mercy & hospitality
Welcome and home are two words that we often use . When entering Calvary Church , you often hear “ Welcome to Calvary Church ” and after a long week of running around , you may say , “ I just want to go home .” This year God has been moving Calvary to combine these words together . He has led us to say “ Welcome home ” to those who feel like they are struggling to find a place to call their own , a place that after a long week they can say , “ I want to go home .”
Mercy & Hospitality has been blessed to see God work in many ways using and growing both our staff and congregation members . At the moment our ministries include Prison Ministry , International Ministries , Forever Hope , Refugee Ministry , Widow ’ s Ministry , Special Needs , Neighbors International , and Hand2Hand . Within each ministry , God ’ s hand has been evident . He has been a steady guide for those searching His will within ministry and faithful to provide . Although we know this past year has not come without its struggles , we see our God continually moving us forward .
We have watched in amazement as God moves in the hearts of our refugee families . As they acclimate to life in Grand Rapids , we see a growing desire in them to understand Christ and his love . We watch and pray as their needs change from basic assistance to a yearning for genuine friendships and a place to belong . Over this past year especially , God has shown us what His extravagant hospitality and mercy can do for the “ stranger ” among us . We are learning that His call to be gracious and merciful does not stop after basic needs are met , but looks different during various seasons of their journey in America . As we go forward we are excited to see God continue to guide our path and direct our feet .
God is working in the Forever Hope ministry in numerous ways . Many Calvary families have gone through the adoption process and seen God take care of details which at times seemed insurmountable . In the last year , several new families opened their homes for both domestic and refugee foster care and many Calvary members volunteered to be part of Wrap Around Care teams ( praying , meals , laundry , childcare , cleaning etc .) for these families . Forever Hope partnered with college and young adults to make freezer meals for adoptive and foster families who need the love , support and care of their church . It is so encouraging to see God ’ s family working together , supporting each other and caring for one another on the foster care or adoption journey .
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