook, serve, clean, play music, set-up, clean-up, and minister at OEW every week are part of the Maranatha Church family, there are a number of other community minded volunteers who serve as well.

Please contact our volunteer coordinator Meredith Lopez at mjlopez835@gmail.com you’re interested in knowing more about volunteering opportunities.

Barry Hansen is the lead pastor at OEW and can be reached at barry@maranathachurch.ca