And the Children Shall Lead

Children, along with people who are disabled, are regarded far too simple of mind to grasp the deeper meaning of life. As children (non-disabled children, that is) grow into adolescence, they appear to be certain that they have a full grasp of all that is of significance…to the consternation of their parents. People who are disabled are regarded, for life, to be child-like in thought and nature. Few expectations are imposed upon them, and the more resilient in nature will endure the hurts in life and establish their identity and their place in this world. If this seems a rash generalization, consider the credibility given to remarks from individuals in either group.

If you’ve given thought to that matter, consider the guidance provided in a letter written to a Church generations ago, “I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

At first glance, that letter (written to a Church in Ephesus…a rather prideful church, Eph. 3:16-18) might clarify that there are those in this world who are not mature enough nor intellectually/spiritually prepared to comprehend the deeper nature of our relationship with Christ. If that is your deduction, then consider the following story:

A four-year-old girl was at the pediatrician’s office for a check-up. As the doctor looked into her ears with an otoscope, he asked, “Do you think I’ll find Big Bird in there?” Paying the doctor little attention, the little girl did not respond.

Next, the doctor…using a tongue depressor…looked down her throat. He asked, “Do you think I’ll find the Cookie Monster down there?” Appearing to regard the doctor’s remarks as a bit mundane, the little girl remained silent.

Finally, the doctor put a stethoscope to her chest. As he listened to her heart beat, he asked, “Do you think I’ll hear Barney in there?” Quite offended at this point, the little girl responded, “Oh no Mr. Doctor, Jesus is in my heart. Barney’s on my underpants.”

Amusing? Certainly. Impertinent? Not at all. Consider closely the little lady’s response; especially her final response. In her innocence, unencumbered by the constraints and complexities imposed by “intellectualism,” she expresses the absolute certainty regarding that spirit which lives in her heart. AND, most importantly, she is ready to proclaim His presence in her life; straight-forward and without fear. Are you that quick to respond?

Let me call your attention to that passage from Paul’s letter; to his earlier statement, “Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him.” He will make His home in your heart. Hmmm…His home -- your heart; His home is your heart. Is it? Really now…is it? Do you have the certainty of that little lady in the story? Are you prepared in an instant to claim it and proclaim it.

Look at the rest of Paul’s statement, “…as you trust in Him.” Probe a bit deeper into that soul that you desperately protect. Do you trust Him? Do you really? And, once again, do you claim it and proclaim it with the abandonment of that 4-year-old. It does require that, you know; self-abandonment that is.

Let’s look at the words of Jesus, “Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” (Luke 18:16-17) “The simplicity of a child;” where and how do we lose such vision…such trust? Such questions should not belabor out thoughts.

The embodiment of that simple faith is one of things to which I look forward each year, as I head out to one “New Purpose Retreat” (a Christian Camping program for people who are disabled) after another. Years ago, I went with intent to minister to those people; only to leave with the realization that they had ministered to me. Their simple trust…their strength in faith is most remarkable. Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when they come to Christ, they come as a child. They know God in a way that is difficult for we “mature adults” to grasp. At times, I actually find myself envying them.

In November of 2007, my father-in-law died rather suddenly. Early in the time of visitation, before open visitation began, members of the family were gathered around the casket. My 3-year-old (at the time) granddaughter tugged at my pants leg saying, “I want to see him.” After I picked her up, she looked for a few moments and remarked, “That’s my great granddad.” I could only say, “That’s right ‘sunshine,’ and you knew him well.” Later in that long evening, after I had accompanied another group of friends to the casket, I stood alone to gather my thoughts. Abbie, my granddaughter, once again tugged at my pants leg saying, “I want to see him again.” So, once again I picked her up, and she looked rather thoughtfully. This time she put her hand to her face, then looked back at me and said smiling, “He made God happy.” Choking back tears, I could only say, “Yes he did sweetheart.”



And, the children shall lead. Somehow, they know the secret of life. Beyond any sorrows of the past or fears of the future, she was content in the certainty that, because he made her happy…he must have certainly made God happy. Somehow she realizes, “…how wide, how long, how high, and how deep the love of Christ is.”

