Your chance to Explore "The Other Way" Ministries is coming Sunday, May 16
Come learn more about what we do in the Westown Neighborhood through this interactive, family-friendly experience on Sunday, May 16 from 3-5 pm.
You'll have the chance to see first hand how we're working to build the Kingdom in our community (and Lord willing, enjoy a beautiful May afternoon!).
Click here or on the image above to open a pdf version to hand out to your friends and family!
If you'd like more information or to RSVP TODAY contact Jackie Koning at jkoning@theotherway.org or 616.454.4011 x 5112. You can also RSVP through our Facebook Fanpage by clicking here.
A Gift That Gives Back
Did you realize that you can increase your income through a creative giving tool called a Charitable Gift Annuity?
A Charitable Gift Annuity pays you an income for life (or the lives of you and your spouse). The rate of return is based on your age at the time of your gift. (See sample rates below).
Age |
Payout Rates |
60 |
5.0% |
65 |
5.3% |
70 |
5.7% |
75 |
6.3% |
80 |
7.1% |
85 |
8.1% |
90+ |
9.5% |
This chart reflects sample payout rates for single donors. Payout rates differ for couples. |
|
* Rates are determined by the American Council on Gift Annuities (effective through July 1, 2010)
You receive a charitable deduction for a portion of the gift when you make the gift. Additionally, a portion of the income comes back to you tax-free. After your lifetime, the remainder of the gift goes to "The Other Way" Ministries (or any other charities you select).
A Charitable Gift Annuity offers several benefits, including:
- Increased Income
- Tax Deduction
- Annual Payments (partially tax-free)
- Increased Kingdom Impact
- Legacy for Future Generations
For more information, ask for a FREE copy of “ Questions & Answers about Gifts That Give Back” by contacting Kyle at (616) 454-4011 x 5114 or kvanstrien@theotherway.org.
Family Meals: The Start of Something Great!
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!
Kirkhof School of Nursing 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.
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.
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. Notice what the Bible has to say to help us be “heavenly minded” when it comes to planning our financial future:
Expect change.
The old saying – “time flies” – has some good theology behind it. In James chapter 4 our lives are compared to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. And yet it’s so easy to live, think, and talk as though this life will go on indefinitely. But the Bible cautions us that we do not even know what will happen tomorrow. This is not a cause for fear, but rather helps us see that our lives and our future plans are in God’s hands, and that we can confidently surrender our changing circumstances to Him.
Embrace Suffering.
If we have sufficient resources, we can avoid a lot of pain and discomfort in life with things like medication, air conditioning, and comfortable homes. And so it may seem foreign to our North American ears that suffering is a normal, expected part of our life with Christ, and even a cause to rejoice! (1 Peter 4:12) But this biblical principle helps us see that 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.
Give freely.
Do you like having a say in decisions that impact you? Most of us do, and yet we had no say in the decisions that have most impacted our lives - who our parents are, where we were born, the time period we live in, what abilities we have, etc. This “package” of who we are is a wonderful example of God’s grace in our lives. And because God has so freely given to us, He wants us to respond by freely giving to others (Matthew 10:8). In fact, the book of James teaches that our faith is useless and even dead if it is not expressed in generous giving to those in need. That means that planning for our financial future, from God’s perspective, begins with being intentional about growing in our faith by growing in our giving.
Look forward.
As believers, we understand that the busyness of life will come to a screeching halt when the Lord returns: “The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare,” according to 2 Peter 3. That may sound like something out of an Oscar-winning movie, but it describes a future reality that has major implications for how we live now. The Bible instructs us to prepare for the “day of God” by living holy lives. 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 contacting Kyle at (616) 454-4011 x 5114 or kvanstrien@theotherway.org.
