More than a hundred people gathered at 8970 Byron Commerce Drive SW in Byron Center, Michigan, to dedicate and bless the newly completed World Renew U.S. headquarters. The celebration took place in the warehouse space of the building, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the organization’s work and presence in the United States.

Over the following weeks, World Renew staff began transitioning into the new facility, relocating approximately 10 miles from the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) denominational offices on 28th Street in Grand Rapids. The move allows both organizations to make better use of their respective spaces while supporting collaboration and stewardship.

Rooted in Faith, Looking Ahead Together

“Since the ministry began its outreach to people affected by poverty, hunger, disaster, and displacement worldwide,” said World Renew U.S. Director Carol Bremer‑Bennett, “World Renew has been ‘imagining more’ in God’s presence according to Ephesians 3:20–21. ‘Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!’”

Bremer‑Bennett opened the event by reflecting on World Renew’s origins in the diaconal ministry of Christian Reformed congregations. That shared commitment to service led to the denomination’s decision to form the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee—now known as World Renew—on February 21, 1962.

At the time of the dedication, World Renew was marking its sixtieth year of ministry. Gathering in a new location offered a meaningful opportunity to celebrate God’s faithfulness and discern how the organization is being called to serve into the future.

A Shared Celebration of Hope and Gratitude

Themes of hope and gratitude were woven throughout the event, which brought together denominational and organizational leaders from both Canada and the United States. Those present included Colin P. Watson Sr., Executive Director of the CRCNA; World Renew U.S. Board President Becky Vander Zee; Canadian Board President Andrew Geisterfer; World Renew Canada Interim Director Kenneth Kim; World Renew U.S. Director Emeritus Andrew Ryskamp; World Renew Disaster Response Services Director Robert Laarman; and Michael Garrett, President of Pinnacle Construction.

“This building is a gathering place for people,” Watson said, “for those who work and those who are served. We are here to thank God for his faithfulness and from here, to disperse to do God’s will in the world. In all things, for his purpose, we serve Christ, the cornerstone. God is already at work through World Renew in this place, and we dedicate ourselves to what he will do in the future.”

As part of the dedication, Watson anointed the building’s main entrance with oil. Attendees quietly prayed throughout the space, marking their prayers by tying small pieces of ribbon in different areas of the building.

The event also reflected World Renew’s global ministry. The building incorporates materials that echo the organization’s work around the world, including raw wood and corrugated tin. Guests enjoyed a cultural presentation by The Uruyange Rwandan Dance Group, and a wood carving gifted by World Renew’s Canadian Board was shared as a sign of cross‑border partnership.

This new building is more than an office or warehouse—it is a place of gathering, sending, and service. As World Renew continues to walk alongside communities around the world, the U.S. headquarters will help equip staff and partners to respond faithfully and creatively to God’s call for years to come.