Authentic Biblical Community

Pastor Samuel Greer smiles when you mention Project Grace. His eyes light up when he begins to describe what takes place each December at Western Michigan Christian High School, and he uses the word “community”. “This year the school has chosen “Authentic Biblical Community” as its theme and has been focusing on how such a community honors God and how students can shape themselves to be like Christ in the world,” says Greer. It is that sense of community that inspires WMCHS students and staff to come together with one purpose: To reach out to those in need, sharing the love of Christ during the Christmas season.

Classrooms entered a competition to see which could raise the most money. The class giving the greatest amount had the privilege of delivering gifts to families in the area. The 2010 competition began on December 2 and ended December 14. Students used various methods of raising money but were told not to get funds from their parents. Sophomore Lauren Kimbrough, for instance, did a candy cane sale. She sold the candy canes along with the opportunity for students to put messages with them. This year students and staff raised $4,000. Pastor Greer got input from local churches and other organizations like Love INC and the Muskegon Rescue Mission in order to select families ranging geographically from Grand Haven to New Era. The families are then contacted by WMCHS to identify specific needs. On December 16 students shopped for food, clothing and gifts and wrapped them. Students, along with WMCHS staff members, delivered the gifts to families the morning of December 17.

“Reaching out and helping our brothers and sisters is a key to the WMCHS mission and is an important part of our community building. Faith that is lived out becomes the fruit of our theology,” says Pastor Greer, dean of student life, “A lot can be accomplished when we work together with one purpose. Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us that “. . . a cord of three strands is not quickly broken,” and I John 4:7-8 reminds us to “. . . love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” Pastor Greer rejoices in the annual effort as a way to build Authentic Biblical Community.

Project Grace in the News: Click to Read Article.