2009 Review and Thanks from Lou
2010 is not only a new year. It’s a new decade. Certainly a time for New Year’sresolutions; but I don’t make them. Not that I’m too old tochange. My mostly young staff is good for me; they remind me that change is the new normal, whether climate change or technological change. It’s just there are some things I don’t want to change! Like the message of God’s daily grace and your faithful partnership with ‘The Other Way’.
A friend popped a pair of questions: “How are things going at ‘The Other Way’? My answer was “Great! I’m having a good time!” Then, “How are you doing financially?” Answer: “God is good! We finished 2009 in-the-black.”
I wanted you to know that too, and the pie graph below pictures how it happened. It includes a few sweet “legacy gifts” that are encouraging us into the Family Development challenges of 2010, as we meet hungry neighbors, offer Family Wellness Classes and Family Coaching.
So as I look back with thanks and ahead with hope, the one thing I don’t want to see change is your faithful partnership. Thank you in advance for walking with us into 2010 toward God’s goal of stronger, Christ-centered families in Westown.
Thank you Fruit basket Flowerland
Thank you to Fruit Basket Flowerland and all your customers and radio listeners who contributed to this years' "Fill the Tub with Grub" food drive! Rick, Doug and Kristi dropped off a van load of canned and boxed goods and personal items to help re-stock our Food Pantry during this busy time of year. Thanks to the generosity of their customers and listeners, they collected 1,190 items!
You can learn more about Flowerland and follow them on Facebook by becoming a Fan - click here.
Doug, Kristi and Rick publicize the Fill the Tub with Grub food drive on their weekly radio show.
Christmas Store 2009
The Christmas Store has wrapped up and we're taking a collective deep breath before celebrating Christ's birth with our families. Thank you to EVERYONE who made the Store a success again this year. We are so blessed by your support. Here are some of the numbers from the 2009 Christmas Store:
- Approximately 60 groups or individuals contributed donations - 21 churches, 4 local colleges, 1 high school, 6 businesses or organizations, and over 25 individuals and families. Thank you!
- We received approximately 2850 gifts to stock the Store.
- Over 150 families benefited from the Store.
- Approximately 400 children were represented by their parents.
- Parents earned over 2540 hours of credit to spend in the Store.
Previous Updates:
"The Other Way" Christmas Store is off an running!
We received our first load of gifts from a local congregation on Sunday afternoon and the Store staff was busy collecting and sorting all day Monday. As of Monday night (Dec. 7), we had received approximately 2,650 gifts from 25 local churches, 6 businesses, 5 area colleges, 1 high school, and about 20 individuals and families. We are so grateful for the generosity of those who have already contributed - you have certainly blessed us!
Please check back regularly for updates on the Store and to see new pictures! You can view our online photo album by clicking here or on the slideshow below.
Christmas Store Week Updates:
Tuesday afternoon - The Store staff is decorating the building and sorting and arranging gifts for shopping to begin tomorrow. We are currently about 400 gifts short of our goal, so please consider dropping off a few more by tomorrow evening. For more information, check out this E-bulletin. You could also help us reach our goal by donating online.
Wednesday afternoon - Shopping began today, despite the weather conditions! The Store was full of life with some neighbors busy working and others busy shopping and spending their hard earned credit. We continue to praise God for His faithfulness! Check out some of our latest pictures in the slideshow below.
Friday afternoon - The Store is full of neighbors again today. Despite the "blizzard", yesterday, we had a successful session for our Spanish speaking neighbors (thanks to our bi-lingual Store employees). We're so grateful for all the donations we have received to make the store possible. Thank you! We look forward to wrapping things up tomorrow. New pictures are up, too!
Community Christmas Celebration
Each year we invite the families we are walking alongside to join us for a Community Christmas Celebration and this past Thursday there was standing room only!
People brought cookies to share, families told stories about how they celebrate Christmas in their homes and our youth sang and danced for everyone. As we surveyed the room it looked like a picture of God’s Kingdom (a reflection of Revelation 7:9). People gathered from a variety of races and economic backgrounds singing about the coming of Christ and longing for things to be made right in the world.