Unless we accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child…we’ll never understand the freedom…the peace that we can claim through Him. Let me close with the words of that Apostle, from a letter that he wrote to another church; one caught up in pride & arrogance, “Everything that we have, right thinking…right living, a clean slate and a fresh start…it all comes from God, by way of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:30)

Let’s find our contentment in being “one of His kids.” Claim & proclaim it.

Significance...In the World Order

The sun’s rays slant through the blinds, washing her room in a soft, golden glow. The folds of the covers haven’t moved since her caretaker pulled them up around her neck the night before. Although severely paralyzed, Diane is keenly aware of her surroundings in the home where she lives. She can tell that her friend has been awake for a while.

“Are you ready to get up yet?”

“No…not yet,” comes Diane’s weak reply from under the covers.

“I’ll be back in about 20 minutes to see if you’re ready to get up,” her friend tells her as she clicks the door shut.

The story is the same each dawn of each new day at Diane’s apartment. The routine rarely changes. Sunrise stretches into mid-morning by the time Diane is ready to sit up in her wheelchair. But, those long hours in bed are significant.

In her quiet sanctuary, Diane turns her head slightly on her pillow toward the message board on the wall. Her eyes scan each card & list; each photo; every torn piece of paper & sticky-note, carefully pinned to that board. The stillness is broken as Diane begins to murmur. Because, you see, she is praying.

Many would look at Diane…stiff & motionless…and shake their heads. She has to be fed everything, pushed everywhere. The creeping limitations of Multiple Sclerosis encroach further each year. Her fingers are curled & rigid. Her voice is barely a whisper. People look at her and say, “What a shame. Her life has no meaning. She can’t do anything.”

But, Diane is confident. She lives with the certainty that her life is significant; that her labor of prayer counts.

She moves mountains that block the paths of missionaries. She helps open the eyes of the spiritually blind in Southeast Asia. She pushes back the kingdom of darkness that blackens the alleys & streets among the gangs in East L.A.

She aids homeless mothers…single parents…abused & handicapped children…despondent teenagers… and the forgotten old people in the nursing home down the street where she lives.

Diane is a lone prayer warrior, in the battlement of her room on Sycamore Street. She is advancing the Gospel of Christ, holding up weak saints, inspiring doubting believers, energizing other prayer warriors…and delighting her Lord & Savior.

Fearless & determined, this quiet lady is confident of her place in the world. It doesn’t matter that others do not recognize her significance in the grand scheme of things. In fact, she’s much like “Emily” in Our Town, who signs her address: Grovers Corners…New Hampshire…the United States of America…Western Hemisphere…Planet Earth…Solar System…The Universe…The Mind of God.

In the mind of God. That’s about as significant as you can get; whether you sit at a computer, behind the wheel of a bus, at a desk in a classroom, in a chair by your kitchen table…or lie in a bed & pray. Your life is hidden with Christ. You enrich His inheritance. You are His ambassador. In Him, your life has depth, meaning and purpose; no matter what you do.

Someone has said, “The point of life…is to become the person that God can love perfectly; to satisfy His thirst to love. That is why being counts more than doing…the singer more than the song…the soul more than the person we see.

No Idiots Here!!!

“They tell me I’m an idiot!” That’s what one of our campers shared at a New Purpose Retreat in Pennsylvania just a few months ago. He was, initially, frustrated by my response, “So?” But, you need to hear “the rest of the story;” a story about one of “God’s forgotten people.”

Eric is a young man in his 20’s, with Down’s Syndrome, who is mildly to moderately mentally handicapped. He has the characteristic almond-shaped eyes and “thick-tongued speech” of those with Down’s Syndrome; along with an out-going, vibrant, happy personality. He loves games, music, friends and his favorite…a “Game Boy;” the one that he wasn’t permitted to bring to the New Purpose Retreat.

Eric lives at home with his parents. If you ask him about his job, he’ll proudly tell you that he works at a hospital. It’s a part-time job of which Eric is rightfully proud. He is involved in church activities; which is quite apparent when he quotes scripture and talks about what the Bible and his church friends & family mean to him.

On the final evening of the Retreat, Eric was rehearsing for his presentation in the talent show…doing a scene from his favorite movie, “The Wizard of Oz.” Appearing reluctant to do it, two of the men who came to serve at the Retreat, along with myself, encouraged him; being quite impressed with his ability to remember the scene so well.

