Have you ever met people with disabilities? These may be people who have to use wheelchairs, who are constantly glued to their beds or people infected with the mind. I have had to meet such people in the street, or hear about them. But this year I had my first experience when, as a dense, I worked not only with orphans, and disabled children and their parents. When the pastor invited me to spend Christmas event for children with disabilities, I hesitated, because our profile – it’s orphans. After much thought and prayers, I still decided to try and take part in this ministry.
In our church turned-governmental organization that helps children with disabilities. They asked us to conduct a program with the distribution of gifts for these children. Our church gladly agreed to take part in this, because after this action we had the opportunity to introduce these children to God and to support their parents.
And now, I’m standing with the questions in my head how to act, what to do? Because I know how to organize a program for orphans and have no idea how to organize service for children with disabilities. Occasionally I caught myself thinking that somewhere in my heart, I myself tried, as it pulled away from the pain of others, to pay more attention to their own experiences. As a child, when I was traveling in vehicles and stare at people with disabilities, every time I was pulled up and told that it is not cultural, it is not good stare at the sick person. But now I think of it, and I understand that what Jesus did often seemed to people not cultured, not right and not normal. But Jesus clearly knew the purpose of His coming to this world and was always in pain for these people, especially in the pain of their souls. Through these reflections God revealed to me that to arrange service for children with disabilities, I have to root for their souls, and to share with them their suffering. Without pain for their souls it will be just a dry night!
I had to meet with many people who are involved in a similar ministry in order to learn from them a little bit of experience. In addition, the Lord sent the people who supported me and who was worried with me about this service.
Come January 5th. Most recently, the world was celebrating Christmas, New Year, and now our church could be closer to parents and children with disabilities. We talked about God’s love for the people of the world and hope, and that the new bodies awaiting us in heaven. Like to see these kids and their parents, at least one step closer to God. Hence the name of our campaign, “One Step Closer.” Parents began bring their children. They are different, everyone has their own pain, but in the eyes is joy and gratitude that they are not forgotten! “My name is Natasha!” – at the entrance told me a girl. I felt so much warmth in her voice. But the heart just throbbed with pain. I realized that we Christians need to learn to rejoice and give warmth as these children, despite the difficulties in life. We, as a church, must belong to the world and to meet the needs of neighbors. Help those who need us. Especially those who are lifetime sitting in the apartment and not much can not walk.
The program began, we lit candles, an angel appeared on the scene and told the shepherds the good news. The children of the Sunday school were involved production. Children and their parents through the simplicity of this statement laid the foundation of faith. Staging ended the song “Silent Night.” Then the pastor said parting words, and prayed a prayer of blessing for them. A total of 25 families had a meeting with the children with disabilities. But there are about 78 of such families.
The following day the church was divided into small groups, and everyone to participate in this ministry, headed home to children who are completely immobile. Each group of people telling disabled children about Christmas Savior. Then the children were given gifts, and their parents more calendars and the Bible.
Friends, I thank all those who prayed for our ministry! Those involved in spreading the good news in Belarus! Through your prayers, not indifferent hearts, we were able to cover 78 families. Now church members Minsk Church “Light of Truth” are these people and their kids.
Да, это очень нужное и важное служение! Ивалиды и их радные, нареду с сиротами больше всех нуждаются в утешении. И самое лучшее утешение это Добрая Весть Спасения и Надежды в Иисусе Христе! Библия призывает нас “плачьте с плачущими” (К Римлянам 12:15)
Да благословит вас Господь за ваш труд в этом тяжелом служении!