June 2025

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

Seeing God's Faithfulness!

God puts a new song in our mouths so that many will see His faithfulness and trust in Him. Psalm 40:3

Mary needed to see God's faithfulness. At the age of 75, Mary lost her beloved husband over the winter. In the midst of her grief, she was surprised to get a notice from the city saying she would be fined a hefty amount if her lawn wasn't mowed in 5 days. Panic set in. She tried to use the mower but couldn't get it started. Her grandson used to live close by but had graduated from college and moved away. She called Senior Neighbors for help and they referred Mary to VIS. "I am so sorry to ask last minute, but can anyone help me mow the lawn at least one-time, and quick! I can't afford the fine!" Mary explained on the phone.

Volunteers In Service called the city and advocated on Mary's behalf. Graciously, she was granted an extra week! Resurrection Life Church offered to serve and sent a couple volunteers to mow Mary's lawn. Mary experienced God's faithfulness through the people of God!

Mary called VIS back after the volunteers left, "I was so blessed by the volunteers that came today. Not only did they mow my lawn, but they wrapped me in a hug and prayed over me. THANK YOU! I know God is faithful, and He showed up in a practical way today through the church."

Joy Offering at Calvary CRC

A special thank you to Calvary CRC - Wyoming for their partnership in ministry! Volunteers In Service is Calvary's June "Ministry of the Month." VIS was invited to join Calvary in worship on June 8 and share a few stories of God's people witnessing Christ's love this past year as they've offered hope, grace, and love to community members through their service!

We are so thankful for the support provided by local churches!! Your financial gifts and equipping of members for service make it possible for VIS to live out its mission "to empower Christians to join Christ's work in the their local community for the purpose of building God's kingdom!"

We'd love to be your church's "Ministry of the Month." Can we join you for worship or a Bible class to share all God is doing through His people as they connect with opportunities to serve the local community and build God's kingdom one life at a time? Contact Cori Scholtens at cscholtens@visgr.org to learn more!

SERVE ... so that many will see His faithfulness and trust in Him!

VIS has a constantly changing list of opportunities to serve in our local community! Join Christ's work and SERVE as a volunteer of your church this spring and summer, witnessing His love! Click on the button below to see a current "List of Service Opportunities." If you are able to serve or want more information, please "reply" to this email or call VIS at 616-459-7500. Opportunities will be deleted as they are filled and new ones will be added as they come in.

LIST OF SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Spotlight on Spring Yard Clean-up

Many VIS Friends are asking for assistance with their spring yard clean-up and outdoor projects. Grab a friend and witness Christ's love as you serve today! Reply to this email or reach out to VIS at serve@visgr.org for more info on any of the projects below. These are just a sample of the MANY opportunities listed in the link above!

Belding

Judie recently had surgery and needs assistance cleaning out an overgrown garden, removing her raspberry bushes and power washing the house. (Heffron Rd NE & Lincoln Lake Rd NE)
Sharon and Gene are looking for assistance with yardwork. They need the sticks and twigs picked up and placed in the brush pile. They also have 2 long flower beds to be cleaned out. (7 Mile Rd NE & Lincoln Lake Ave NE)

Kentwood

Maureen is 85 and uses a walker for mobility. She needs help with spring clean-up including raking, weeding, vacuuming her deck rug, sorting things in the shed, and washing her windows. (28th St SE & E. Paris Ave SE)

NE Grand Rapids

Diane is living with lymphedema. She has requested that the bushes along the side of her house and backyard be trimmed. (Aberdeen St NE & Plainfield Ave NE)

SE Grand Rapids

Felicia struggles with mobility issues. She needs her leaves raked and the small branches cleaned up in the yard. The yard refuse needs to be taken to the city waste disposal site. (Burton St SE & Division Ave S)
Adolph is 76 years old. He is hoping a volunteer will trim the hedges in the front of the house. They are waist high. (Hall St SE & Madison Ave SE)
Ruth is almost 70. She'd appreciate help cleaning the leaves out of her flower beds and gutters. The maple tree seeds also need to be removed from her grass and driveway. If someone can bring a mower and cut the grass once, too, that would be great! (Alger St SE & Eastern Ave SE)
Burnette is 72 and has requested help spreading weed killer and trimming her bushes. (Burton St SE & Eastern Ave SE)

SW Grand Rapids

Gerry and her husband, a disabled veteran, need their small yard cut once. They do not own a mower. (Fulton St W & Lane Ave SW)

Wyoming

Devona needs a one time mowing in June before the mobile home park charges her to mow it themselves. (44th St SW & Clyde Park SW)

LIST OF RIDES NEEDED

Northwest Drivers Needed!

Do you live on the Northwest side of Grand Rapids or are willing to drive to the Walker, Alpine, and NW side? WE NEED YOU!

Serve as a Transportation Volunteer!

Connect with opportunities to provide neighbors with rides to medical appointments, the grocery store, or their local food pantry. Witness Christ's love one ride at a time! Serve based on your availability, geographic preferences, and desired frequency. Each opportunity to serve is a 1x only commitment. CLICK HERE to see a list of transportation opportunities or let VIS staff know your serving preferences by filling out THIS FORM.

"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD!" Psalm 95:1

Volunteers In Service is singing for joy to the LORD because of your financial support and continual prayers! Community members like Mary and Judy and Adolph WILL see God's faithfulness as the people of God serve in His name!

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