"Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be."
I read these words in a daily devotional a friend sends out and they really struck me. I have never been a tree climber. I don't have a fear of heights or anything like that (I LOVE roller coasters)..it just never felt comfortable. Comfortable. It's a word I've been thinking about a lot lately.
I've also never felt particularly comfortable around people with special needs. Yet, there I was, in a pool of 3 feet deep water, hanging out with a bunch of kids who could not communicate (at least with their mouth). At first, I'll admit, it was really weird. Some of the kids were even wheel-chair bound and prone to seizures - but I could still see how they enjoyed the water as they floated in their vests. By the end of the three hours, I had made a bunch of new friends!
As many of you know, over the past year, the challenges that face families dealing with children with special needs (especially in the ministry environment) has become dear to me. I may not have any children with these challenges, but God has put many of them in my path through out my ministry work. I have listened to many stories of families that struggle with these challenges and felt called to pursue a more dedicated effort to learn more about what can be done. One of the opportunities I found is a special weekend camp...and, it takes place at the same great camp site Kim went to this summer!
This October, I am joining fellow church members as we host a weekend in Middleburg, VA for a group of 10 children children between the ages of 9-13. These are children who have specific intellectual disabilities and our group will spend 3 days being their buddy. By doing so, we grant their parents a weekend of respite.
Oxygen Three is the coordinator of this program, and is an outreach of Jill's House. You can read more about the program here: Oxygen 3. I have never been more impressed with an organization. We have been supported and encouraged by words and prayer through every step in this process. I have recently begun volunteering at Jill's House and love how organized they are. They make sure to use the talents of the folks who serve them and it is truly a pleasure to walk in those doors.
Maybe you do not feel you are called to work with these children - it is, admittedly, not a fit for everyone's gifts. Really, I never thought it would be for me either. But if you can't help these kids in person, would you go out on a limb and help others to help them by sponsoring our team? Just click on the link below. We are truly grateful for any support you can contribute to our effort.
