Unity Dec/Jan

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SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE FIELDS OF EDUCATION • HEALTH • FINANCE • REAL ESTATE • RELIGION

M A G A Z I N E

DEC – JAN 2011-12

BLACK AMERICANS SPEND OVER 850 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR ON GOODS AND SERVICES IN THE UNITED STATES

A TRIBUTE TO FRED

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Yet, most federally-funded companies and agencies ignore the importance of spending advertising dollars with Black American newspaper publishers.

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2 UNITY MAGAZINE www.OperationResources.org

A TRIBUTE TO FREDBefore the Civil Rights Act of 1964 there was Meijer, which did not need this law because they treated every employee equal.

I got my first adult job working for Meijer in 1960, that’s when I first met Hendrick Meijer at the Fuller and Michigan store (#6). I walked into his office and asked for a job. At that time you had to start as a part-time employee. Mr. Meijer told me that each store hires their own part-time people so I left and went to Rogers Park store (#7) and I was hired on the spot. I started as a bagger carry out and worked my way up to cashier. When Harry Joslin, who was the store manager at that time was transferred to manage the warehouse on Ann Street he asked me, if I wanted a full time job in the warehouse, of course I said yes. When Meijer moved their warehouse to Walker I was transferred with the rest of the team and work my way up to the position of Shipping Clerk. There were only six Black Americans working there at the time, and we were all treated the same because that was the policy of this great man called Fred Meijer. Fred visited the warehouse on several occasions he knew most of the employees by their first names and he would talk to us, and asked us about our family and if we had any problems. He was a family man and he treated all his employees like family.

I remember when the employees wanted to form a new Union and I was appointed Chief Union Steward of the warehouse, at that time. Dumb me, I thought that we would get better benefits with a new union but I was wrong. We gathered enough signatures in the warehouse, but by Meijer being a Family business the Labor Relation Board would not approve our ballots unless we included Meijer’s nine stores. A great disappointment came into my life — to make a long story short; I was later terminated from the Company with no place to go. However, with all the training and knowledge I received while working for Meijer, I took the opportunity to open a party store called Miss Tracy that was located at 610 Benjamin St. SE, and later moved to 1014 Franklin St. SE location until I retired.

I say all this because, after all the financial problems I caused Meijer with the Union, Fred and Earl Holton still came to my aid when I started my store on Benjamin Street. They gave me shelving and a big walk in cooler. For this I will forever be grateful. I learned that when you work for someone who pays your salary and has respect for you and your family, you should always be loyal and trust worthy and don’t look outside the box while on their payroll. For the past fifty years I have watch Meijer grow and I have always noticed how they have put their money where their mouth is, by helping Grand Rapids and West Michigan. I hope Fred’s three sons Hank, Doug and Mark continue to give back to this community just like Fred and Lena did. He will be in our prayers, and we of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois will miss this great man, FRED.

Best Wishes for aMerry Christmas

and A Happy New Year

From The Staff of Unity magazine.

We Wish For 2012 To Bring You Joy, Peace,

Good Health and Prosperity.

Thank you for your Continued

Support.

and remember...

“We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters in Christ or perish together as fools;

but when we lose the right to be different we lose the privilege to be free.”


H e a l t h a n d E d u ca t i o n Awa r e n e s s a n d S c h o l a r s h i p Fu n dA 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization

www.operationresources.org

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 JKV

“We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters in Christ or perish together as fools; but when we lose the right to be different

we lose the privilege to be free.”

One Race, One Blood

“History shows us that the first humans, Adam and Eve, gave birth to the human race in the continent of Africa. Sin entered the world when Adam ate the forbidden fruit and his descendants grew to be very wicked. “And the LORD said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.”

GENESIS 6:3 NKJV

God saw the evil in the hearts of Adam’s descendants and was going to destroy the world with a great flood. But because Noah loved God, He told him to build an ark to save his family. The Earth was destroyed and only Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives were spared. Noah’s descendants eventually repopulated the entire Earth. Every person today came from those eight. We are all one race, the human race!