After the other guys left the area, Eric appeared rather sullen…perhaps sad about something. So, I asked him, “What’s on your mind, Eric? You were happy…even excited a few minutes ago.” He was reluctant to talk, so I insisted that we sit down for a few minutes. After additional encouragement, we had a very interesting discussion…as follows.

Eric began, “Okay, I talk, you listen. You guys tell me I’m smart. But, I know I’m not smart. People tell me I’m stupid…I’m retarded. I’m not smart.” I had to ask the obvious, “Who tells you those things, Eric?” Lots of people do…my friends…lots of people I know tell me that stuff. They tell me I’m a idiot…and that’s not nice.” Avoiding the obvious response, I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “So?” Looking at the floor through his previous expression, Eric looked up at me wide-eyed & incredulous, and asked, “What you mean, ‘so’? They talk mean to me! They tell me I’m stupid…I’m a idiot!” Pressing on, I simply repeated, “So?” Frustrated, Eric stood up pointing his finger at me saying, “You making me mad! They make me sad, calling me stupid idiot. I thought you was friend. But, now you make me mad. You just a mean old man.” As he tried to side-step me to leave, I explained, “Eric, would it surprise you to hear that lots of people tell me the same thing. People have called me a stupid idiot too. They’ve called me ‘retarded,’ and worse.” Stopping in his tracks, he looked up saying, “No way! You not stupid.” I persisted, “Well…there are people out there who would disagree with you…many who have called me those things…stupid, retarded, moron, idiot.” Still rather incredulous, Eric replied, “They just mean; you a smart man.” Seeing the two men who had been encouragers several minutes previous, I called them in on the discussion, asking, “Guys…during your life, has anyone referred to you as stupid…perhaps called you an idiot, or retarded.” Without hesitation both responded, “Yeah…sure. Why?” The three of us looking at Eric, he responded once again, “No way!” Still incredulous, Eric gave each of us a hug saying, “You my best friends.”

Later that evening during campfire devotional time, after Eric had done a stellar performance at the “Talent Show,” I decided to deviate from what I had planned to present. I paused for a moment and simply asked, “Campers…has anyone ever called you such things as ‘stupid’ or ‘retarded;’ perhaps referred to you as an ‘idiot?’” They responded nearly in unison, “Yeah…sure…lots of times.” Then, as something of a surprise, I asked the faculty members…especially the “Camper Buddies,” “Okay…all of you serving as volunteers at this Retreat…the same question…has anyone ever called you such things as ‘stupid’ or ‘retarded;’ perhaps referred to you as an ‘idiot?’” Once again, the reply came back, “Yeah…sure…lots of times…all my life.” Looking around the circle at the campers, all as incredulous as Eric had been…with that, “No way!” expression on their faces; I looked at Eric, who had a big smile on his face at that point. I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “Well…you’re in good company, Eric…and all of you campers. We’re not the brightest people on this planet. And, it just doesn’t matter what other people think of us; nor what they call us…because of one thing we can be certain, ‘God don’t make no junk.’ We don’t have to be identified as a ‘genius’ to love others as Jesus loves us; even those who tell us we’re idiots. Just give ‘em a smile; a genuine smile…one that expresses, ‘I love ‘ya anyway. They may call ‘ya some other name, but I’ll bet they walk away smiling too.”

After the close of the devotion & prayer time, the campers had the biggest smiles & expressions of surprise that I’d seen throughout that Retreat. And, I was surprised as well…since I hadn’t planned that “campfire devo time.” Sometimes you just have to get out of God’s way to follow His lead on such matters.

A Life Changed Forever

From: PowerNotes
A Monthly Column from Power Ministries

February 2007

I’d like to introduce you to a few people with whom we have become acquainted through the outreach of Power Ministries; extraordinary people…but not because of accomplishments or achievements that have drawn huge accolades or media attention. They are people who strive on; some in what would be, most often, described as relative seclusion…known by few more than their families, and a small circle of friends. Each of these people are, in their own unique ways, over-comers. They have claimed their place in this world. They are not gripped with that “fear that separates” (see last month’s article). They are people who are extraordinary because they understand God’s love & grace. Those who have stepped out of their “comfort zone” to acquaint themselves with such people, have come to know people of contentment; souls that keep a smile on their faces…people who care & share, and uplift those who will take the time to share in return…lives transformed forever by the relentless love of Christ.

