Calvary Church Annual Report AnnualReport-201617-web | Page 24

mercy & hospitality
Once again I marvel at God’s goodness and grace that empowers us to do ministry. Even though the Mercy and
Hospitality area is large and varied, the one string that runs through every ministry is the Spirit’s power and
presence, especially when we reach out to “the least of these,” or to those who are the most vulnerable. Whether
it’s walking alongside a new widow, eating out with an international student, helping a refugee learn how to
drive, assisting someone with special needs, visiting a prisoner, or giving counsel to a foster/adoptive family,
we have the great privilege of experiencing God’s mighty presence among us! - Lee Content, Pastoral Staff
Refugees
Lee Content, Pastoral Staff
One area of ministry in which I have had the privilege
of being directly involved is our Refugee Ministry.
Besides witnessing the power of the Holy Spirit in
being obedient to reach out “to the foreigner in the
land,” it is extraordinarily humbling to offer Christ’s
love and acceptance to our refugees. The gratitude
in a refugee child’s eyes when receiving a small toy,
or the overwhelming flood of relief seen in their par-
ents when we come to their aid are just a couple of
the many ways we see the mighty Spirit of the Lord
in our midst.
We also have sensed the Spirit with us on every step
of our journey as we plead to the Lord for opportu-
nities to evangelize our refugee families. This may
take shape in our Language Café as we help them
gain a better command of English, or in our quarterly
“game nights” where relationships are built through
fun activities, or in the intentional friendships fos-
tered over a shared cup of coffee or tea. Add to this
our presence in the refugee camp on the island of
Lesvos, and it is plain to see that God has called Cal-
vary Church to heed the calling of the Israelites in the
book of Leviticus. “When a foreigner resides among
you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreign-
er residing among you must be treated as your na-
tive-born. Love them as yourself, for you were for-
eigners in Egypt.” Leviticus 19:33-34.
Widows/Widowers
Lee Content, Pastoral Staff
Along with our Refugee Ministry, I was also very bless-
ed to begin direct involvement in our Widow/Widower
Ministry. While we have always been a church that
reaches out to this group, this last ministry year we
were intentional in finding out what their needs are,
24
and how we can better serve them. I was especially
grateful for Lisa Samra’s invovlement in assessing the
ministry and bringing a fresh perspective in meeting
the needs of widows here at Calvary. What a privilege
to walk alongside those who are mourning the loss
of their loved one. Through one-on-one meetings,
once-a-month coffees and the yearly remembrance
service, widows/widowers are able to experience the
mercy of God and begin their journey of healing.
Neighbors International
Sonja Yeates, Volunteer Coordinator
Calvary Church’s international college student minis-
try has been blessed to continue to grow in size and
in the ability to share God’s love to the nations living
right here in Grand Rapids.
During this past year, we have had 89 Friendship
Families sharing the love of Christ to 190 International
students from 42 different countries! The amount of
love, support, and friendship shared is uncountable!!
First Impressions
This story was shared with us by Calvary member
Patsy Clark recently and is a wonderful example of
the witness God is giving our church as He refines us
to be more hospitable people.
I sometimes use the city’s Go! Bus service. When I
do, I ask the driver if she has a home church. If she
does not, I invite her to Calvary.
Recently, I rode the bus to church and asked the driv-
er to join us when she can. We drove up and there
were five or six people out front, greeting people,
shaking hands, helping people off the bus. The warm
welcome and hospitality these greeters demonstrat-
ed truly impressed the driver! She remarked about
how friendly the people at Calvary are.