Calvary Church Annual Report CalvaryChurchAnnualReport20152016-REV | Page 25

Women’s Ministry
This past year God led Women’s
Ministry to do something quite rad-
ical. Instead of having women’s Bi-
ble studies at Calvary, women were
challenged to step out in faith, ask-
ing God to use them as streams in
the desert places of this communi-
ty. We all have neighbors, co-work-
ers, family and friends who need
Jesus. They need to experience
the refreshment of Living Water
poured into their lives…and we’re
holding this LIFE in our hands. The
women saw Grace Beyond as a
time to bless others as they had
been blessed!
It has been exciting to watch God
change lives in powerful ways by
His grace. This challenge which be-
gan among our women, has over-
flowed to men and young people
who have courageously brought
God’s Living Word into their neigh-
borhood, friend, family and work
places. Here’s just a few examples
of how God is working:
Last summer, people began prayer
walking through their neighbor-
hoods and around workplaces, qui-
etly asking God to move in hearts
and open doors of opportunity.
Neighborhood Bible Studies have
sprung up all around Grand Rapids.
Some groups are now moving into
their second year of study.
Seniors have stepped out in faith to
begin studies in retirement homes
here in Grand Rapids.
After watching her mother lead a
men’s Ministry
neighborhood Bible study, a young
woman brought together friends
from her high school to study the
Bible this summer.
Men and women have stepped out
in faith to creatively meet at their
workplaces over lunch for studies.
Elaine & Jeanne had the opportuni-
ty to bring the NBS2go Bible stud-
ies to pastor’s wives in Poland.
One woman chose to stop working
in order to intentionally reach out to
her neighbors. And the list goes on!
The key to all of this has been
prayer. For over a year, women
have met twice a month to ask God
to help our church be His ambassa-
dors and to bring streams into the
desert places. These Blessed2B-
less Prayer Gatherings are and will
continue to be the power behind
the actions as we enter a second
year of ministry to Grand Rapids
and beyond!
Fun facts
• 160 women relived IF:
Gathering in October.
• 70 women attended
The Gift of Loving Your
Neighbor in December.
• 400 women came
together for Eventide with
Sharon Brown in January.
• 65 women took a solitude
retreat in February.
• 70 women enjoyed a
Ladies Night Out with Jen
Pollock Michel in May.
Over the past year, Men’s Ministry
continued with the desire to see
men participate in various studies.
Authentic Manhood brought men
to different understandings of bib-
lical masculinity. On Tuesday af-
ternoons, Romans was studied
as a compliment to the weekly
sermons. Wednesdays at lunches
found participants engaged in Dis-
ciplines of a Godly Man. Saturday
morning studies focused on disci-
pleship and building up other men.
Men also enjoyed a weekend away
with the combination of other local
churches. Calvary’s own Ardo Drap-
er led studies for numerous men
during the weekend. Men were also
able to engage with teachings from
many different area pastors.
This past year also brought a new
commitment from men. One such
endeavor involved praying for the
elders. We met every night that the
elders prayed for congregants, to
lift these men, whom God has ap-
pointed, to the Lord. Much blessing
has been seen in the dedication of
men who continue to intercede for
those who watch over our souls
(Hebrews 13:17). It is evidence of
God’s graciousness that we have
seen and heard the stories of those
who have been healed. We praise
God for such an amazing opportu-
nity and more so, His faithfulness.
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