A Unique Mission: Equipping People with Disabilities to Disciple Others
Tucked away in the small town of Union Grove, Wisconsin, an idyllic suburb of Racine, lies the campus of Shepherds College. Like other evangelical institutions of higher learning, Shepherds seeks to instill the values of the kingdom in its student body, to grow mature disciples who will impact this world for Christ upon graduation. But Shepherds College is unique in its mission: to educate and equip students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live out their God-given purpose in life.
Meet Brett
Ten years ago, Brett graduated Shepherds College with a certificate of completion in culinary arts. He loves to cook, but more than that, he loves people. Today, Brett works at Wal-Mart, perhaps a place most of us wouldn’t think of when we think about impacting the world for Christ. But Brett is a bright light in the big-box retail store. He’s an encourager and a helper, someone who speaks the truth of God’s Word to those in need, and he’s been awarded for his service numerous times during his tenure at the store.
Last month, Brett set aside his dark blue uniform vest and traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a group from Shepherds College and Joni and Friends. Though Brett has physical and intellectual disabilities, he wasn’t there to be ministered to; he was there to serve others—to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Meet Caio
Caio is just five years old. He has cerebral palsy, a vision deficit, and at times, epileptic seizures. Two years ago, Caio received a wheelchair through a Wheels for the World™ distribution in the area. But this time around, he and his mother, Claudia, were taking part in an International Family Retreat.
“Bem Vindos! Deus Ama Vocé!”—Portuguese for “Welcome! God Loves You!”—the sign in Brett’s hands read.
Though you probably wouldn’t have been able to tell by looking, Brett was nervous. But, as he does in most new situations, Brett allowed his love for Jesus and his love for other people to direct his steps. Claudia brought Caio over, and in an instant Brett’s fears subsided as he became Caio’s buddy for the next few days.
Friendships “take off” at Family Retreat!
While Claudia got some much-needed respite, Brett made sure that Caio was well cared for. The two went everywhere together. They played games together, ate together, strolled the grounds together, and at one point, even made superhero masks—a fitting craft as Brett was fast becoming a hero to young Caio.
It might have been during the dance party, as Brett helped Caio “fly” like Superman. Or maybe it was during their time on the trampoline, as Caio and Brett laughed together in the silliness of it all. Or it could have been during worship when the two, so often overlooked by this world, sat in the presence of the King and made a joyful noise.
Perhaps only Claudia knows the precise moment, but as she watched her son spend time with his new American friend, she found hope—hope that Caio, even with his disabilities, can have a life of joy and service to others, just like Brett. Rather than always being the one in need of special help, with the Lord leading him, Caio will discover his independence and become the hands and feet of Jesus for someone else.
God Exceeds our Expectations
As the Family Retreat was drawing to a close, Tracy Terrill, the president of Shepherds College, pulled a member of the Joni and Friends team aside. He hadn’t been a part of the Wheels for the World distribution experience that some others from the Shepherds community had a couple of years earlier. But he had heard the reports, and in his mind, the bar was set fairly high.
Even so, he smiled and said, “This trip has far exceeded my expectations.”
Tracy
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20–21
When it comes to exceeded expectations like Tracy’s, we know who deserves the credit—and it’s not Joni and Friends… and it’s not Shepherds College. It’s not even young men like Brett or special kids like Caio. It’s the Spirit of the living God at work.
When we place ordinary things like arts and crafts, games, and food in the hands of Jesus, he multiplies them into life-changing moments—not just for the people being served but for everyone who dares to step up and into relationship.
Written By—Kimi Archer
Learn More About Our Internship Program
We’re equipping students to become leaders in disability ministry to transform lives through the Gospel, impact their churches and communities for Christ, and advocate for justice, freedom, and equality for people impacted by disability.
