Skip to Site Navigation | Skip to Content

the prom

There is such energy and excitement in this place as we all get ready for the special needs prom! I am blown away by the decorations and creative effort that has gone into making this a special night for some special people. The guests start to arrive!

AMAZING! They must feel like movie stars as they walk up the thick red carpet! The lights, the elegant decorations, the special touches all work their magic to make this an unforgettable night. The look of joy and excitement on each guests face is reward enough for all the volunteers who have worked hard to make this happen.

The highlight for me comes when I catch sight of Ginny, a girl who was in our youth group about 15 years. Will she even remember me? I go to her to find out. Ginny was never comfortable hugging back then, but as a look of recognition comes over her face she throws herself into my arms, and won't let go for some time. Emotion wells up within me, and it's hard to hold back tears.

Father, You must be so pleased by what is happening here. Your special children who are often overlooked are being loved extravegantly. And people like me, who are often focused on selfish pursuits, are giving. Actually, we are probably receiving much more than we are giving tonight. I doubt there has ever been a gathering of people in this church building where your presence has been felt more powerfully than right now.

5 comments (Add your own)

1. Sara wrote:
Beautiful.

Mon, October 5, 2009 @ 8:48 PM

2. Romy wrote:
It was such a special event... Like you said, we are the ones being blessed more than we could of imagine! Your story is awesome!! I seen so much incredible things that night. God was truely present!

Tue, October 6, 2009 @ 6:34 PM

3. Katie Beth wrote:
Wow!!! I really wish I could have been there!! I'll go next time-there's no doubt about it. :)

Wed, October 7, 2009 @ 10:16 PM

4. anonymous wrote:
Boy, I agree, Chris. That was one of the most precious opportunities I have ever had to serve others. How blessed we are at First Church. I'm thankful for my church family.

Fri, October 9, 2009 @ 11:14 PM

5. Dew wrote:
Last night we had an interesting experience with a special needs person. We had a tail gate party before the homecoming football game. We invited some family and friends, about 30 people. We were all gathered together getting food, laughing and sharing when we suddenly noticed a stranger among us. Actually, I recognized him as an employee of D&W. I can't help but feel ashamed from my awkward feelings at his presence among us. He hadn't been invited. What was he doing at our special gathering? I reached out my hand to introduce myself and ask his name, being sure to use my hand sanitizer afterward! Richard is his name. I also can't help but feel that he represented the very presence of Jesus among us.

This morning, I thought of the passage in Matthew 25:31-46 that speaks of the final judgement. The last part reads: I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!

Richard stayed with us and ate our food. He was a welcomed guest, but I wish that I had treated him as our guest of honor, introducing him to everyone as if he was a special friend!

I am challenged by Matthew 25, by Richard and by what did at your church to honor special needs people. Way to go!!!!!

Sat, October 17, 2009 @ 9:07 PM

Add a New Comment

Enter the code you see below:
code
 

Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.