For this month, let me introduce you to one of so many people that I wish I could have known; a beautiful lady who lived…and died…in Southern California. Diane claimed her inheritance in Christ a few years ago, due to the ravages of Multiple Sclerosis, along with a genetic disorder with which she struggled her entire life. Only a few came to know her personally, but multitudes have been touched by her personal devotion to ministry; to that which God called her. I’ll share her story in the words of one who knew her well.

“The sunlight slants through the blinds, washing her room in a soft, golden glow. The folds of the covers haven’t moved since her caretaker pulled them up around her neck the night before. Although severely paralyzed, Diane is keenly aware of her surroundings in the home where she lives. She can tell that her friend has been awake for a while.

“Are you ready to get up yet?”

“No…not yet,” comes Diane’s weak reply from under the covers.

“I’ll be back in about 20 minutes to see if you’re ready to get up,” her friend tells her as she clicks the door shut.

The story is the same each dawn of each new day at Diane’s apartment. The routine rarely changes. Sunrise stretches into mid-morning by the time Diane is ready to sit up in her wheelchair. But, those long hours in bed are significant.

In her quiet sanctuary, Diane turns her head slightly on her pillow toward the message board on the wall. Her eyes scan each card & list…each photo…every torn piece of paper & sticky-note, carefully pinned to that board. The stillness is broken as Diane begins to murmur; because, you see, she is praying.

Many would look at Diane, stiff & motionless, and shake their heads. She has to be fed everything, pushed everywhere. The creeping limitations of Multiple Sclerosis encroach further each year. Her fingers are curled & rigid. Her voice is barely a whisper. People look at her and say, “What a shame. Her life has no meaning. She can’t do anything.”

But, Diane is confident. She lives with the certainty that her life is significant; that her labor of prayer counts.

She moves mountains that block the paths of missionaries. She helps open the eyes of the spiritually blind in Southeast Asia. She pushes back the kingdom of darkness that blackens the alleys & streets among the gangs in East L.A.

She aids homeless mothers…single parents…abused & handicapped children…despondent teenagers… and the forgotten old people in the nursing home down the street where she lives.

Diane is a lone prayer warrior, in the battlement of her room on Sycamore Street. She is advancing the Gospel of Christ, holding up weak saints, inspiring doubting believers, energizing other prayer warriors…and delighting her Lord & Savior.

Fearless & determined, this quiet lady is confident of her place in the world. It doesn’t matter that others do not recognize her significance in the grand scheme of things. In fact, she’s much like “Emily” in Our Town, who signs her address: Grover’s Corners…New Hampshire…the United States of America…Western Hemisphere…Planet Earth…Solar System…The Universe…The Mind of God.

In the mind of God. That’s about as significant as you can get; whether you sit at a computer, behind the wheel of a bus, at a desk in a classroom, in a chair by your kitchen table…or lie in a bed & pray. Your life is hidden with Christ. You enrich His inheritance. You are His ambassador. In Him, your life has depth, meaning and purpose; no matter what you do.

Someone has said, “The point of life…is to become the person that God can love perfectly; to satisfy His thirst to love. Being counts more than doing…the singer more than the song…the soul more than the person we see.”

“Significance;” significance in the world order…is that which we are all encouraged, indeed pressured, to strive for. In human/cultural terms, that is seldom achieved by those like Diane; certainly not in terms that the world would understand. That is why so many, in their relentless striving, enrich little more than their bank accounts, 401-K’s and the like. The enriching of life is relegated to the next day’s stress & striving.

“Being counts more than doing.” God did not create us to be “do-ers;” certainly not from the perspective portrayed in our culture. As we find our place in “the world order,” each of us finds what has been described as our “comfort zone” in life. Ken Henderson, a notable youth leader, gives us what I would call something on the order of an edict for life in Christ, “We who call ourselves Christians, more than any other people on planet earth, must find our comfort zone in life…then stay out of it!!”

Want to find some people who have accomplished that? Acquaint yourself with someone like Diane… or like Shelley, or Giles, or Derrick, or…like so many in your town…on the street where you live…or maybe in your own family. Do you know any of them…I mean really know them? Have they touched your life; I mean really soul-deep? You’ll have to step out of that proverbial “comfort zone”…to be more vulnerable than you’re ever comfortable in being. No? You’re missing a dimension of life that can’t be equaled anywhere else. We can introduce you to some of those people. Contact us. You just might find a life that’s been changed forever…a life like…well, like your own.

