MANSFIELD — Pastor Raymond Cochran Jr. said Tuesday he feels a buzz of activity happening around the entire city of Mansfield.
The Oasis of Love Church he leads will add to that again on Saturday with its ninth-annual Oasis of Love Block Party/Community Fair on the grounds of the 190 Chester Ave. facility.
“I think there is a lot of excitement in the entire community, a big buzz, in the city right now,” Cochran said. “People are working together … I can’t remember a time when this many people were working together.
“We are seeing things moving … lots of changes,” he said, crediting Mayor Jodie Perry with helping lead the momentum.
“There are like 25 projects taking place or recently completed around the city. It’s pushing others to do more. It’s like, ‘They are doing that over there. What can I do over here?'” Cochran said.
“I feel like it’s a green light on right now for everybody,” he said.
The annual block party, which began under Pastor Walter Jordan II, will again be completely free for everyone who attends.
Included are free school supplies and bookbags for grades K-12. There will be clothing available, working in partnership with The New Store.
It will include free food, hair cuts, entertainment and giveaways, as well as games for children. Social service agencies and other organizations will have booths at the site.
More than 1,000 pounds of fresh produce will also be available for distribution. Free health screenings will be offered.
Cochran said there will be something for everyone at an event he said now attracts people of all cultures and races from throughout north central Ohio, including Ashland and Huron counties.
“Come out … bring someone with you. Bring your friends. Bring your enemies,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just a great day for everyone to come together. Bask in the joy. It’s a festive atmosphere and you will feel a great vibe.”
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It’s also the latest in a series of big projects undertaken by Oasis of Love Church and its growing congregation.
The church announced earlier this summer it’s launching a faith-based business school in the community. Last fall, it announced it would take the lead role in restoring the former Cyclops Circle Park on the city’s north end.
“A lot of times, God speaks to you. He shows you a vision, but it’s for the appointed time. He gave me this a couple of years ago, but he said to wait. We had to plan, get people involved, get our ducks in a row.
“I didn’t know it would all launch at once,” he said with another laugh.
“But it’s been exciting. We have so many members of the community on board. We have many volunteers helping us and partnerships that make it all work,” Cochran said.
“We call it ministry outside the walls. We thank God every day for the people inside and outside the church walls.”