We listened together as Lou told the story of the birth of Jesus (in English and Spanish!). Then Pastor Jeff from Servants Community Church shared the long list of names that led to the birth of our savior and how from the very beginning the ‘good news’ of Jesus was for everyone and that we are not alone in our struggle in this life.
It was a joyous celebration and we know that God used this event to plants seeds of hope and new life. Praise God!
Thanksgiving Food Drive 2009
This years Thanksgiving Food Drive was an overwhelming success! Local congregations collected 848 bags of food during their Thanksgiving Day services on behalf of the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at "The Other Way".
On Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) the churches delivered their food collections and with the help of volunteers and neighbors we were able to sort all the food and re-stock our pantry. Regular pantry volunteer Ruth Hennink coordinated the stocking of the shelves and Nancy Wright and her son Ben helped move some of the heavier items around and enter data into our computer system.
We were very excited to have the help of 11 neighbors earning credit for the Christmas Store as well. Many hands make light work!
We want to give a big thanks to all those who volunteered to sort food and stock our pantry as well as to the congregations who contributed:
- Richmond Reformed Church 90 bags of food
- Remembrance Reformed Church - 192 bags of food
- Fair Haven Ministries - 266 bags of food
- Fellowship Reformed Church - 300 bags of food
Total: 848 bags! Thank you!
To learn more about the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at "The Other Way" or to find out how you can help keep our shelves stocked during this busy season, please contact our Pantry Manager Melita Powell by phone (616.454.4011x5331) or e-mail (mpowell@theotherway.org).
Leveraging Your Support of "The Other Way" Ministries
If a friend told you they could show you how to save up to 15% on your gifts to "The Other Way" Ministries, would you believe them? Would you be interested?
Many kingdom-minded people like you have been enjoying this blessing for many years with gifts of appreciated securities such as stocks, mutual funds, and bonds.
By transferring the ownership of their appreciated securities before the sale, they are able to enjoy an income tax deduction for the current market value, and avoid the capital gain tax they would owe if the stock were sold before it was given.
This exciting gift option is an excellent way to leverage your support of "The Other Way" and other ministries. If you own stocks or mutual funds that have increased in value (and have held them for more than one year), you may want to consider doing what so many others have done, and use those assets, rather than cash, to fund your giving.
Consider this sample illustration. John and Wilma Hawkins are faithful supporters of "The Other Way". They purchased shares of ACME Corporation in 1990 at a cost of $5,000. Over this time, these shares appreciated and today are valued at $10,000. If the Hawkins were to sell the stock and then give the proceeds to "The Other Way", they would pay tax on their capital gain of $5,000 ($10,000 market value minus $5,000 original cost). If instead, they give the stock directly to "The Other Way", they can claim a charitable deduction for the full market value of the gift, and will not owe any capital gains tax on the transaction. "The Other Way" can then sell the stock and use all of the proceeds for our mission.
For more information, ask for a FREE copy of “Remembering the Lord with Appreciated Stock” by contacting Kyle at (616) 454-4011 x 5114 or kvanstrien@theotherway.org
Take a minute to vote
Vote for "The Other Way" through the Chase Community Giving porgam to help us win $25,000! Click the link below.
Special Year-End Giving Option for Seniors
Thanks to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, you can take advantage of a special tax-saving opportunity to make gifts directly from your IRA to causes such as "The Other Way" - now through December 31, 2009.
If you are at least 70 ½ years old when the gift is transferred, you can make a distribution directly to "The Other Way" without increasing your taxable income or withholding. And more good news - funds transferred from your IRA to "The Other Way" do not result in higher taxes on your Social Security income.
Here's an example to show you how this works: Suppose Bill has $500,000 in an IRA. Bill contacts the trustee of the IRA and requests that $15,000 be transferred to "The Other Way". He will not pay tax on the $15,000 distributed to "The Other Way". Bill is excited to honor God and bless a good cause in this way!