GENESIS CHAPTER 9-11

After many generations, Noah’s descendants wanted to make a name for themselves and began to build a tower to reach the heavens. God grew furious and scattered the human race over the Earth to Europe, Asia, North and South America and Australia. As a result of this diaspora, a multitude of nationalities, cultures, and languages developed.

Today, many nationalities and cultures make up our nation, the United States of America. If we of this great nation can put aside our differences and work together, we will be able to overcome any obstacle and meet any challenge. Only then can we finally unite and spread peace and prosperity throughout the world as one race, the HUMAN RACE. Let us start with displaying our logo of “United, We Make America” to show people our strength and unity.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32 KJV

WE ARE ALL A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE

A Story Of Faith[Prompted] by faith, Noah, being forewarned by God concerning events of which as yet there was no visible sign, took heed and diligently and reverently constructed and prepared an ark for the deliverance of his own family. By this [his faith which relied on God] he passed judgment and sentence on the world’s unbelief and became an heir and possessor of righteousness (that relation of being right into which God puts the person has faith).

UNITY MAGAZINE 5 www.OperationResources.org

OUR HISTORY

Founded by Walter L. Mathis Sr. and his wife Patricia E. Mathis, Operation Resources, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 1993. Our founders had a vision of contributing to the community; this vision gave birth to a scholarship fund that has awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to students across Michigan. Our focus on providing information in the fields of education, health, finance, real estate, and religion keeps the vision alive today—and for the future—of providing more scholarships to underprivileged and needy students.

OUR MISSION

We envision Operation Resources, Inc. to be a driving force for the community to achieve thier goals through a well-rounded education. We believe that all the people of the United States, including Black Americans, must come together to build strength as a nation and to work towards logical and fair solutions to our nation’s problems. This can only happen when the children of this nation are properly educated. But our society does not allow every child that chance. Operation Resources, Inc. wants to correct this problem.

OUR GOAL

We hope to encourage businesses and agencies to donate and invest their paid advertising dollars with Operation Resources, Inc. We see a world where Blacks, Whites, Latinos, Asians, and Arabs all have the same opportunities regardless of their nationality. In order to create equality we must offer educational and economic empowerment to those without the proper opportunities. And so our goal is that every reader will have the opportunity to gain the education they need, so that no one, regardless of nationality, sex, age, or class, will be left without a chance to live up to their potential.

REMEMBER

Not all people of your nationality or culture are your friends, and not all people of other nationalities or cultures are your enemies; but we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters in Christ, or perish together as fools.

Operation Resources, Inc. publishes Unity Magazine 6 times a year. The registered publisher is Patricia E. Mathis. This publication is guided by the constitutional principle of free press and is open to contributions from anyone regardless of nationality, gender, or religion.

We encourage submission of contributions, but such material must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish the material returned. All rights reserved. The editors reserve the right to reject submissions at their sole discretion. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part without the written permission of Operation Resources, Inc. is prohibited.

Advertisements are accepted and published on the representation that the agency and/or advertisers are properly authorized to publish the contents and subject matter thereof, and that the advertisers are not acting in violation of any laws or regulations pertaining to the contents of their advertisements. The publisher is rendered blameless from any misleading advertisements and reserves the right to reject any advertisement for any reason. This publication does not offer lottery tickets for sale. This publication is not affiliated with any state lottery or political organization. Opinions and views expressed in the articles contributed are not necessarily the views of the editorial staff nor the advertisers of Operation Resources, Inc.

Operation Resources, Inc. reaches thousands of readers including Black Americans and other ethnic groups in Michigan. Our mission is to provide the community with opportunities to obtain a proper education that does not normally extend to members of the community without the means. Operation Resources, Inc. has donors throughout the United States and Canada.

