VIS News

March 20, 2024

Empowering Christians to join Christ's work in their community.

Hope in Jesus

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 (NLT)

Linda knows from her own experience that volunteers through VIS provide the HOPE of Jesus when it's needed most! Linda's neighbor, a young mom with two babies, recently experienced the loss of her husband by suicide. Linda's heart was breaking for her neighbor. Linda's first thought was to call VIS because of the love and support she received from a volunteer through numerous supportive visits and help with projects in her apartment. She asked, "Can you help connect my neighbor to a church who could love her, support her with diapers and food, and show her the HOPE she can have in Jesus?" Jesus gives us the HOPE we need! Thank you for supporting the work of witnessing Christ's love in our community.

"I am SO BLESSED this service is around!"

Kendra* is battling ovarian cancer in her mid-40's. Her entire family lives out of state. Volunteers In Service is connecting Kendra with church volunteers to provide transportation to her medical appointments and to the grocery store. In a recent conversation with Kendra, she shared, "I am so blessed this service is around. The first time I was diagnosed with cancer, it was so stressful without transportation. Now with no income, the stress is even greater. I appreciate the volunteers SO much!" Transportation volunteers through VIS are witnessing the love of Jesus as they serve.

Did you know that 8 of 10 referrals received by VIS in January-February were for transportation related support? We need your help! Consider serving as a Transportation Volunteer. Contact VIS to learn more:

(616) 459-7500 or info@visgr.org

*Name changed to protect identity of our VIS friend

Your Support Makes a Difference

As we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, join us in the work God is doing in our community through Volunteers In Service. Thank you in advance for witnessing Christ's resurrection, love, and mercy through your support. Your generous donation empowers the Church to serve with a purpose. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Easter Donation

Become a VIS Board Member

Passion. That's the common attribute of those serving on the Volunteers In Service Board of Directors. Members of the Board are asked to support the VIS mission, work as part of a cohesive team with common goals, and share their skills and expertise while doing their best to ensure that VIS is well-maintained, financially secure, growing, and always operating in the best interest of the church. Click HERE to learn more, or contact Bernita Tuinenga at btuinenga@visgr.org.

Can You Help?

If you are able to assist with a request below or would like to learn about other opportunities to serve, please contact VIS. 616.459.7500

Interior Home Repairs: Kate is a single mom with 5 kids. Kate needs help with some small home repair projects including a leaking bathroom faucet, 2 broken bedroom doors, and patching a few holes in the drywall. Contact Debbie at dbjones@visgr.org for more information. Location: Kentwood.

Patient Sitter: Did you know many surgical centers in Grand Rapids require patients to have a family member, friend or advocate sitting in the waiting room for the duration of their procedure, such as a colonoscopy or outpatient surgery? Many centers do not allow patients to use taxis, ride shares, or public transportation to get home. Imagine needing a required medical procedure without the support of family or friends! In January-February, VIS received over 20 requests for patient sitter volunteers. If you are willing to serve as a "patient sitter" so a community member can receive necessary medical treatment, please contact Rosemary at rtymes@visgr.org.

Transportation for Errands: Susan requests transportation to run errands two Fridays per month from 9am-12noon. Susan is in her 50's and lives near Center Point Mall. Susan is thankful and thrives on routine. She appreciates the volunteer accompanying her into the store and pushing the cart as she focuses on her shopping list. If you are interested in connecting with this opportunity 1x only or on an on-going basis, contact Rosemary at rtymes@visgr.org for more information. Location: SE Grand Rapids between Center Point Mall and Breton Village.

House Cleaning Chores: Cathy is a retired nurse. She gets extremely fatigued after short times of activity. She needs help cleaning those harder to reach places of her home and running the vacuum. Assisting with household chores allows Cathy to maintain secure housing. Contact Kezia at kphan@visgr.org for more information. Location: Lowell

Friendly Visitor: James lives in a senior living community. He is only 70-years old and is afflicted by a rare brain disorder that affects his motor functions but not his cognitive abilities. James is very lonely. We are seeking a male friendly visitor who would be willing to visit with him every two weeks. He is a good conversationalist and has had many interesting life experiences: he lived in NY for 45 years, owned a restaurant, was an actor and corporate event planner. Contact David at dlundberg@visgr.org to learn more. Location: SE Grand Rapids near 28th St and Kalamazoo Ave SE.

Grocery Shopper: Mary has some disabilities, is in her 70's, and is mostly homebound. She would appreciate a volunteer picking up her grocery list and payment card then shopping for her at Walmart on Alpine. Her Senior Neighbors chore worker passed away this year. If you enjoy grocery shopping, you'll love serving Mary! Contact Rosemary at rtymes@visgr.org to learn more. Location: Comstock Park

Yardwork: As the weather warms, multiple VIS friends have called requesting help with outdoor spring clean-up. Bushes need trimming (Wyoming), flower beds need to been cleaned out and rototilled (NW Grand Rapids), leaves need raking (SE Grand Rapids & Kentwood), deck needs to be power washed (NW Grand Rapids). Contact Debbie at dbjones@visgr.org to learn more.

Sewing Project: Do you love to sew? Cindy wondered if a volunteer is willing to sew a small curtain for her side door. She has the fabric and measurements ready for the project. Contact Cori at cscholtens@visgr.org to learn more. Location: Wyoming

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