Showing God's Kindness -- Epilogue

Just about a year ago, I had the privilege as a layman of sharing my vision for a new special needs ministry in our church.  I told the story of King David and Mephibosheth and suggested four ways the church can show God’s kindness to people with special needs and their families.  These kindnesses are life, hospitality, nourishment and family care.  (See 2 Samuel  9:1-13).

Our church has not been a stranger to people with special needs.  Over the years, we have rallied in support of several people requiring long term care.  People with special needs have been included in various worship activities and in the social life of our church.  We have truly sought to welcome everyone who came though our doors. 

Yet, the special needs ministry at MEFC have often been haphazard – lacking intentionality and a guiding plan.  Our volunteers were eager but often unprepared for the challenges of a special needs ministry. People fell through the cracks and the Special Needs community was unaware of our desire to provide a welcoming and safe environment for them. We have missed opportunities to show God’s kindness to a neglected segment of our community. 

At the end of my message, I looked out at the congregation and said, “I’m looking for people to help me start a Special Needs ministry in our church. Do I know exactly what this ministry will look like?  No. Do I fully understand what it will involve?  No, I don’t.”

“I do know this:  My experiences as a hospice volunteer, a grandfather of a special needs child and a VBS volunteer have shown me that we don’t have to be trained health care providers to care for people with special needs.”

Then, who can show God’s kindness by serving in a Special Needs Ministry?

People with a passion and a desire to love and serve other people.  People who are willing to look beyond someone’s disability and see their giftedness – to see the person as God has made them to be. 

You might be looking for a way to become better connected to MEFC.  Perhaps you aren’t currently involved in ministry and are looking for the right opportunity.  Ask the Lord if he would have you join with us in this ministry.

 

What would a special needs ministry look like?

I’m not exactly sure, but I think it would look like this ….  Then I showed slides  of people of all ages with various disabilities together with volunteers who obviously cared for them.  And they all had smiles.

To my delight, and somewhat to my relief, my message was well received by our congregation.  About twenty people – seniors, young adults, teenagers, a dad and his sons, a single mom and her daughter – signed up to receive more information about how they could be involved in this new ministry. 

This past year has been a formative year for Side by Side.  We have had some modest yet encouraging results.  We are grateful for those God has sent our way and the things we have learned from them.  We have been blessed even as we seek to be a blessing.

We covet your prayers.  If you know someone or a family with special needs in the central New Jersey area, please tell them about us and invite them to give us a try.  Our church web site is mefc.org and we can be reached at side_by_side@mefc.org     

Comments?  Suggestions?  We’d love to hear from you.  Come along side.  Side by Side, we’ll grow together!