Operation Resources, Inc. is a non-profit corporation and will not print any unsolicited or otherwise “free” articles or events for companies or organizations who are not regular donors or advertising partners.

Winning Spirit of LeadershipEvery morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

COVER STORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

LOCAL NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

REFLECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Founders Walter L. Mathis Sr. & Patricia E. Mathis

President Walter L. Mathis Jr.

Vice President of Operations Pat Mathis

Publisher Operation Resources, Inc.

Graphic Designer Terri Skoviak

Staff Photographer Sierra Emery

Contributing Writers Pastor William J. Trim Jeannette D. Abney

Web Designer Charlie Oliver

Web Host Trition Technologies

Notice: If you received this publication with your name on the label and you prefer not to receive further issues, return the mailing label to the address below. Mailed copies addressed to “Resident or Occupant” can not be removed from mailing list. (Please no phone calls)

For more information, questions, concerns, or comments, please call our staff at (616) 243-1919.

1014 Franklin St. SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49507

COMMUNITY


The dedication of this room and the development of this new EMT curriculum and course offering really goes back more than two years ago, when Spectrum Health stepped up as the lead supporters

of the School of Health, Science, and Technology with a $450,000 donation plus a dedicated full time Spectrum employee for three years to help support the development of HST as a “Center of Innovation.”

Since then, we also received a $5,000 contribution from Mark Meijer towards $10,000 in renovations and improvements to establish the new Life EMS Ambulance Education Centre.

LIFE EMS EDUCATION CENTER DEDICATION


Those renovations include:• Openingadoorwaybetweenthetwo

classrooms

• Removingunwantedandoutdatedcabinetry

• Outfittingaroomasateaching/computerclassroom

• Outfittinganotherroomasahands-ontraining room

• Freshpaint

• Newcarpet

• Newblinds

• andmore!

h a t e v e r happened to “The

Law of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act” and why isn’t it enforced today? The Title VI Act says:

“No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title VI applies to discrimination throughout an entire agency or company, not just to actions involving a particular program within the agency or company that receives federal financial assistance. Therefore, if one dollar or more from the federal government goes to any program or activity within an agency or company, the entire agency or company is required to comply with Title VI, not just that particular program or activity.

“Simple justice required that public funds, to which all taxpayers of all races contribute, not be spent in any fashion which encourages, entrenches, subsidizes, or results in racial discrimination.”

– President Kennedy 1963

This was a plan to provide information about jobs, bids, legal notices, services, sales, and discounts for Black Americans and other

ethnic groups residing in our community via Black American owned media (radio, print and television) sponsored programs. Of course, this was over 45 years ago and many people have forgotten or overlooked this law. And this is one of the reasons why the core city in our state and many other states are going bankrupt and unable to employ people. Especially the black and Hispanic community. Our community needs to read and understand. Your dollar andyourvoteareyouronlyeconomicpower!

A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry: but money answers all things. Eccl. 10:19 (KJV).

For the love of money is the root of all evil…. I Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

My name is Pastor Jeannette Abney. I came to be the Pastor at “One Race-One Blood Ministry. I was offered a position to subsidize my income as an Account Executive with Unity Magazine. After

many months of calling and sending information regarding Unity Magazine, I never knew so many companies who receive Federal Funds discriminate with their print media advertisement to the core community. Excuses are, “We ran out of money, we advertise on the internet, or We have depleted our budget this year”. After checking Unity Magazine records, I found out that some of these companies’ has never advertised in the black media, especially, in the Unity Magazine. I think this should be brought up to the community and to get their opinion on whether they would like the Unity Magazine to stay in print. Not informing themof jobopportunities,elections, and social media.

Also, I believe that we should check their Federal agencies who give them monies to reach our community and make sure, that they are incompliance with the law. I will continue with this article in every Unity Magazine until changes are made by these companies.