Power Ministries
Helping people with disabilities since 1983
Phone: 812/945-4117
E-Mail: Info@PowerMinistries.Org

What Do You Fear?

“What are you so afraid of?” Has anyone asked that of you lately? If not, let me ask then, just what is it that you’re afraid of. In our 21st Century culture, we’re reminded by everything from bumper stickers to T-shirt graphics that we are to “Fear Nothing!” Much of the intent of those who pursue extreme, or high-risk, sports (or pursuits) are intent on proving that they fear nothing. But I must persist to ask…What is your deepest fear?

Fears can drive people to absurd…even embarrassing action, such as this newspaper story form Florida: Upon returning to her car after shopping, an elderly woman found four males in the act of leaving with her car. Calling upon all that she had learned in “Personal Safety & Protection” training, she dropped her shopping bags, drew her handgun, and proceeded to scream at the top of her voice, Get out of the car! I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car…NOW!!” The four men didn’t wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran as fast as they could, looking back only briefly to see that the old lady was still bearing down on the sights of the gun she was pointing at them.

Somewhat shaken, the lady had difficulty getting her key into the ignition. She tried several times to no avail. She couldn’t understand that any more than she could understand why there was a football, a Frisbee and two “six-packs” on the back seat.

Moments later, she found her car parked a few spaces further down the parking lot. Regaining her composure, she went to the police station to report her mistake. The desk sergeant couldn’t stop laughing as he pointed to the other end of the counter, where four rather pale & sweaty men were reporting a car-jacking by a mad elderly woman, described as white, less than 5-feet in height, glasses, curly white hair, and packing a large handgun. No charges were filed.

Amusing? Sure…but such experiences are fear-driven; many followed by more tragic and terrifying results. If you’ve experienced none of late, you need look no further than a daily newscast to hear of far more alarming events. What drives the fear…the rage…the neuroses & psychoses of this age? And, more importantly, how do those fears impact human relationships?

The wisdom of the Bible sheds a good deal of light on such questions. Look at 1 John 4:16-18:

“…God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the Day of Judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. NIV

Psychologist, Daniel Taylor, elaborates well on that scripture text in his following writing (from: the “Men’s Devotional Bible, 1 John 4:16-18, Zondervan Corp., copyright 1994)

“I am tempted to say that I am not genuinely afraid about anything. But that just isn’t true. My main fear now is “insignificance;” I am afraid, to put it simply, of living a life that doesn’t matter. I am afraid of leaving the world exactly as I found it; no different for my having been here. I am afraid, as the writer Henry Thoreau said, of coming to the end of life and finding that I have not lived.

A lot of people say something like that these days, but they think “having lived” means having a lot of adventures, or a lot of fun, or a lot of money. I don’t think that has much to do with it. Significant living comes from filling your life with things which truly last forever. That’s why the usual things people seek to guarantee importance in their lives…money, fame, power…don’t work very well. They all come to an end, often during the person’s own life, and certainly thereafter.

Then, what are things which last forever? Truth, justice, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and grace are a few. These are all forms of the greatest value of all…love. And, as you know, the source and perfect giver of love is God.

So…if I want my life to count, to be “significant,” then I will try to fill it as much as possible with these attitudes and actions…if you have made someone else’s life better, you have done something eternal. And, that means that a significant life will have lots of people in it, because people are the only part of this world which will last forever.

This world is filled with threats…some imagined…some real, to our safety …to our sense of being okay. The ultimate security, the only true safety, is to be in right relationship with God, who is the Alpha & Omega…the beginning and the end. He was there before the beginning. He has no end. He has seen & suffered all. He knows our fears…and He has set us free.
It is our fear, whether real or imagined, that separates us…from life’s experiences and, more importantly, from vital human interaction. And, it is our life’s experiences…the sum total of the “good” along with the “bad”…the acceptance/rejection of people (and people groups) that influences our choices for interaction; those with whom we will relate on a routine basis.

