A History of Oasis House
A ministry was born when a dancer came to Higher Ground Church in Spring 2005 and we developed a relationship with her. She taught us that the women who work in the sex industry are reachable and open to friendship with the church. As we prayed, we felt the Lord wanted us to begin a ministry to the women working in the adult nightclubs on the Dixie Strip.
After months of prayer, we began to look for a place of ministry. In October 2005 we found a house right in the middle of five adult nightclubs and across the street from an Adult Superstore. We knew that this was the location God had for us. We rented the house in December and began renovation with over 50 volunteers. We had significant donations of furniture and supplies from local businesses and churches. As renovations continued on the house, a group of women from several churches organized our first outreach. We took Christmas gift bags into seven clubs and introduced ourselves as women who wanted to be a support system for the dancers. We were received very well and one manager called us the next day and thanked us for coming in and offered to help us.
In February, we took roses and “The Father’s Love Letter” to the dancers; and for Easter we had an Easter Egg Hunt, games and Easter baskets for their children. Fourteen women and over 30 children came and spent the afternoon with us and we began building trust relationships with the women.
On May 16, 2006 the doors opened to the Oasis House and we put programs into place to minister to the women as they come for help.
Beginning in June, we started making daily visits to the clubs. We took in small gifts, food, and brochures to acquaint the women with our ministry. We have outreach teams who visit six clubs each week and frequently women come to the Oasis House for the resources they need.
We are encouraged with the favor of the Lord. We have been able to interact with women who would probably never approach the church. We intend to love the women until they ask why—-no condemnation, no pressure, no shame—-just acceptance and love. We have also been encouraged by the support of the Christian Community; most people we contact are excited with the idea of reaching out into the darkest area of Dayton and offering a hand.
In 2007, we are praying to open a ladies boutique to support the ministry financially and to give us opportunities to reach more women. We also see the need for transitional housing for women who are making life changes.