Is the Lord leading you to bless "The Other Way" Ministries in this way? As you pray about it, consider if any of the following are true for you:
· Instead of itemizing deductions, you use the standard deduction.
· "The Other Way" is named as beneficiary of your IRA in your Estate Plan.
· Given your income level, you may lose some of your itemized deductions.
For more information, ask for a FREE copy of “Year-End Tax Savings for Ministry-Minded Seniors” by contacting Kyle at (616) 454-4011 x 5114 or kvanstrien@theotherway.org
This sample illustration is for illustration purposes only. Please consult your own advisors or National Christian Foundation.
Welcome back Kurt!
Kurt Reppart re-joins our team at "The Other Way" as the Manager of Community Partnerships. Kurt will work with local churches and businesses to get people creatively involved at "The Other Way". Take just 30 seconds to hear Kurt's hopes for his new position below.
"Under Construction: God at Work" Video and pictures now available!
Be sure to watch both parts of our video, "Under Construction: God at Work" by clicking the image above.
You can also see pictures from the night of the event below. Thanks for everyone who attended and for all those involved in making it a success!
Give "The gift of Dignity" by supporting the Christmas Store
We're currently recruiting support for the annual Christmas Store program at "The Other Way"! The involvement of many local churches and individuals is what makes this opportunity a reality.
How it works: Parents from our neighborhood earn credit by volunteering at "The Other Way" or in our community. The earned credit can then be spent by the parents in our Christmas Store. The store is filled with NEW clothes, toys and other gifts that have been donated by individuals, families, churches and other groups.
Watch a couple videos about the Christmas Store by clicking here.
How to get involved: All the information you will need to promote this program in your church, organization or with your family is in this bulleted list (click on titles to download the documents).
* Partner Letter explaining the program and the rest of the documents.
* A Timeline for your involvement, particularly if you are helping as a group.
* A Sample Letter for you to use to recruit others to get involved with the project.
* A complete Gift List and Guidelines for you to use as you purchase gifts for the store.
* Posters for you to use to publicize your groups involvement with the project (Links to Poster #1 and Poster #2).
Gifts can be delivered to "The Other Way" Ministries' Activity Center at 704 W Fulton on Monday, December 7.
For more information on getting involved, please contact Deb Borst (616.454.4011 x 5222) or Kurt Reppart (616.454.4011 x 5117).
Help out by providing Holiday Food Basket
We are looking for families or individuals who would be willing to provide a holiday food basket for a family struggling in today's economy. Last year over 400 families applied for a food basket with the greatest request being for Christmas.
Here are three ways you can help:
* Purchase food items and deliver a 'basket to the home of one of our neighbors'
* Purchase gift cards and mail them to us, designating them for baskets and we send them to families
* Send a check for our basket needs and we purchase gift certificates for families who have applied
If you're able to help, please download the Provider Form by clicking here. Fill it out and send it to Melita Powell, our Food Pantry Manager at mpowell@theotherway.org or 710 W Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. If you have any questions, please call Melita at 616.454.4011x5331.
Modeling Faithfulness to Future Generations
Do you want to model faithfulness to future generations?
God’s Word shows us the way in Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.”
Those are life-changing words! If we abide in the Word of God, and allow His Spirit to shape our hearts, we can have an eternal impact on our own children, who will in turn be in a position to do the same with their children, creating a ripple effect that will last throughout eternity.
Notice where and when this impact on future generations takes place according to the text – at home or on the road; in the evening and in the morning- in other words, our normal daily living.
Churches, Christian schools, Christian camps, Christian radio stations, and Christian bookstores are all wonderful gifts of God to help us grow in our walk with Him. But our greatest impact happens as we follow and talk about the Lord in ordinary places such as our kitchens, living rooms, garages, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
Author Randy Alcorn summed it up well: “Sometimes our children will fail to listen to us; but rarely will they fail to imitate us.” May God help us be faithful examples and imitators of His Son Jesus.
