October 2026

Empowering Christians to join Christ's work in their community for the purpose of building God's kingdom.

Over 900 Missionaries Sent this Year!


"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

Carol might not call herself a missionary but that is who she is! Carol is one of over 900 everyday missionaries (volunteers from Christian churches) VIS has sent into our neighborhoods this year to share the love of Jesus as they put their faith into action and SERVE.


Carol started connecting with opportunities to serve through VIS 30 years ago as a member of Beckwith Hills CRC. One of her VIS friends was Marcy - a single woman in her late 70's with no family and a "not so sunny" disposition. Marcy had moved into a senior living facility four blocks from the church. Faithfully, Carol visited Marcy, often reading her a devotion and praying for her. During one of those friendly visits Carol asked, "Marcy, do you now Christ?" Marcy said no and willingly accepted Jesus as her Savior. From that day on, Marcy's whole countenance changed. Soon after, Marcy transitioned into nursing care and could no longer speak, but her big smile revealed who was in her heart! She had come to know Jesus as her best friend and Redeemer! Carol, an everyday missionary from a local church with a heart for service, offered friendly visits to a neighbor and the kingdom of God grew!



Don't we have a "church on every corner?" Why do we need missionaries in our neighborhood? Did you know...

  • The United States is now the third largest mission field in the world behind India and China.(1)
  • In the (616) area code, there are more than a half million neighbors (roughly 540,000 people) not counted as an adherent of any congregation - of any faith. (2)


Friends, connecting with an opportunity to serve through VIS mobilizes YOU to be an everyday missionary and share your love for Jesus through simple acts like raking leaves, offering a friendly visit, providing a ride to the store, or completing a small home repair. Will you join us?


Serving Him Together,

Cori Scholtens

Executive Director

Get Connected To Serve

IT IS TIME!!! The colors are changing and leaves are starting to fall. Raking a neighbor's leaves is a simple way to share the love of Jesus. Would you gift 2 hours of your week/month to serve a neighbor? (These students from LaGrave Ave did on Sunday!! THANK YOU.) Grab a couple friends or your kids/grandkids or your small group, check out the "Opportunities to Serve" list, and let us know who you'd be willing to serve! MORE OPPORTUNITIES are added each day, so keep checking if you don't see one near you! Click on a brown button below for a full list of opportunities to serve. Call our office (616-459-7500) or reply to this email to learn more.

Be Equipped to Serve

Want to talk about Jesus - but not sure how to get the conversaton started?


Date: Tuesday, October 20

Time: 7:30-8:30pm EST on Zoom


Anna’s Circle is hosting an upcoming Mini Zoom Training: Gospel Conversation Starters designed to help women naturally move everyday conversations toward meaningful conversations about faith and Jesus. This free, one-hour online training will give women practical tools and greater confidence to recognize opportunities, start spiritual conversations, and share their faith naturally with the people God has already placed around them.


REGISTER for Gospel Conversation Starters and gain simple, practical ways to turn everyday conversations into Gospel conversations.

MANY Deacons Equipped for Service

Forty seven deacons from twenty one churches joined Volunteers In Service for Deacon Training this fall to be equipped in their role of inspiring benevolence, stewardship, justice & mercy, and community engagement in their local congregation. Looking for resources for your deacon team? Check out the VIS Resource page today.

Reimagining Benevolence: A 4-Week Learning Cohort (WINTER DATES)


Are you in a role to help steward your church's benevolence fund?

  • When: Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 2:30-4:30pm
  • Where: Love INC at 4450 Poinsettia Ave SE, Kentwood

Join Volunteers In Service and Love INC, South Kent County for a 4-week learning cohort on Thursday afternoons in January to explore how to move your ministry and benevolence giving from transactional to transformational using Chalmers Center's "Helping Without Hurting in Benevolence Ministry" curriculum. CLICK HERE to register.

Diaconal Ministries LISTENING STUDY in Classis GR South

Calling all Classis Grand Rapids South Deacon Teams! Volunteers In Service is helping the Diaconal Ministries Committee (DMC) of Classis Grand Rapids South LISTEN WELL to the diaconate in the Classis to:

  • Better understand the current state of diaconal ministries in the churches
  • Determine felt needs for additional training and support
  • Gather ideas for the future of the DMC


Join Community CRC, Covenant CRC, Ideal Park Church, LaGrave Ave CRC, and Providence CRC and make sure your deacons' input is included! Contact Cori Scholtens at VIS today to learn more: cscholtens@visgr.org or call 616-459-7500 x120

Come Be a Part of What God is Doing!


We are deeply grateful for the financial support you've given to the work of Volunteers In Service over the past 40 years!


Your support makes these connections happen and we could not do this without you. Thank You!


As we close out 2026 we covet your prayers as we trust God's faithfulness in providing financially for the ministry! If you are interested in learning more about supporting Volunteers In Service, reach out today!


To God be the glory!

Bernita Tuinenga

Director of Development & Partnerships

btuinenga@visgr.org