COVER STORY

WHEN THE WHITE COMMUNITY CATCHES A COLD, THE BLACK COMMUNITY GETS PNEUMONIA! BY JEANNETTE ABNEY, PASTOR

W


PASTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

T he Mayan calendar expires December 21, 2012! Do we expire with it? Does mankind stop existing this coming year?

What are you doing if it should? What are you preparing for…death or life? Is this going to be our last year on planet earth? More importantly, could this be your last year? If you think about it there are only two responses. The first is “fear”! The second is “bring it on”! If we have accepted Jesus Chris as our personal Lord and Savior, as told in John 3:3, 5, 7 and are walking holy before Him, as instructed in Hebrews 12:14, we are ready to get our heavenly reward at the final payday! If we don’t know Jesus and are simply playing church and/or Christianity then we

should be afraid of hell and its eternal torture! Mark 9:42-48 Jesus will come in a moment in the “twinkling of any eye”, as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15:52. I was told that a “twinkle” is like an atomic second, quicker than our eyes can blink. Oh I know, some people are thinking, “Sure Pastor we have heard all this for years and years that Jesus is coming soon…so where is He? The Bible warns us to, “know this first: that mockers and scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation”, in 2 Peter 3:3-4. One thing we know for certain is that Jesus second coming is over 2000 years closer than it was when St. Peter wrote these verses. When is Jesus coming? Only God the Father knows for sure! I believe that if Jesus Himself knew, He would tell us the exact day and time. He loves us so much that He can’t keep a secret! Amos 3:7 and Jeremiah 6:17 are a couple of many scriptures that confirm this. Only the Father knows the time of the end of the world. We are told, “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is...in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster or in the morning, and what I say to you I say to all; watch!” in Mark 13:32-37 Jesus is going to come back to earth (Acts 1:9-11) at a time when we least expect Him, like a thief in the night. “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour or day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore, you must also be ready, for the Son of man (Jesus) is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him.” We are told this in Matthew 24:42-44 The Bible goes on to tell us that when the world says, “peace and safety” then sudden destruction will come upon them. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 explains, “For you

yourselves know perfectly well, that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. Or when they say, ‘peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman and they shall not escape.” “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the things that are in it will be burned up”, the Bible declares in 2 Peter 3:10. We are living the last days! Bible prophecy is being fulfilled at an astronomical rate. Events are happening in the Middle East to set up the one world government known as the European Economic Community just exactly as they were fore-told hundreds of years ago. The stage is being set for the Armageddon of Revelation Chapter 16. Jesus loves us so much the He wants us to escape the wrath of the Anti Christ and spend eternity with Him in heaven. Jesus warns us, “But take notice to yourselves, lets your hearts be weighted down with carousing, drunkenness and cares of this life and that day comes on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass and to stand before (Jesus) the Son of Man”, in Luke 21:34-36. What are you going to do if Jesus comes back in the rest of 2011 or in 2012 or tomorrow! What are you going to do and where are you going to go for all eternity? The choice is yours! Why not settle it right now! Pray: “Jesus, I believe that you died for me. That You were buried but rose again, like the Bible says, so that I might spend eternity with You. Forgive me of all my sins so that I might forgive myself. I repent of all the bad things I have done. Thank you Father, I ask this in Jesus name.”

Uptown for Jesus!Pastor Bill Trim

Uptown Assembly of God(616) 776-3710

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WHENTHE CALENDAR ENDS IN 2012?BY PASTOR WILLIAM J. TRIM

1470 Lake Dr., SEGrand Rapids, MI 49506

“A Multi-EthnicChurch”

Pastor William J. Trim

Sunday School: 9:45 amSunday Worship:

11:00 am & 5:00 pm

Family Night: Wednesday 6:30 pm

www.uptownministries.org(616) 776-3710

that was his lowest moment in boxing, taking the fight on 2 weeks. “I knew better. I was looking at this guy and his #5 ranking with WBC and knew I could beat him.” “I really thank God for getting me past that point. 2011 was good for me to get my head back in the game for 2012 I’m coming for all the top guys in my division.”

