Buddies offer Hands, Hearts and Hope

To a "Special" Community at Grace

The famous artist George Seurat once said, “White.  A blank page or canvas.  So many possibilities… ”We live in a world saturated with an endless array of distractions and possible ways to spend our time.  Despite this, there are some who choose to live sacrificially and devote their time to serving others.  One group of people like this in the Grace Community serves in the Special Needs Ministry.  Weekly, these “Buddies” care for our children and young adults, nurture their souls, and give parents rest as well as renewed hope.  They encourage individuals as well as their parents, and live out the verse, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40-NIV)

The Special Needs Ministry began about seven years ago when Krista Sherwood, mother of nine-year-old Grant, who has cerebral palsy,  desired for Grant to move into a Sunday School class with his peers rather than staying in the nursery.  He and other individuals with special needs needed some extra help on Sunday mornings.   So, she began pairing a teen or adult Buddy to help them experience Sunday school, worship and church activities while meeting their needs exactly where they were.  The ministry has evolved over the years and its impact on families at Grace is invaluable.    “Steve and I feel supported and loved by Grant’s Buddies and Sunday School Teachers.  Their service to Grant, the time they spend with him on Sundays, and how they include him in all activities is a rich blessing to us.  These volunteers share the love of Christ every Sunday right here on our campus at Grace,” Sherwood said.

The blessing isn’t one-sided, either.  Many Buddies and teachers claim that they are the ones who have been blessed.  For the last five years, Pat Gunthorp has served as a Buddy for Grant as well as Jake, a nine-year-old boy with autism. “Watching their faces light up when the music begins for worship time during Kingdom Kids brings such joy to my heart!  Jake knows all the words by heart!  Grant raises his hands in praise and says “Amen” after each song!  If only every one of us could praise and honor God with such enthusiasm!” Gunthorp said.

She also added, “Being a Buddy is easy.  All you need is a compassionate heart and a willingness to share your love of Jesus.  There’s even a team of professionals to help you out at the beginning or to consult with along the way!”

Rachel Perez, mother to five-year-old JJ, desires for people to see JJ as God’s son who was created perfectly in His eyes.  She longs for everyone to love him the way he is and learn more about him so he can thrive.  “This is exactly what a Buddy has done for JJ at Grace.  He has been blessed with three Buddies who have worked to get to know him and help him grow to know God!” Perez said.

One of the rewards for volunteers serving in this ministry is the knowledge that they are not just serving an individual, but the entire family.  “There are few times I can walk in anywhere and know that JJ can be himself and I don’t have to excuse his behaviors or oddness.   Our Buddies have allowed us to come to church, know that JJ is loved and cared for, and we can go worship Christ without worry of what might be happening.  The way this has helped our family grow is remarkable and Grace has played a key role in that, “ Perez noted.

Another Buddy, Laura Pedersen, said that sharing Christ’s compassion has positively impacted her as well.  “I look forward to my time with Jake!  He reminds me of the ‘child-like’ faith that Christ wants us to have.  He has also taught me the true meaning of worship!  He sings to the Lord all the time and this teaches me that having a joyful heart is like medicine for the soul.  He knows the Bible and he constantly amazes me at how well he answers questions regarding God’s word!  When I have had a hard week at work, Jake reminds me of what is important and refocuses me back to my Lord and Savior,” Pedersen said.

Thankfully, we are part of a community at Grace that embraces children and adults made perfectly in God’s image who may look or act differently than others.  Thankfully, our Buddies envision the endless possibilities for these individuals by acknowledging that they are each God’s masterpiece.   In the words of a grateful parent, Krista Sherwood,   “It is so sweet for us to be at church with Grant and people stop us to take Grant’s hand, look him in the eyes, and tell him “hi.”  We are thankful to be able to come to church with Grant so he can also learn the Word of God with his peers.  It takes so many volunteers to run our church on Sundays—thank you for serving!”  

Want more information?

• Click here to learn more about serving in the special needs ministry.
• Click here to see how Grace is making accommodations for special needs.

Written by Danielle McCormick