November 4, 2008 5:14 AM
Using selected scripture from the life of Jesus, Dr. Joseph Stowell, President of Cornerstone University, reminded the nearly 200 people in attendance at The Pinnacle Center that Jesus—as our example—was “the ultimate Volunteer In Service.” Stowell, whose talk focused primarily on Matthew 4:18-21, challenged listeners to “leave their nets, whatever they might be” (Matt 4:20) to follow Jesus and serve the needy and those on society’s margins.
The evening also featured the music of Becky Blocksom from Upper Sandusky, OH. Blocksom, the sister of VIS Development Committee member Jim Johnson, sang “Sending Me Angels,” an R-and-B version of “Amazing Grace,” and “I Surrender All/Jesus Loves Me.” The evening’s testimony was provided, via a recorded interview and Powerpoint presentation, by Mark Kooistra, a Big Brother volunteer who was “matched” through Kids Hope, USA and VIS. Kooistra told the powerful story of his relationship with Nathan, his “Little Brother.” Kooistra was unable to attend the event due a family emergency, but did record an interview with VIS Executive Director Doug Redford earlier in the day.
Rev. Gene Beerens, of Impact Church in Lowell, gave the opening devotional and prayer as he referenced a story from Jim Wallis’ new book.
“I think it was a great event for two reasons,” said Redford. “We presented the work of VIS to many new friends who were not familiar with what we do and we were able to raise some needed dollars for the ministry. I think people went away from the evening with new energy for serving the Lord and a new understanding of how VIS can help make that happen.”
“I also want to thank the many people who helped to make the evening a success. The VIS staff, particularly Karyl Stapert, did an outstanding job. It was also extremely encouraging to have 100-percent of our board in attendance. Their schedules don’t often allow them to all be together, so this was exciting.”
Post-banquet donations to support the work of VIS can still be made by clicking the "Donate" button on our website.
October 16, 2008 5:38 AM
On October 11, the VIS offices suffered debilitating smoke and soot damage from a fire in a small church next to our offices. While we are still making damage assessments, our losses have been significant: every office partition, most work stations, desks, chairs, tables, computer equipment, bulletin boards, promotional materials, and office supplies. There is nearly nothing left in our offices. While insurance will cover some of our losses, it will not cover them all. The damage was simply too extensive. We covet your prayers and welcome donations to help us get back to meeting people’s needs and serving churches. To see pictures of the damage go to Who We Are; News, Documents & Updates; Photo Albums or http://visgr.org/albums.php.
September 30, 2008 9:06 AM
Check out the new look and content of our website. We now have program information and resources available on-line, an events calendar, picture albums, FAQs and much more. Take a tour and let us know what you think and let us know how we can serve you more.
September 23, 2008 14:04 PM
The annual Leadership Training Event will take place at Brookside CRC on Thursday, Sept. 25. The deadline for registering without paying a late fee is this week Thursday (Sept. 18). Please mail your registrations asap to LTE, PO Box 7385, Grand Rapids MI 49510-7385. See you there!
July 2, 2008 0:00 AM
Volunteers In Service has been chosen by CRWRC to be the local sponsor for the Sea to Sea tour. That means we can offer you the opportunity to bike with the tour riders from Grand Haven to Grand Rapids on the morning of Saturday, August 16. The only cost is a $100 donation to VIS, which is tax deductible. Call the VIS office (459-7500) for more details.
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