Exceptions are imposed upon one people group in our culture more than any other; those who are identified as “disabled” (or “handicapped”). Once identified (diagnosed or “labeled”), a person is put into a track in life that imposes varying levels of exclusion; with levels increasing commensurately with level of disability; tragically, even from the Church. That reality is well-expressed by a young lady name Robin, severely disabled by Cerebral Palsy, who (unable to speak) wrote the following…on behalf of the multitudes who are disabled:

I was hungry for fellowship; and you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger.

I was imprisoned in my paralyzed body; and you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar, and prayed for my release.

I was naked and with Down’s syndrome; and in your mind, you debated the acceptability of my appearance.

I was sick with Cerebral Palsy; and you knelt, and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless in a State Institution; and you preached to me the spiritual shelter of God’s love.

I was cognitively disabled, and lonely; and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy...so close to God. But I’m still very hungry...and lonely... and imprisoned.......

As we at Power Ministries approach another season of “New Purpose Retreats,” I must confess that we approach with some degree of anxiety. Many have asked us if we’re feeling the negative impact of the current economic condition. Reports from missions all over the country are replete with fears and concerns for their very survival. That is especially true of missions to people with disabilities. We struggle in the same realm of obscurity as those whom we serve; those like Robin, who died in obscurity…with few realizing the brilliant mind imprisoned in a tragically disabled body. Those are the people for whom I am most concerned. And, there lies my deepest concern and fear; that too many people…those with disabilities and those who come to serve them…will not have the opportunity to come, and to share and grow in the New Purpose Retreats.

Being the risk-taker that I am, we raised our camper fees by just $5.00; fees already lower than any for this type of camping program. Thus, we appeal to those like you, many who have already partnered with us for support, to contribute to our “Campership Fund;” a fund providing the assurance that they will be able to come…to our partner camps from Northern Indiana to Central Florida.

Please do not overlook those who have become “God’s forgotten people.” Let them no longer be “lonely & imprisoned.” He knows their fears…and yours. And, through opening your heart to all those whom He loves, He sets you free, and He empowers you to set them free.

An Introduction...from Roy

This is a starting point; my first post to the Power Ministries Blog…to any “blog” for that matter. In the coming months, I’ll introduce you to people who are disabled…to issues that are critical to people with disabilities their families, to Churches providing an outreach to those people…and Churches venturing into that outreach, to advances in disabilities services, and stories about disabled people who have overcome tremendous adversity.

As an introduction for those with the question in mind, “What is Power Ministries?” or for those who might have the more specific question in mind, “Who is this guy?” Well, let me first give a brief introduction to the mission & ministry. “Power Ministries” is a number of things (dependent upon the way one would look at it); a “Faith-Based Non-Profit Organization” (chartered as a government-sanctioned 501(C)3 not-for-profit organization in 1983)…an “Independent Christian Mission”…a “Disability Ministry.” The latter is the identification that I most use to introduce Power Ministries. Our mission statement attempts to clarify what we do in a few words, “Helping people with disabilities find new purpose in life through Gods People.” Power Ministries is an outreach to people…fulfilling Christ’s “Great Commission”…you know, the one that starts out, “Go then, to all peoples everywhere…” (GNT). If you’re reading this publication, you’ve surely read or heard that biblical reference from the Gospel of Matthew. And so it is that we will continue to go…wherever God leads. And, our purpose will be to innovate and implement programs that meet the spiritual needs of people with disabilities, and their families. And further, providing educational experiences, we will train Christian Workers to meet those needs in the future.

The staff of Power Ministries is, and will remain quite small. As the (Executive) Director of the Ministry, I am the only full-time paid staff member. At the “Power House” (our headquarters), there is one other essential part-time staff member, my wife (and partner in ministry) Nancy, the Ministry Coordinator. Our Director of Resource Development, Ann Tolbert, works as a part-time staff member as well, developing curricular, promotional, and informational materials, maintaining our website and providing consultation on disability-related issues. One other full-time position, the Director of Outreach Programs, is currently vacant. That staff member provides direction & oversight of the various direct outreach programs of the ministry; the “New Purpose Retreats” program (Christian Camping), HIS Time (a local, but expanding monthly program), and the College Intern program. We hope/pray that we will be able to have that Director on board soon…very soon. As the Director of the ministry for nearly fourteen years, my training was in Psychology, Sociology & Education, with most of my service in the field of disabilities; first as a teacher in Special Education (In Jefferson County KY schools), then as an administrator in a treatment center for children with severe disabilities. I left that career to pursue full-time ministry in 1996.

