In the April issue of the Gospel Advocate, Matt Vega tells the story of the founding of Rainbow Omega, the dream of Stentson and Diane Carpenter, members of the church of Christ in Alabama (pages 29-32).
Rainbow Omega is a permanent and safe home for individuals with special needs, developmental disabilities, so families would have options. “All of the people we serve are going to be in heaven one day. The Lord has entrusted them to us to protect them and help them enjoy life to the fullest until then” (Stentson, quoted by Matt Vega in GA, April 2019, pag. 32).
The first job my mom had, after I was born, was when I was in junior high school in GA. There was a woman in the congregation where my dad preached; the woman was in her 80s. She had a daughter in her 60s who had cerebral palsy. The mom’s name was Joan Emory and the daughter’s name was Mollie. Mom would go over twice a day to help get Mollie out of bed, ready for the day, and in her chair. At night, mom would go over, bathe Mollie and get her in bed. When we moved to NC, my mom began working at a group home, helping provide activities every day for adults with developmental disabilities. Mom eventually earned her associates degree in social work. My mom had a heart for people with disabilities; she reflected the nature of the God who created her.
Children are safe in the arms of Jesus. But what about ministering to their families? Kim Higginbotham, a special education teacher, has written a fine little book to offer suggestions and help for congregations who would like to begin a ministry to families with special needs members: Forever His: A Guide to Building A Special Needs Ministry.
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Many of the miracles Jesus performed were done for special-needs individuals: Matt 8:6; Luke 5:18, 24; John 5. These miracles were done to attest to Jesus’ Messiahship (Matt. 11:5). In the parable of the great dinner in Luke 14, Jesus said, “when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:13-14). Invite those with disabilities, Jesus says. That almost sounds like a call for His church to have ministries to those with special needs. Indeed, He gave early Christians the miraculous ability to heal those with special needs (Acts 3:2; 8:7; 9:33; 14:8).
Let us love and reach out, as Jesus did, to those families with members who have developmental disabilities.
Paul Holland