Gates says prayer and sometimes other peoples words can help you get over your hard times.

I saw this and put it on my wall — words of wisdom: “I wouldn’t have been as good as I am unless I had those (two) losses. The losses give you the character to become a true champion. That proves that you are a true champion – to be able to come back from a loss. REALIZE your mistake, ADJUST and come back and win.” ~ Lennox Lewis.

LOCAL


Purnell Gates 21-2 (14 KO’s) is usually a quiet soft spoken individual, never quick to jump the gun and speak out his mind but always willing to throw down. When he’s fervent for a fight

or attempting to make a statement he will let loose, and now he’s geared up to speak out on his career and in hopes of a face off against the best in his division.

Earning the nickname ‘Knock You Out’ for his unrelenting power Gates has marched on defeating all in his pathway pounding out 14 KO’s. To see Purnell Gates fight is to gain a favorite fighter. He fights with a fierce intensity that brings to mind Hearns, and he throws punches in combination at a pace that screams Leonard. Like both those fighters before him, every hook, jab and cross is thrown with the cruelest and deadliest of intentions. Watching Gates explode out of his corner and onto his opponent, always upping the violent ante every round. I have to wonder if he can keep up the energy not just from round to round, but fight to fight. Gates says he trains the same way, High gear non-stop. “You have to fight for real, you have to fight with a passion to fight, you have to fight!”

Gates is coming back 3-0 since losing a fight December 10, 2010 to David Lemieux. Midway through round 1, Gates appears to hurt his right hand throwing a punch. After the round, he is seen grimacing in pain and discussing with his corner man whether to continue the fight. In round 2 Midway through Gates decides to take a knee notwithstanding the fact that Lemieux is nowhere near him and is not throwing any punches. He is holding his right hand and his corner throws in the towel. Gates said

PURNELL GATES ON HIS LOWEST MOMENT IN BOXING, PRAYER AND OTHER PEOPLE’S WORDS.

Gates next fight will be on January 14, 2012. It will be a 10 round fight at the Orbit room in Grand Rapids MI. The card will also feature boxers Junny Troche, Derron Hernandez, Rafael Hernandez, Alejo Sepulveda, Lane Staal, Chris Martinez and Brain Martinez.

For tickets information call 616 481-7878. SEE YOU AT THE FIGHTS!

ORBIT ROOM ADDRESS:2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd., Grand Rapids, MI 49546 • 616.942.2335


By improving their driving skills, teen drivers can reduce their risk of spinal cord injuries.

According to the experts at Shriners Hospitals for Children®, motor vehicle crashes are the No. one cause of death for those between the ages of 16 and 24. Motor vehicle crashes are also the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in all age groups.

Being aware of the risk factors and improving driving skills may help reduce this risk—especially for young drivers. Factors that contribute to crashes include driver inexperience, distractions, speeding, peer pressure, driving with other teens in the car, and the use of alcohol and illegal drugs.

Tips for Safe Driving:• Give driving your full attention. Driving is a

privilege.

• Follow the rules of the road and obey speed limits.

• Always wear a seat belt.

• If transporting younger passengers, properly restrain children under age 12 in the back-seat, and place children in age and height- and weight-appropriate safety or booster seats.

• Avoid distractions unrelated to driving. Distractions include texting or reading, talking on the phone—including using a headset, earpiece or speakerphone—eating, fatigue, arguing, an animal that is loose in the car, disruptive passengers, alcohol or other drugs, and loud music.

• Never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Even a single drink, whether you can feel it or not, can affect your judgment enough to cause a crash.

• Be aware of the side effects of prescription medications before driving.

• Use your side and rearview mirrors every five to seven seconds.

• Never write, read or send text messages while driving. Thousands of fatal accidents have been linked to distractions like texting.

• Always have a safety zone or safety hole: a space to your left or right to drive into during an emergency.