To learn more about the worldwide outreach of Power Ministries, take a look at our website, www.PowerMinistries.Org. If you’d like to request specific information, you can do that by contacting us through e-mail at, Info@PowerMinistries.Org.

Why “Power” Ministries you might ask. Does that sound like a peculiar identification for a ministry whose focus is on people who are handicapped? I could cite the origination of that name by the founder of the ministry. But, I’d rather share an observation by a minister and long-time friend of Power Ministries. Here is a writing that he shared with me several years ago: Some might find “Power Ministries” an ironic name for a ministry that serves those who are handicapped; some virtually powerless when measured from the perspective of our power-loving culture.

Our culture exalts physical power, political power, financial power. We admire the power of a man over a woman (and vice versa), we search for the power over illnesses, work for the power over nature, and dream of the power someday over death itself. We drive power cars pumping out power music while gulping down the remainder of our power drinks after our power lunches. Weakness we scorn. Yet weakness is also very powerful. If you’ve ever worked with someone who is “handicapped”, you know how strong an attraction they can be to us. Their weakness, their vulnerability, allows us to open our hearts because they do not threaten us. We can lower our defenses, receive their gentle, accepting love and return it knowing it will be received without judgment.

Add to this the presence of Christ and you have a combination of love and weakness that can be the most powerful thing in the world. In a truly spiritual community it is not power, but weakness that allows for and deepens relationships. The folks served by Power Ministries remind us of that. They teach us dependence on Christ that leads to the strength to shed the world’s shallow, grasping, temporary, and decaying veneer of power to go deeper into Christ, into each other. One of the most well-known (most powerful?) apostles exalted in his weakness, not in his strength: “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak…then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 2:9-10) What better endorsement of weakness for the sake of true power can there be? True power…power to lose self for the sake of others; power to even lose the need to know that we are losing ourselves. Power to overcome evil with love. Power to overcome death with faith. Power to let go of what keeps us from being powerful for Christ’s sake. Oh Lord, let us be weak, so that we can be strong!

Thanks, once again, to my friend who gets to the core and purpose of what Power Ministries aspires to be.

In my next post, I’ll approach the topic, “That Which Separates,” looking at the deepest need of people with disabilities…and of those of us who are non-disabled as well.

Networking...

Power Ministries is showing up all over the place now! Technology is such a great way to keep in touch with all of you, as well as link us up with new people that we can minister to. So, when you are networking on your social networks, look us up!

We are on:
Myspace: search for Power Ministries
Facebook: we have a group and a cause page
Twitter: PowerMin09

What's Going On?

If you are familiar with Power Ministries, then you know that New Purpose Retreat season is FAST approaching!!! If you are not familiar, our New Purpose Retreats are a unique camping opportunity for children and adults with Special Needs. We have designed a program that we take on the road to camps in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Kentucky. The retreat program consists of devotions, praise and worship, crafts, recreational activities and campfire. We've tried to design our camping experiences similar to that of a 'typical' church camping opportunity, but on a smaller, less strenuous scale. Each camper is paired with a faculty person, a "Buddy" that befriends them while they are there, and that attends to any special needs they might need assistance with.

We always hear that the campers walk away from the retreats blessed and excited. However, we hear tales from the faculty on how their lives are just as deeply impacted, sometimes more! If you would like to attend or work at one of these New Purpose Retreat sessions, check the dates at the side of our blog entries. If one of the dates lines up with your schedule, be sure and contact our home office for details on how to attend and we will send you a registration packet!

Power Ministries Headquarters:
PO Box 6706
New Albany, IN
47151
812-945-4117

Welcome to Our Blog!

We are moving up in the world of technology! We are blogging now! Our hope it to communicate in a more detailed manner here the goings on at Power Ministries. The goal is to not only share about events, camps, etc., but to share other things on our hearts as well...how God is working in us, in the ministry, in the participants. We may invite guest writers from time to time to share their thoughts and feelings. The sky is the limit! Please check back with us often, and by all means, leave your comments. For detailed information about Power Ministries view our website: www.powerministries.org If you have some thoughts you'd like to share about your experiences, present and past, and if you have pictures from any Power Ministries' events, email us at amtolbert@powerministries.org

Again, welcome and have a blessed day!!!