Subject: Open to Change: Paving the Way for Accommodation

The Gospels of Mark and Luke tell the story of a man unable to walk. Four men helped to accommodate him in getting close to Jesus.


Unable to find an accessible path through the crowd, they dug an opening in the roof and lowered the man to where Jesus stood. Imagine the homeowner, he must've been quite accommodating to allow for the crowd gathering to see Jesus as well as those digging a hole in his roof!

John has been a part of the STM Greater Milwaukee Chapter gathering since it began six years ago. John has Cerebral Palsy and complete vision loss. While he gave his heart to the Lord long ago and regularly attends church in Oak Creek, he hasn't been baptized - as that area of the church is not accessible.


This changed recently, when two Pastors from Discover church and the adult day facility where John attends, which has an accessible pool, were all willing to accommodate. Nilda Rivera, STM MA and Chapter President, was finally able to witness John's baptism. We would like to congratulate John and are thankful to all those who made this possible through accommodation.

This is just one example where people with disabilities today still experience obstacles in "getting closer to Jesus". Finding ways to accommodate, providing faith-based support to the disability community, has been the Vision and focus of Special Touch Ministry for over 40 years.


Making accommodations for the members of our faith community begins with a willingness... being open to change. It continues with an action - making adjustments to meet the needs of others. Many times this involves flexibility and compromise.


Little accommodations can make a big difference in the lives of others. In the bible story, it led to the man being able to walk. In John's case, the accommodation of even those outside the Church, enabled him to step forward in his faith journey and testimony.


Anyone can accommodate people with disabilities, providing accessibility in reaching Jesus. Special Touch Ministry is here to help.