The theme of the night is "Inspiration". Bing Goei, Eastern Floral CEO and Founder of the Goei Center, will speak briefly on his Inspiration for restoring the historical Kindel Furniture factory into the beautiful place it is now. You will also hear what inspires "The Other Way" and how we work to inspire Westown Families.
 
Come enjoy delicious desserts, fellowship and be inspired yourself by the stories of transformed families in our community and the wonderful setting of this year's event.
 
RSVP now by e-mailing Jackie Koning (jkoning@theotherway.org) or calling 616.454.4011 x 5112. Complimentary vallet parking will be provided.

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We're excited to introduce Jevon Willis as our Youth Ministry Manager!

Jevon, a graduate of Ferris State and Western Michigan University and a limited licensed Social Worker, joins us with an extensive background working with teens and families in the Grand Rapids community.

As an active member of his church and other local events, Jevon enjoys playing the drums, listening to music, emceeing for city-wide youth events (and our upcoming Fall Fundraiser!), and serving as a deacon at Madison Square Church.


He has a number of dreams for his work at "The Other Way". "I cherish relationships and anticipate laughing, crying and experiencing life with 'Other Way' neighbors, friends and colleagues," says Jevon. "I anticipate building new relationships and stronger bonds with current partners of 'The Other Way'. I am looking forward to creating exciting opportunities and programming that captures and reflects the creative and intelligent energy that the youth on the west side of the city posses."

Jevon and his wife, Dena, have three children - Kiev, Quintin and Alexis.

You can read more about Jevon, his background and his hopes and dreams by clicking here...

We praise God for bringing Jevon to our staff. Please pray for him as he begins to grow and develop relationships with neighborhood teens. If you'd like to get involved with our Youth Ministry, please contact Jevon at 454.4011 x 5221 or by e-mail (jwillis@theotherway.org).

Five families headed to Cran-Hill Ranch for a 3 day weekend of Family Camp Fun from August 20 - 22. Our devotions and discussions, this camp, focused on Jesus in all areas of our lives.
 
At the Friday night camp fire, Melita read from Colossians 1:10-12 and talked about our tendency to treat Jesus like a light switch - We turn him on when it feels safe, like at Church and "The Other Way", but we will turn him off whenever he's inconvenient (ex. with our friends, at the movie theatre, in our homes...)

They fished, they swam, they played football, kickball, Phase 10, dominos and Pit!
 


One couple even volunteered to cook a delicious meal on Saturday night - grilled corn on the cob, grilled chicken, rice, beans and tortillas.
 
We celebrate this opportunity and the growth God continues to do in our families.

Read more here...

On Tuesday, September 14, Cornerstone University will be hosting a Free Basketball Clinic for Grand Rapids kids. Anyone under the age of 18 will be admitted free and adult admission is only $5 with all gate proceeds going straight to "The Other Way"!
 

Immediately following the Basketball Clinic, the Golden Eagles Varsity Volleyball team will take on the Concordia University Cardinals. Families should stick around for the fun and enjoy the Camo-themed game!
 


The Basketball Clinic starts at 6 pm with the Volleyball game immediately following at 7 pm. The event will be held at the Hansen Athletic Center, 1001 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call (616.454.4011 x 5114) or e-mail Kyle.

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:

• Pray for Jevon as he builds relationships with teens in the neighborhood and that he'll receive an outpouring of willing and dedicated volunteers.
  
• Pray for our program staff as we begin preparing for Fall programming.
• We ask God to bless several upcoming events including our Annual Fall Fundraiser, the Ride for Refuge and the Cornerstone Basketball Clinic/Volleyball Game.