For more information on safer driving, you can visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org. NAPS

125453d.pgs 03.13.2009 12:48 PowerTrap .003

EDUCATION

ROAD TO SAFETY – What Teen Drivers Need To Know

REFLECTIONS


The pickle jar as far back as I can remember sat on the floor beside the dresser in my parents' bedroom.

When he got ready for bed, Dad would empty his pockets and toss his coins into the jar.

As a small boy, I was always fascinated at the sounds the coins made as they were dropped into the jar.

They landed with a merry jingle when the jar was almost empty. Then the tones gradually muted to a dull thud as the jar was filled.

I used to squat on the floor in front of the jar to admire the copper and silver circles that glinted like a pirate's treasure when the sun poured through the bedroom window. When the jar was filled, Dad would sit at the kitchen table and roll the coins before taking them to the bank.

Taking the coins to the bank was always a big production. Stacked neatly in a small cardboard box, the coins were placed between Dad and me on the seat of his old truck.

Each and every time, as we drove to the bank, Dad would look at me hopefully. "Those coins are going to keep you out of the textile mill, son. You're going to do better than me. This old mill town's not going to hold you back."

Also, each and every time, as he slid the box of rolled coins across the counter at the bank toward the cashier, he would grin proudly.. "These are for my son's college fund. He'll never work at the mill all his life like me."

We would always celebrate each deposit by stopping for an ice cream cone. I always got chocolate. Dad always got vanilla. When the clerk at the ice cream parlor handed Dad his change, he would show me the few coins nestled in his palm. "When we get home, we'll start filling the jar again." He always let me drop the first coins into the empty jar... As they rattled around with a brief, happy jingle, we grinned at each other.

"You'll get to college on pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters," he said. "But you'll get there; I'll see to that."

No matter how rough things got at home, Dad continued to doggedly drop his coins into the jar. Even the summer when Dad got laid off from the mill, and Mama had to serve dried beans several times a week, not a single dime was taken from the jar.

To the contrary, as Dad looked across the table at me, pouring catsup over my beans to make them more palatable, he became more determined than ever to make a way out for me. "When you finish college, Son," he told me, his eyes glistening, "you'll never have to eat beans again – unless you want to."

The years passed, and I finished college and took a job in another town. Once, while visiting my parents, I used the phone in their bedroom, and noticed that the pickle jar was gone. It had served its purpose and had been removed.

A lump rose in my throat as I stared at the spot beside the dresser where the jar had always stood. My dad was a man of few words: he never lectured me on the values of determination, perseverance, and faith. The pickle jar had taught me all these virtues far more eloquently than the most flowery of words could have done. When I married, I told my wife Susan about the significant part the lowly pickle jar had played in my life as a boy. In my mind, it defined, more than anything else, how much my dad had loved me.

The first Christmas after our daughter Jessica was born, we spent the holiday with

my parents. After dinner, Mom and Dad sat next to each other on the sofa, taking turns cuddling their first grandchild Jessica began to whimper softly, and Susan took her from Dad's arms. "She probably needs to be changed," she said, carrying the baby into my parents' bedroom to diaper her. When Susan came back into the living room, there was a strange mist in her eyes. She handed Jessica back to Dad before taking my hand and leading me into the room. "Look," she said softly, her eyes directing me to a spot on the floor beside the dresser. To my amazement, there, as if it had never been removed, stood the old pickle jar, the bottom already covered with coins. I walked over to the pickle jar, dug down into my pocket, and pulled out a fistful of coins. With a gamut of emotions choking me, I dropped the coins into the jar. I looked up and saw that Dad, carrying Jessica, had slipped quietly into the room. Our eyes locked, and I knew he was feeling the same emotions I felt. Neither one of us could speak.

This truly touched my heart. Sometimes we are so busy adding up our troubles that we forget to count our blessings. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life, for better or for worse.

God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way. Look for GOOD in others.

The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or touched - they must be felt with the heart.

