The Blessings that come from Serving

        One of the most important aspects regarding people who have any form of a disability is that they are a person first. They, just like any one of us have been created in the image of God and are of no less value than any one else. Unfortunately, so many elements within our society is causing an inequality for people who are affected with a disability. But for us as Christians, and us as a Church, we are not to fall into or even step remotely into this arena of inequality. We are to see all people as being valued by God, created by God, and specifically made for a purpose. And when we look at the Bible and what Jesus had to say about how we are to treat people with disabilities, I was reminded of Luke 14:12-14 where Jesus said the following, "when you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers, or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blinds, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous".

        Wow!!! Jesus really knows how to hit at the heart of what matters. It is so easy for any of us to be drawn towards only doing for or hanging out with those that we are most comfortable and know how to communicate with. But taking the time to get to know and hang out with those who may not have much, as the world defines much, and hang out and get to know them, the blessings are endless. They more often times than not give more than what I could have ever imagined, and I would even go so far as to say that most people who volunteer or have volunteered within the disability ministry at Crossroads feel the same way.

        In fact, just yesterday, I and a key volunteer, Sharon Bautista, were able to spend time with the autistic boy that we were with the previous week. Only this time we were able to have him in the plex. The beauty of this time however, was that four people from Generate, who are also volunteering on the concierge team came and volunteered as well. Therefore, we had 3 girls in the classroom assisting within our 2 classes, and the one male, assisting Sharon and I in the plex with the autistic boy. What a blessing, to not only be able to give unselfishly of ourselves, but to have a few new people come in and not only give of their time as well, but to fall in love with it so much, that they all said that they would be back next week to help again. That is the kind of blessings that many of us have received within the disability ministry. Where we receive so much more than what we are able to give, and can't help but have desire to come back and serve again!!