War Cry - February, 2015 Page 17

The War Cry | FEBRUARY 2015

180 staff members, called the
"Kroc Krew," to talk to everyone
who comes in. The goal is "to help
everyone they come in contact
with to take the next step in their
relationship with God," Major
Karen says. "Taking that next step,
they're going to be that much more
exposed to sharing the Good News
of Jesus Christ in their lives and
within their families."

Many soldiers of the young Kroc

Corps became uniformed members
in The Salvation Army after com-
ing to the center to use the facility.

One family came to
the Army through the

Christmas Toy Distribution pro-
gram. They were invited to the
corps and are now uniformed,
faithful soldiers.

Yet another couple brought their

children to play on the playground

equipment. Major Marc struck up
a conversation with them and in-
vited them to church that Sunday;
they've been coming ever since.

Sally Hendrix was looking for a

fitness facility that also offered a
seniors program. Two years later,
she is 90 pounds lighter and walks
to the center every day from her
home near Garfield Park. Sally at-
tends Senior Fridays at the center
with other seniors who want to stay
active and social.

There is no shortage of commu-

nity activities for the soldiery to buy

into: a Monster Mash is held every
October, as is a Daddy and Daugh-
ter night in February, a Breakfast
with Santa in December and a
Mother & Son banquet in March.

"There are other fitness places

here in Grand Rapids," says Major
Marc, "and there are character�

building organizations all worthy of
public support. But ours is the only
one of its kind. This neighborhood
was underserved before, but with
this facility, all needs are met."

The Kroc membership is diverse,

reflecting the multicultural popula-
tion of Grand Rapids. "There is a
blend of Hispanic, African American,
Anglo and Asian folks who both uti-
lize our facility and attend our corps
programs," Major Marc explains.

In fact, he points out, about 16

percent of Grand Rapids is His-
panic. For that reason, a translator
translates the sermon each Sunday
morning from English to Span-
ish and provides it to worshippers
through headphones.

Before the Kroc Center was built,

the neighborhood had an unsavory
reputation. Currently, up to 56 dif-
ferent gangs operate in Grand Rapids.

"When we opened the police un-

nerved us a bit when they told us
we have provided a wonderful place
for gang members to hang out! I
guess they were referring to the am-
phitheater and sports courts out in
the open and hidden from the main
road," Major Marc says. "But we
have not had a problem, and I believe
that's because everyone feels wel-
come here. It is a place of neutrality."

As they say, art imitates life.
"The mission and vision state-

ment we've developed is about
sharing the love of Jesus Christ
without discrimination. We want to
show radical hospitality, which is
intentional toward everyone, and to
make them feel comfortable mixing
here," Major Karen says.

Everyone coming to the center

should know they are welcome, she
points out, and that religion will
never be forced on anyone, but peo-
ple's lives can really change here.

"There is no corps without the

Kroc; just as there is no Kroc with-
out the corps."

The 450�capacity amphitheater serves as a venue for concerts,
plays and even movies.

The mission and vision

statement we've developed
is about

sharing the love

of Jesus Christ without
discrimination. We want to
show radical hospitality,
which is intentional toward
everyone, and to make
them feel comfortable
mixing here.

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