Did You Know...
Through our partnership with the Christian Counseling Center we provide over 400 hours of free counseling to our neighbors each year?
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Weekly at TOW
MondayFood Pantry 12:15 - 2pMid. School Group 3 - 5pFamily Meals 5:30 - 8p
TuesdayFood Pantry 12:15 - 2pGVSU Nurses 8a- 3pD-Groups 3 - 7pWednesday
Food Pantry 12:15 - 2pThursday
Food Pantry 12:15 - 2pGVSU Nurses 8a- 3p Couples Class 6 - 8p ESL Classes 6 - 8p |
Current Wish List:
- 5 or more picnic tables for the Family Center - Consistent childcare helpers for programs - A large tent/canopy for use during our May 16 Event (in case of rain) - A digital camera to photograph programs and events - Set of hand tools for the Youth Employment Service Please e-mail Kyle if you can help with any of these needs. Thanks! |
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Greetings!
As we continue to ramp up for "A Westown Adventure", we're reminded in the testimony of our Board Chair, Mark Roberts, how big of an impact such an event can play in a person's life. We hope you'll join us on Sunday, May 16 to experience "The Other Way" yourself!
Please take a minute to read Mark's story and about some of the other things happening around "The Other Way" this spring.
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 A Testimony from our Board Chair, Mark Roberts
tes-ti-mo-ny, noun; Oral or written statements made by a competent witness.Mark Roberts is a competent witness to the reality of God's calling him from a small group Bible study, to walk through the doors of "The Other Way" Ministries. Although 'marketing' is his trade at Herman Miller, his words are a personal witness to "hearing God speak... saying, 'Here it is, Mark, here's what you've been waiting for.'" We are delighted to share with you Mark's 'witness' to how God moved him from quiet cynicism to Board leadership of our Christian community development ministry. For several years when I had contemplated how I might show the love of Jesus Christ, I kept getting the message of "urban ministry". There were several to choose from, but none lit my fire.In the fall, my wife and I joined a church group for a study of "40 Days of Purpose". Of course, that book and study only reinforced my need to find an answer. During the last meeting, when it calls for action, one of our group members said he had a video of something that he belongs to. He didn't mention the name, or a category or a mission. Nothing! But what I heard was "Here it is Mark, here's what you've been waiting for..." To continue reading Mark's testimony, click here.
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Rain Barrel Workshop is a Hit
 Late last month, "The Other Way" hosted a Rain Barrel Workshop in partnership with the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC), SWAN neighborhood Organization and Grand Rapids Community College.
The main room in the Activity Center was filled with 20 empty barrels, supplied by Coca-Cola, and over 30 community members interested in building a barrel and harnessing some of the run-off from their homes.
The event was free, with WMEAC providing the materials and GRCC students offering tips and instruction as we constructed our barrels. We were excited with the great turn-out and the opportunity to partner with the other organizations.
To read more about the morning and to learn how you can get  involved in collecting rain water with your own barrel, click here for an article published in The Rapidian. You can also click on the picture above to watch a short video highlighting the workshop. |
A Westown Adventure - Sunday, May 16 from 3-5 pm
Don't forget that you're invited to Explore "The Other Way" Ministries on Sunday, May 16 from 3 - 5 pm (Don't worry - it's the week AFTER Mother's Day!) This will be an interactive, family-friendly event for everyone - from long time supporters to folks who have never even heard of "The Other Way". This is your chance to see first-hand what God is doing here and what He will be doing this summer.  We will highlight programs like the Youth Employment Service, Summer Leaders in Training, and the Garden of Eatin'! We hope this can be a group experience for your family, small group, or friends to get a taste of what's to come. Please take a minute to RSVP with Jackie Koning by e-mail ( jkoning@theotherway.org) or phone 616.454.4011 x 5112. You can also find out more about the event on our website or on Facebook or by reading a preview to the event on The Rapidian. Current Event Sponsors include:     You can join them by contacting Kyle. |
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Remember "The Other Way" in your Prayers
Each Monday morning, our staff has the opportunity to share and pray together at the beginning of our Staff Meeting. We'd love to have you join us in prayer, thanking God for some of the great things going on in Westown as well as bringing some of our concerns before Him. Here are some of our most recent praises and petitions: - We had a great start to our 6-session Couples Class that reinforces the importance of working as a team and strengthening the bond between parents. Six couples showed up for the first session.
- We're thankful for all the work groups and volunteers who are helping to spruce things up this spring.
- We continue to pray that we have good weather and a good turnout for our Sunday, May 16 Event (see above).
- We ask God for encouragement and guidance as we work with our Summer Staff to prepare for another busy season!
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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! As usual, you can always find out more at www.TheOtherWay.org or by joining our Facebook fan page, here. |
 Sincerely,
"The Other Way" Ministries
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