A few years ago I learned of a ministry that does something very unique and amazing.
Special Touch Ministries provides an opportunity for adults with varying disabilities (from physical to developmental and combinations of both) to getaway and have a week-long retreat experience in locations across the US. All of the staff are volunteers who come and serve as caregivers for the guests, lead worship, and share gospel-centered messages in a daily chapel time and evening service. This year, I have the privilege and honor to lead the chapel service for the adults who have physical disabilities. And I am LOVING it!
I didn’t really know what to expect as my only previous interaction with Special Touch was hanging out at meal time once. But can I tell you that now, 3 days into my first immersion within the ministry, I am blown away. If you ever want to see what true, Jesus-centered servanthood looks like just attend one of their getaways. I want to give a special, albeit biased, shout-out to our worship team. This team is compiled of mostly high school/early college age students who gave up their week to lead the guests in worship but not only that…they have hung out, built relationships, played games and more with our guests. One of these young people is one of my nephews and two others are girls I have known for close to 14 years! My heart has been ready to burst with the joy and pride that only an auntie/pastor could have ;)
Today was a fun day spent at the lakeside area of our district campground. Guests were transported to the lake via a hayride. Guests were loaded into a big wagon pulled by a tractor and taken right to the picnic area of the lake where the mostly volunteer staff of our dining hall met them with grilled hot dogs, grilled burgers, chips, fresh watermelon, and smiles.
From the meal, the students who make up the worship/sound team played bingo, swam and sat with the guests. Other caretakers swam, too, of course and even went fishing. Here is what I think may be one of the most special parts of my day to witness. Our campground has a rather large water slide at the lake that only has stairs to get up to. Lots of stairs. Like, a lot. Some of the guests can walk up the stairs without issue or assistance, others need a partner to walk up with them, but those who are dependent on wheels for getting around, well they aren’t left out. I watched our team carry people up, yes, even in a wheelchair, so that they could have the experience that ANY other person could have. No one gets left out if they want to do the slide…or anything for that matter.
I don’t feel it’s right to share the stories I have been honored to hear without permission but, my life is forever changed. I am changed by the guests and their testimonies but I am also changed by the love, care and grace shown by the many volunteers who make it possible for the guests to have a week that they wouldn’t have otherwise. To see the smiles on their faces, hear the laughter, listen to them talk about their love for getaway…well there is just nothing like it. And this goes for the volunteers, too :)
I believe that we should always see Jesus in the eyes, words and actions of every person who says they follow Him, but I KNOW I have seen Him in countless ways this week.
p.s. Before I could get this posted the STL Blues pulled out an overtime win in game 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoff series against the Boston Bruins. GLORIA! T
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