Want to learn more about modeling faithfulness to future generations? Ask for a FREE copy of “7 Habits of Highly Effective Believers” by contacting Kyle by phone at 616.454.4011x5114 or email at kvanstrien@theotherway.org.
Join us Sept. 15 for the 5th Annual Fall Fundraiser - Under Construction: God at Work
Join us for desserts, fellowship, information and fun on Tuesday, September 15 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. The night will include a video presentation of some of the amazing things God is doing at "The Other Way" and you'll get a chance to hear first hand from Family Development staff how He is working through us and in us!
The event will be held at Remembrance Church (4575 Remembrance Rd NW - Click Here for Map). Desserts and fellowship begin at 6:30; Program starts at 7:15 pm.
Please RSVP by September 10 to Jackie Koning by e-mail (jkoning@theotherway.org) or phone (616.454.4011 x 5112).
We hope to see you there!
Teens to Celebrate Summer of Work at Y.E.S. Event - Friday, Aug. 14
For 12 teens, this summer has been full of good-old-fashioned, hard work! Each summer, 12 neighborhood teens are hired to mow lawns with the Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S.) program at "The Other Way". This year, the program was led by Supervisors Carly Uthoff and Jeff Kladder.
The Y.E.S. teens have been busy planting and caring for flowers in downtown parks, taking classes on money management, job skills development, and "How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk/Jerkette", mowing over 70 lawns each week, and trying to have a little bit of fun in their spare time (going to the beach, AJ's Fun Park, Millennium Park, etc).
The teen employees have also had the privilege of hearing from a number of local business and community leaders about their work experience and background. They even had the chance to tour a few businesses such as Herman Miller, Plante & Moran and McShane & Bowie.
For many of the teens, this has been their first work experience, first pay check and first opportunity to begin thinking about how their education and experiences will play a big role in a successful future.
On Friday, August 14, the teens will have a chance to celebrate their accomplishments from the summer at the Hilltop Pavilion at John Ball Park (click here for map). The End of Summer Celebration will be a time for good food, fellowship, and recognition of the teens for all their hard work. We invite you to come hear first hand how the Y.E.S. program has impacted some of our neighborhood teens. The event begins at 6:30 pm. Please RSVP with Carly or Jeff by emailing YES@theotherway.org.
Art Camp a successful partnership between TOW and Servants Church
Over 50 kids participated in this years' Art Camp at Servants Community Church. Art Camp is offered to neighborhood children as a result of some collaboration between "The Other Way" and Servants. Each night (Aug 3 - 14) kids had the chance to learn about a new skill from volunteers from the community.
The week culminates with the Art Camp Showcase which comes complete with hors devours, singing, dancing, and a display of all the work accomplished by the kids throughout the week!
For more pictures from the week, please click here. Check back soon for photos taken by the students as part of the photography course, as well!
Summer Family Picnic: New Location - Same Fun!
The Annual Summer Family Picnic was held at the renewed Jean Czarnecki Family Center on Thursday, July 23. Over 150 people came and enjoyed good food, good fellowship, and fun games.
A group of teens from Fair Haven Ministries in Jenison helped with the set up, clean up and kids games again this year. Thanks for all your help!!
To enjoy more pictures from the Family Picnic, please click here.
The "Garment of Praise" Dance and Music Celebration Update
Thanks for all who joined us on Friday, July 17 for the "Garment of Praise" Dance and Music Celebration at Servant's Church. The night featured the youth of "The Other Way" Ministries and some of the most gifted performers in Grand Rapids, including:
- Michael Essex and Vision
- Ashley Nesby
- Joe Stanitzek
- Courtney Hatcher
- Eric Tolbert
- Gamma Phi Delta Christian Fraternity
- and more....
