Did You Know...
Each month over 800 people come through our doors or call requesting assistance (100 of them for the very first time!)?
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Weekly at TOW
MondayFood Pantry 12:15 - 2pMid. School Group 3 - 5p
TuesdayFood Pantry 12:15 - 2pGVSU Nurses 8a- 3pD-Groups 3 - 7pWednesday
Food Pantry 12:15 - 2pThursday
Food Pantry 12:15 - 2pGVSU Nurses 8a- 3p ESL Classes 6 - 8p |
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Planning Your Financial Future God's Way
You may
have heard someone say, "That person is so heavenly minded, they're no earthly
good." The Bible teaches that the opposite is true: that we're no earthly good
unless we're heavenly minded. Here are three biblical principles to help us be
more "heavenly minded" when it comes to planning our financial future:
First,
the goal of financial planning is not to try to completely eliminate all
pain and suffering (and so diminish our life with Christ), but rather to
position ourselves in the center of God's will so that we can glorify God
in times of trial and blessing (1 Peter 4:12).
Second, because God has so
freely given to us, He wants us to respond by freely giving to others
(Matthew 10:8).
And finally, the Bible instructs us to prepare for the
"day of God" by living holy lives (2 Peter 3). That means that our future
financial planning should be set apart from the values of the world,
honoring the Lord with everything we are and everything we have during and
after our lifetimes, seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness.
For
more information, ask for a FREE copy of "What
does the Bible say about planning for the future?" by replying to this e-mail or calling Lou at 616.454.4011.
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Greetings!
We have been enjoying the sunny days here in Westown and longing for spring. However, we take advantage of the cold months to hold classes, gather around the table, play in the snow with kids and share hot coffee with neighbors.
Below are just a few things that we are celebrating that took place this month.
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The Start of Something Great: Family Meals
On Monday, February 22, we celebrated the start of Family Meals with families participating in programs at "The Other Way". Two times each month 9 to 12 families will gather around dinner tables at the Family Center to share a meal together, talk about community, study scripture and play games together. These community building activities are designed to invest in relationships of our families with the goal of having Christian community, with stronger Christ-centered families.  Monday evening, 9 families from Westown enjoyed a meal prepared and served by volunteers from Community Reformed Church in Zeeland, MI. After eating together, adults from Community Reformed led a program for the kids, and family development staff and 17 other adults talked about the importance and the difficulty of creating true community. Reading scripture from 1 John 4 and Hebrews 10, we talked about being a community of Love and Hope! |
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Partnership Does More Than Promote Community Health
Seven years ago we began partnering with the Grand Valley State University Kirkhof School of Nursing to promote the improved health of our neighbors. Over the years, the six week Community Health Clinical rotation for the nursing students has provided our neighbors with valuable training and advice on how to lead healthier lives. But last week, we witnessed another example of how important this partnership really is.  During a routine meeting, the GVSU nursing students were able to diagnose and refer one of our neighbors to the hospital just in time to receive critical care for a stroke. Our friend is currently recovering, and their situation is getting better thanks to the quick thinking and decisive action of the nurses. We continue to praise and thank God for their sharp minds and perceptive eyes in our community. |
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Become a Fan on Facebook
We want you to join the growing community of "Other Way" Fans on our Facebook page. In just one week, we were able to more than double the number of people following us on Facebook!  Want to know what's going on in Westown? What local businesses and restaurants you should check out? What exciting things we have going on in our programs? We are working to post daily updates on neighborhood happenings and create a dialogue with our neighbors and supporters. We invite you to become a "fan" and join the conversation. Follow us here. |
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Thanks for reading and staying involved in the work of "The Other Way". I invite and appreciate your feedback on our E-News. Please e-mail me at lroossien@theotherway.org and let me know if there are other things you'd like to see in the next e-mail! |
 Sincerely,
"The Other Way" Ministries
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