Showing God's Kindness -- Nourishment

We've been talking about four ways the church can show God’s kindness to people with special needs and their families based on the story of David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel  9:1-13).

The first two kindnesses are life and hospitality.  The third kindness is nourishment.  Verse 13 tells us that Mephibosheth always ate at the King’s table.  He ate what the King ate.  He ate what the king’s family ate.  He had his own place at the King’s table.  David saw that Mephibosheth was well nourished.

The banner over our sanctuary doors says that our mission is to “Glorify God by reconciling, nurturing and equipping people according to His word.”  How can anyone – including people with special needs – be reconciled to Christ, how can they be nurtured in their faith and how can they be equipped for serving unless we invite them to our table that they may be filled?

I wonder how many of you saw the article in the Home News Tribune several months ago about an autistic Jewish teenager named Jesse who wanted to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.  His mother contacted the Chabad Jewish Center in Monroe Township. The rabbi said, “We provide a service.  We want anyone who’s Jewish to know we are here to help.”  Volunteers worked with Jesse and customized the lessons to meet his abilities.  While other students wrote Hebrew letters, Jesse formed them in play-doh.  When it came time for the ceremony, the verses Jesse was required to recite rolled off his tongue – a remarkable accomplishment for this young man who barely speaks a handful of words on an average day.  You can see the headline – “There was not a dry eye in the house.”

We too can provide an inclusive environment in our worship, Sunday school, youth activities and community life.  Some people might need assistance in moving from a classroom to the sanctuary.  Others might benefit from helping hands when doing a craft or writing answers to a lesson.  We can make sure everyone has an opportunity to hear the gospel, discover their spiritual gifts and grow in grace as our Lord leads them – to be reconciled, nurtured and equipped according to God’s word.

A special needs ministry should not be a “program” in which people with disabilities become a project.  No, a special needs ministry should be a relationship in which we all benefit from our interactions with one another. 

Some of you might remember Amos.  Amos lived alone in a low cost housing facility.  He was confined to a wheel chair due to Cerebral Palsy and a stroke and he had difficulty speaking.  But the qualities that really defined Amos were his broad smile, his love for the Lord and his tie.  Amos always had a smile and he always wore a tie.  You might not know that for years several of our deacons visited Amos regularly, helped him with his shopping and his checkbook and brought him to church.  They would be quick to tell you that they were the ones who were blessed by Amos’s friendship.

Next time, we’ll talk about the fourth kindness that David showed Mephibosheth – care for his family.

Thoughts?  Comments?  I’d like to hear from you.  Come along side.  Side by Side, we’ll grow together!