The event raised over $1,100 with all proceeds from the event supporting the Children's and Youth Ministry at "The Other Way"!
To see more great pictures from the evening, click here! Thanks to Jess Furrow for the great photography work!
Maximizing Your Retirement Savings for the Glory of God
Steve and Donna have four grown children. Steve worked as a carpenter all of his life and Donna has worked for a local insurance company since the children moved out of the house. Steve and Donna had accumulated retirement assets with the idea that one day, if they didn’t need the assets for living expenses during retirement, a portion of those funds could provide for both their grown children as well as kingdom causes dear to their hearts, such as "The Other Way" Ministries.
Steve and Donna own a home, a life insurance policy, some CDs and money market accounts, and have adequate retirement funds as a result of their diligent savings over the years.
One of Steve and Donna's assets is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), which had been designated for their four children through a "beneficiary designation form" that their IRA administrator provided.
Recently, Steve and Donna learned through a conversation with a West Michigan Christian Foundation representative that the government could take up to 70 percent because of double taxation — income tax, plus a sizeable estate tax. In other words, Steve and Donna's children would only receive approximately 30 cents on the dollar from the IRA funds.
By using other assets to benefit their children, and designating "The Other Way" Ministries as the beneficiary of their IRA, Steve and Donna avoided the double tax and used the IRA funds to help touch the lives of people for eternity with the gospel at minimal cost to their family. Because "The Other Way" Ministries is a tax-exempt organization, all of the IRA funds will be available to "The Other Way" when Steve and Donna go home to be with the Lord. "It’s really a win-win-win situation,” Steve observed.
For more information, contact Kyle by phone at 616.454.4011x5114 or email at kvanstrien@theotherway.org and ask for a FREE copy of “Save 70% on your Retirement Funds”. This sample illustration is for illustration purposes only. Please consult your own advisors or West Michigan Christian Foundation.
Plante & Moran Interns Pitch In
Eight interns and two HR staff from local accounting and business advisory firm Plante & Moran spent a day cleaning (painting, pruning, and pulling weeds) around the Family Center and stocking the Food Pantry. The interns came together from the Grand Rapids, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, and Traverse City offices to help Jeff, our Facilities Manager, make our property more useable and beautiful!
Thanks for all your hard work!! For more pictures - go to the gallery here.
Summer Reading Program update
The Summer Reading and Mentoring program is off to a great start with over 35 volunteers meeting one on one with kids each Tuesday. "The Other Way" has partnered with Sibley Elementary School to offer curriculum and educational games that empower volunteers to work alongside kids to build reading skills and relationships this summer.
If you're interested in reading with a kid each week, e-mail Brian at bsharda@theotherway.org. For more pictures - go to the gallery here.
Women's Ministry Enjoys 'Wednesdays Away'
The Women's Ministry has been taking full advantage of the beautiful summer weather! Each Wednesday the women load up a van and take a day trip to another fun destination. Last week, the women and some of their children visited the Morse Brothers Farms in Comstock Park, MI to pick fresh strawberries.
This week the women head to West Olive for a fun day in the sun at a friend's pool.
Leaders in Training (L.I.T.'s) Continue to grow!
On June 10, we celebrated the graduation of Whitney Green and Anthony Clark from the L.I.T. program (in association with the Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders) which empowers teens to grow into Christ-like, Cross-cultural, Servant leaders.
Whitney and Anthony became involved at "The Other Way" last summer with the Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S.) and were chosen to participate in the L.I.T. program based on their exceptional work ethic and positive attitudes! For 9 months, Anthony and Whitney attended weekly small group trainings, volunteered, met with adult mentors, and learned with other teens from around the city who are striving to become leaders in their schools, churches, and neighborhoods.
We are excited to congratulate both Anthony and Whitney on this achievement, and also on their summer employment: Anthony is working full time at John Ball Zoo and Whitney is working part time at the David D. Hunting YMCA. Both are using the skills they used in the L.I.T. program to serve others this summer!