~ Helen Keller

- Happy moments, praise God. - Difficult moments, seek God.- Quiet moments, worship God. - Painful moments, trust God. - Every moment, thank God.

THE PICKLE JAR


CLASSIFIEDS

SOCIAL WORK – Full-time Resident Services Coordinator at housing community. Must have mental health experience;

substance abuse knowledge; ability to advocate for high risk populations and connect with community resources. Requires Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field; Computer skills. Reply to: Director of Support Services, 101 Sheldon SE, Suite 2, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or fax (616) 454-5249. EOE

Grand Valley State University seeks qualified candidates for employment in all areas of the

university. For more information about current job openings, visit www.gvsujobs.org.

Human Resources Office140 Lake Michigan Hall

Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale MI 49401

(616) 331-2215www.gvsujobs.org

Grand Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.

DENTAL DESIGN, P.C.Dr. Tracy E. Blount

• New Patients Always Welcome• Emergency Care Provided

Call (616) 452-04001014 Franklin Street SEGrand Rapids, MI 49507

PURNELL GATES

616 530-MOVE (6683)Email: [email protected]

Web site: rentamangr.com

PACKING • LABOR • DELIVERY

Grants Management Assistant:

We are a growing Community Foundation looking to fill the following full time position:

Grants Management Assistant for Program Department – Are you a detail oriented person who enjoys producing high quality work and can meet deadlines? Do you have excellent administrative skills and like being responsible for a number of varied activities and interacting with a diversity of customers?

If so, don’t delay, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation wants to hear from you. Visit www.grfoundation.org to learn about this full-time position or send a cover letter and resume to the Human Resource Manager at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation at 185 Oakes Street SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 by Monday 12/5/11. EOE

MEMBERSRobert A. AlvarezMeghan E. MooreJason P. RonningRaquel A. Salaswww.avantilaw.com

ASSOCIATESMario A. Cascante

Elizabeth Y. LuederSarah E. McElwaneyRachel M. Wustman

Of Counsel:Sommers Schwartz, P.C.

600 28th St. SW | Wyoming, MI 49509 | Ph: (616) 257-680796 West 15th St., Suite 105, Midtown Center | Holland, MI 49423 | Ph: (616) 392-4867


CLASSIFIEDS

FOR RENT

SMALL CHAPELwith PULPIT

and MINISTER

Call (616) 243-1513

SEAT 50 PEOPLE FOR:

•Homecoming Celebrations after Cremation•Marriages•Meetings,etc.

Come join us for our worship service and Bible study!

Church: 10:45 am on Sunday

Bible Study: 6:00 pm on Thursday

1014 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Ph: 616-243-1513

One Race-One Blood Ministry

“We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters in Christ or perish together as fools;

but when we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.”

www.OneBlood-OneRace.org

Second ChanceSo when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them,

He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:7 KJV

OOla’s Designs

The power of the inner spirit . . .transformed (Proverbs 23:7)

Etoy’s Beauty Salon720 Weathy SE.Grand Rapids, MI 49503(616) 454-3945 (shop)(616) 240-6952 (cell)

Ola [email protected]

Holy Trinity Fellowship Center

Harold Tyler Jr., Pastor

Gate of Love • Forgiveness • Healing

307 Cedar N.E. Worship Service 11:30 amGrand Rapids, MI 49503 Spiritual Warfare 10:00 am(616) 224-2221 Youth Ministry 11:30 amE-Mail: [email protected] Christian Enrichment, Thu. 6:30

Extensions • Hair Weaves Press and Curl

Relaxers/Texurizers Permanent Waves

Hair Cutting (men and women)

Color • Waxing • Nails Braiding

Jeannette Abney, Pastor

“The only houses we don’t sell are for the birds”

MATHIS REALTY L.L.C.

Come talk to Walter L. Mathis Sr.before you enter any house!

He represents all buyers like you!

Our business is from the ground up!

