An Expression of Brotherhood

Pastor Samuel Greer smiles when you mention Project Grace. His eyes light up when he begins to describe what takes place each December at WMCHS, and he uses words like “community” and “brotherhood.” It is that brotherhood 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 enter a competition to see which can raise the most money. The class giving the greatest amount has the privilege of delivering gifts to families in the area. The 2009 competition began on Dec. 2 and ended Dec. 14. Students used various methods of raising money but were told not to get funds from their parents. Seniors Betsi Ingersoll and Cassie VanderHenst, for example, collected money at two basketball games and raised more than $100. All told, students and staff raised $6,393.17, and on Dec. 17 they shopped together for gifts of food and general merchandise. The recipients were 14 families from New Era, Muskegon and Grand Haven. The winning class was Mrs. Fisher’s AP English class. Senior Leigh Frantz, a member of that class, said she had been saving her money: “We knew this was going to be an important ministry, and some of us saved up over the summer so we could give to Project Grace.”

Reaching out and helping our brothers and sisters is a key to the WMCHS mission. “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 “an expression of brotherhood.”