November 5–8, 2025 • CCDA National Conference • Grand Rapids, MI
Our time in Grand Rapids was more than a conference — it was a Spirit-filled immersion into real solutions for the urgent crises facing our inner cities today. Through the Go & See immersions at The Other Way Ministries and New City Neighbors, we witnessed firsthand how local churches and Christian nonprofits are confronting food insecurity with creativity, dignity, and community-driven sustainability. Their work — from food co-ops and at-cost markets to urban farms, community gardens, and neighborhood networks — offered living models of how we can respond to the sudden SNAP food crisis now affecting families across South Los Angeles and Compton.

Equally transformative were the justice-focused workshops, where leaders from across the nation shared strategies for nonviolent community defense, immigration raid response, and practical congregational accompaniment during moments of fear and disruption. From Andre Henry’s powerful training on disrupting injustice to the national network discussion on supporting immigrant families impacted by ICE operations, these sessions equipped us with tools to stand faithfully and bravely with our neighbors.

Throughout the week — in plenaries, hallways, prayer circles, meals, and late-night conversations — we built new relationships, exchanged local models, and gathered practical, actionable wisdom. We return home strengthened, encouraged, and better prepared to walk with our communities in love, justice, and the hope of Christ.