We're also excited that former L.I.T. teens, Fred Boduo and Liverpool Gwion are working full time for Camp Geneva this summer! Praise God for the opportunities and experiences that our neighborhood teens are receiving!
Ever Wondered: "Do I really need a Will? "
Technically, you don't need a Will - because if you die without one, the State has one for you. So why are more and more Christians getting a Will?
For many, they don’t want the government to decide where their children or hard-earned assets go. They want to decide who will care for their children. Others are motivated by the realization that they worked long and hard for the money God blessed them with, and they're not comfortable with the government getting the final say in how those resources should be divided up.
Some believers approach it from a stewardship perspective. They want to eliminate all unnecessary costs and taxes that could instead be redeployed for family needs and ministry interests. They also want to avoid the unnecessary heartache, costs, delays, and guardianship issues that many families who didn't have their own Will face. Some basic planning in advance assures these families that they are doing the best they can with what God has given them.
And finally, some Christians approach making a Will as an offering to Jesus. They desire to honor the Lord with everything He’s given - before and after they die. And when they realize that most of what He's given them is in the form of assets other than cash (such as their home, life insurance, retirement funds, property, etc.), they decide to make a Will as part of their worship to God. An important part of that worship is to leave an enduring testimony for children and grandchildren about their biblical values and priorities, such as providing well for their family, as well as the ministries they loved such as “The Other Way” Ministries.
For more information, contact Kyle by phone at 616.454.4011x5114 or email at kvanstrien@theotherway.org and ask for a FREE copy of “5 Best Ways to Bless Your Family”.
Thank you very Mulch, Flowerland!
Rick and Doug from Flowerland helped "The Other Way" celebrate Earth Day 2009 by planting two beautiful trees - one outside our main office and one at the new Family Center.
The two gathered quite an audience while working at the Family Center - a dozen or more elementary students came to see the process and hear what Earth Day is all about! Mr. Green Thumb, himself, was happy to share a bit of his knowledge.
Thank you Rick, Doug, and friends at Flowerland! You can see more pictures in our Photo Gallery by clicking here.
You can go to Rick's website - www.thankyouverymulch.com - for his advice on your lawn, garden, and landscaping!
Jean Czarnecki Family Center Open House!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Jean Czarnecki Family Center Open House on Thursday, April 2!
Nearly 75 people (volunteers, donors, neighbors, and friends) came to see and learn more about the Family Center and how we intend to use it for Family Development in Westown.
We were blessed by the enthusiasm and excitement of those who attended. It was even suggested that we again give people an opportunity to "Buy a Brick" in support of the Family Center and the programs that it will house. For more information on how you can support Family Development and the Jean Czarnecki Family Center by engraving a brick, please click here.
The Jean Czarnecki Family Center is where Westown families find encouragement, guidance and resources to refocus, strengthen and grow. It's a place for development of Christ-centered leadership skills that guide families and benefit our community.
The Jean Czarnecki Family Center is located at 839 Sibley NW. For more information, please click here or call "The Other Way" office at 454-4011.
Boy Scout Troop 21 "Cleans house"
Troop 21 from Zeeland, MI recently spent a weekend cleaning up Westown! On March 14, around 25 Scouts and 6 leaders filled 3 enormous dumpsters as part of their annual dumpster day at "The Other Way".
The Scouts cleaned up trash in the surrounding streets and alleys, broke apart items that could be recycled, and served over 45 Westown families by allowing them to drop off their junk or going to collect it from homes around the neighborhood!
Thanks, Troop 21, for another successful spring clean-up!
EFT Donations
We are now able to process EFT (electronic funds transfer) transactions. With your authorization, we can automatically withdraw your donation from your checking or savings account each month, or quarterly, or whenever you tell us to. We can also charge your donation to your charge card. Call or, better yet, email Sandy in the office for information.
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