Years ago, while attending a church in Albuquerque, New Mexico I met Scott. He was participating as a greeter at the morning worship service. Having cerebral palsy, being confined to a wheel chair, and unable to talk, this young gentleman may have seemed like an unlikely candidate for such a ministry. However, our insightful pastor quickly recognized that Scott’s eagerness to serve and outgoing personality were just the qualities needed for the first person someone would meet on his way into church. Using a specialized board for communication, this new greeter willingly answered questions and gave direction to all inquirers.
We became friends after Scott saw that I was driving a pick up truck. (He was always on the lookout for someone that could take him to and from church.) When I first agreed to take him home, I had no idea that it would be the start of a friendship in which I would be the beneficiary of Scott’s ministry. Week after week, I began giving Scott rides on Sunday morning. Then I gave him rides for mid-week Bible study. After a while, we started having lunch on a regular basis on Sundays. Throughout all of this, I imagined that I was serving Scott in a one-way relationship.
Looking back, I realize that God was teaching me many things through this young man. I was learning patience, the reality of being able to laugh though experiencing great difficulties, and other spiritual insights that I wouldn’t have understood apart from our growing friendship.
However, it was during this time that I had returned from the mission field and was in need of work. Even though I had experience in the field of Information Technology, I was unable to find employment.
It was then that Scott suggested that I apply at the facility where he lived. Not having any experience in that field, I resisted for quite some time. Still unable to find work, I sent in my resume because of the insistence of my stubborn friend. After a little while I was contacted by the manager who was impressed by Scott’s reference. In fact, I was given the job, without any experience, solely on the basis of Scott’s word.
This young man, who could have easily been looked upon as someone that was unable to help others, had become a friend who proved himself qualified to minister to the needs of those around him. He demonstrated the biblical mandate to look out for the needs of one another. Even though he was disabled, he persistently looked for ways to serve Christ and the church, and he willingly stepped out of his comfort zone to befriend others. Scott taught me that people with disabilities are as capable as anyone else of entering into the lives of those around them. And if those without disabilities would step out of their comfort zones, they might find that God will minister to them through those that others might deem unqualified.
I am writing this article to encourage our church to be open to ministering to those with disabilities. Knowing that the Holy Spirit has also gifted them, we mutually experience the power of God who qualifies all Christians that He calls to ministry.
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