On Eagles Wings: History

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. Since its inception, this very diverse group of people has gathered at OEW every Sunday afternoon to connect and be encouraged, inspired, supported, and fed.

OEW met downtown in the home of Christina & Virgil Dawson for the first few years until it outgrew that space and relocated to the German Hall before temporarily closing its doors in March 2020 due to COVID. It reopened in 2022 at its new location at Maranatha Church to fill a gap in services on the north end of Nanaimo.

Today, the doors open at 4:30pm every Sunday afternoon when hot and cold refreshments and healthy snacks are available. We usually have live music from 4:30-6:00pm. At 5:00pm, a brief word of encouragement is shared before a hot pasta meal is served. Before and during the meal, our hosts connect with the guests, offering friendship, support, and encouragement.