It was a long but uber-productive day!
It’s late. Sleep is needed. But as I was brushing my teeth and leaning towards bed, this blog started in my mind, so here I am, writing for you – and me.
I should be sleeping because tomorrow morning at 6:45, I’m meeting a friend for prayer before my family wakes up. At 9:30, the boys have a playdate with some of their favorite little friends. At noon, Jon David has pre-K. And at 12:30, my friend Sarah is coming to our house to discuss what we need to do next to create a safe, loving, spiritually-impacting place for children with special needs who come – and will someday come – to our church.
Which reminds me – If your church has a thriving special needs children’s ministry, could you send me a name or a website link? I’m looking for some heroes who have forged a beautiful path and can show us the way.
I had a long talk with my BFF Marie Kuck on Friday. We talked about VIP Kids and the amazing things she and Tim have created to educate people, to celebrate life, to help churches minister to families with kids who have special needs, and to offer respite for the tired, the discouraged, the over-looked.
During the phone conversation, I silently cried many times as she poured out her knowledge and passion for VIP Kids’ ministry. I’ve been her cheerleader for years, but I haven’t been in the trenches nearly enough. “There are no disabled souls” she said at one point in our conversation. That sentence has lingered. “You need to understand their lives and know their stories, because you want to minister to them, Lisa.” That made me weep because I’ve been…
Fearful? Lazy? Uncomfortable? Uncertain? Unconcerned? Oblivious?
I’m not sure what has kept me from diving in earlier. But I am diving in now. She’s right. I want to be a part of a children’s ministry that ministers to all children.
Time to wake up.
I covet your prayers.
Lis
I don't have the URL handy, but there's a big ministry started by someone in my church, and the ministry is called Snappin' Ministrie. Barb Dietrich started it to families with special needs children. And if you email me, I can provide some more resources.
It must be a God thing that I woke up and saw the link to your blog post in my Facebook newsfeed.
Hi Lisa! Klove listeners in Indianapolis really miss you! But we are excited to see where GOD is using you elsewhere.
A church with an amazing special needs ministry is McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C. They were very helpful for my church, College Park Church, when we benchmarked with their children's ministries. You can find out more about their special needs ministry at mbctysons.org/access
Blessings!
love your heart sister. praying…..