Walter L. Mathis Sr.Licensed Broker

Paul D. HollamonLicensed Salesman

(616) 540-5840

Buyer Broker – You can work from home Call 616-243-4114

NEED A MORTGAGE?Purchase • Refinance

Debt ConsolidationCash Out Loans

(616) 243-41141014 Franklin St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Health and Education Awareness and Scholarship FundA 501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Organization

Operation Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was formed in 1993 to organize funding for projects that will exclusively benefit the poor, care for the sick, support education and provide services for the community.

For information on our Dental Assistance plan, please visit www. operationresources.org/dental

Dear Friends and BusinessesPlease help us continue our work here at Operation Resources, Inc.

o Yes, I will be a GOLD Partner for $15,000 o Yes, I will be a SILVER Partner for $10,000

o Yes, I will be a BRONZE Partner for $5,000 o Yes, I will donate $ __________ to help a child with their dental co-pay

OUR UNITY LOGO

Dear Friends and Businesses, Please help us continue our work here at Operation Resources, Inc.

Yes, I will purchase a minimum of 25 puzzles with my advertisement at a donation of $15.00 ea. = $375.00

Yes, I would like to order more than 25 puzzles: _______ x $15.00 = $ ____________ .

Yes, I will donate money towards some puzzles to donate to our children, to teach them about their health.1014 Franklin St. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49507(616) 243-1919 we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discovery

Student Scholarship ProgramWe Give “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”

WE ARE ALL A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE AND WE SUPPORT DIVERSITYYou or your organization can help students go to college by partnering with Operation Resources, Inc.

with a donation of 25 Unity Puzzles with your Advertisement on the left side of the puzzle, to let yourcustomers know that you, your company or organization supports diversity, while informing them that we

are all a piece of the puzzle and that “United, We Make America!”

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discovery

OUR UNITY LOGO

Dear Friends and Businesses, Please help us continue our work here at Operation Resources, Inc.

Yes, I will purchase a minimum of 25 puzzles with my advertisement at a donation of $15.00 ea. = $375.00

Yes, I would like to order more than 25 puzzles: _______ x $15.00 = $ ____________ .

Yes, I will donate money towards some puzzles to donate to our children, to teach them about their health.1014 Franklin St. SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49507(616) 243-1919 we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discovery

Student Scholarship ProgramWe Give “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”

WE ARE ALL A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE AND WE SUPPORT DIVERSITYYou or your organization can help students go to college by partnering with Operation Resources, Inc.

with a donation of 25 Unity Puzzles with your Advertisement on the left side of the puzzle, to let yourcustomers know that you, your company or organization supports diversity, while informing them that we

are all a piece of the puzzle and that “United, We Make America!”

CHILDREN’S DENTAL RESOURCES“Healthy Teeth Make a Happy Child”

You or your organization can help children receive dental care by partnering with Children’s Dental Resources, a subsidiary of Operation Resources, Inc. Many children suffer with dental disease due to the limited resources within the family to pay their dental co pay. With your donation, of any amount, you will help allow children to utilize the insurance that is available at any participating Dentist in Michigan.

1014 Franklin St. SEGrand Rapids, MI 49507

(616) 243-1919

“Every child deserves to have a beautiful smile and healthy teeth.”

Purnell Gates’ next fight will be on January 14, 2012. It will be a 10 round fight at the Orbit Room in Grand Rapids MI. The card will also feature boxers Junny Troche, Derron Hernandez, Rafael Hernandez, Alejo Sepulveda, Lane Staal, Chris Martinez and Brain Martinez. For tickets information call:616 481-7878.

Grand Rapids Fight Fest #3The Orbit Room

Starts Friday, January 13thwith The MMA fighters

Professional Boxing: January 14th, 2012

SEE YOU AT THE FIGHTS!!

Purnell Gates‘Knock You Out’

The Orbit Room2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd.Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616.942.2335

Unity Dec/Jan

Documents

Transcript of Unity Dec/Jan