In January 2004 a subcommittee of the Senior Ministry Committee of Holy Cross Ev. Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin, contacted Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM), a ministry of The Lutheran Home Association in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, to discuss starting a special needs Bible class. The committee along with Pastor Mark Bartels met with JCM Program Coordinator Bill Truebenbach. Nine months later after phone calls, meetings, emails, training, readying materials, and publicity, a dedicated staff of volunteers from Holy Cross was ready to share the Gospel with people who have developmental disabilities. They were ready to put their love into action. Through JCM’s assistance these volunteers were ready to meet their responsibility to share the great commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

On October 2, 2004 the first JCM Bible class in the Madison area was held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. That morning eleven volunteers, Pastor Bartels, a student’s mother, a student’s caregiver, and four new students came. Before class, each student had his picture taken. The Bible story teacher told them that Jesus loves all people and he demonstrated Jesus’ love for all on the felt picture-board. Students were asked to put their pictures on the board next to Jesus because Jesus loves them, too. Later during craft-time, the students glued their picture to a heart with a picture of Jesus. The heart had a place for them to write their names along with the words “Jesus loves Me.” The students put their love for Jesus into action by joyfully singing "Jesus Loves Me."

Let’s look at the students who came that morning. Three were not members. John came via taxi in suit and tie, with his Bible in hand. Linda came with a caregiver who explained that Linda usually does not come to something like this, let alone talk. That day Linda talked throughout the class, and the caregiver and Linda shared hugs and a tear. (Two weeks later Linda brought a friend along.) Kathleen was joined by her mother; both are Holy Cross members. With a tear Mom watched Kathleen cut out the heart for her project, for mom did not think Kathleen could cut that well.

"Then there was Christie whose caregiver transported and helped make sure Christie got to class and was picked up after class. Christie’s body ached and it was hard for her to move. She wore a headset from a walkman radio, but nothing was playing. I think it helped her block out sounds. Christie loved to correctly answer questions about Jesus. She beautifully sang a solo, “Jesus Loves Me.” She also asked if we wanted her to play “Happy Birthday” on the piano to Kathleen, as it was her birthday. This may not seem like much, but Christie also carried a guide stick. Christie is blind! Not only did she play a super rendition of “Happy Birthday”, but she also treated us by playing some of her favorite hymns. Christie could play as well as most of our church organists despite her other cognitive disabilities. The Lord had truly blessed our Bible class. Discussion amongst us led to recognizing how Christie might share more in the next class and possibly play to the members of Holy Cross in the future.

There are other people with developmental disabilities in our communities who need to hear about Jesus’ love for them. They need us to put our love into action. The joy of volunteering for such a program can be fully realized only when one personally witnesses a story like that of Christie. No words can truly express the feeling that those of us in attendance experienced that morning. For as they learn about Jesus they can also teach us about love like that of Jesus—without hesitation, without fear, and letting their faith pour out. Pray that as we explore the possibilities of new special needs Bible classes in other congregations we don't just talk about it but also move into action.

Bill Truebenbach is the Coordinator of the Jesus Cares Ministries Program