Bethesda Lutheran Communities
Volume 107, Issue 1 | Fall 2016
The
Future
is Here
ON THE COVER Bethesda College graduates Claire Chalupka, Rach Hoffman and Alec Shafer. Please see story on page 10.
MIKE THIRTLE PRESIDENT & CEO
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” — Romans 12:4-5 NIV Over the past few years, Bethesda has undergone many exciting changes. I am so proud to share with you today the positive impact those changes have had on what we do and how we continue to live out our mission. Today’s Bethesda continues to build on the foundation of our mission: to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Make no mistake about it; Bethesda is headed in a new direction and I am a proud champion of that effort. Team Bethesda has made a strong commitment to openly communicate with you in an honest and transparent manner. For this reason, we have reintroduced Messenger. Whether you are new to Bethesda or have been one of our kind and generous supporters for many years, we hope you will find the news, stories and information in this magazine inspiring.
Your support is what allows us to do all the great things you’ll learn about on the pages of this magazine. We are proud and honored to share it with you, and promise to use this magazine to keep us connected, working and aligned together. We can’t do it without you. Our passion is to help people with developmental disabilities live the lives they want. It has been for 112 years. You can also help people with developmental disabilities live the best lives possible. Whether you donate, volunteer, or help someone with a disability attend the church of their choosing, every thing you do makes a difference. As you read through this magazine, I hope you find something inspirational that you want to be part of. When you do, reach out. We can’t wait to hear from you. Blessings,
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3
From Heartache to Hope
5
Bethesda Weathers Tough Rainy Season in Texas
8
Life Stories
10 Where are Bethesda College Graduates Now? 12 News & Notes 14 Meet Bethesda’s New VP of Religious Life 15 Team Bethesda Q & A: Philemon Ngare
Published since 1909, Messenger shares stories and information about Bethesda Lutheran Communities and its mission to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ. Produced by Bethesda Lutheran Communities. Contributors: Sara Newquist, Jamie Kinworthy, Craig McCarthy, Sean O’Connell, Marisa LaBello and Sarah Bystrom. Design and Production: Terri Breese and Kristin Schneider. ©2016 Bethesda Lutheran Communities. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint articles, request a free subscription, or to share ideas, comments and concerns, call 800-369-4636, email Marketing@mailblc.org, or write to Messenger, C/O Bethesda, 600 Hoffmann Dr., Watertown, WI 53094. Join the conversation Bethesda Lutheran Communities
Mike Thirtle
@BethesdaLC youtube.com/BethesdaVideos
Compassion empowers
From Heartache to Hope In the midst of tragedy, Arland and Betty Pauli celebrated the life of their three-year-old son by supporting Bethesda.
Fifteen years ago, September 11 became a day sealed into the hearts of the American public, but for almost forty years prior, Arland and Betty Pauli had personally carried the weight of this date.
“In all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
—Romans 8:28 NIV
On September 11, 1962, the Pauli family’s world came crashing to a halt. Their third child, Greg, a healthy, inquisitive boy, only a few months away from his third birthday, died in a tragic accident next to the Pauli family home. Outside playing in the fresh air, Greg had wandered next door and discovered a piece of farming equipment. The machine was set on unstable ground, and when Greg attempted to climb the device, it tipped over, crushing him instantly. Betty will never forget the moment when she walked outside to look for Greg and saw their dog sitting by the neighbor’s house looking intently at something on the ground. What happened next is still vivid in Betty’s
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memory. She discovered Greg pinned to the earth by the machine and, with a strength she still cannot comprehend, she lifted the equipment off Greg. At that point, she knew he was gone.
Immense grief came over the Pauli family. Betty put the blame for Greg’s accident on herself. She had been in the kitchen on the phone when Greg went outside. She remembers Greg attempting to get her attention and gently letting him know she was speaking with someone and was almost finished. She affectionately touched Greg on the nose and then he walked outside to play. She thought he’d be only out of mind for a minute. She endured reliving the nightmare with every explanation, every investigation, every retelling of what had happened.
Betty’s relationship with God had been strong before Greg died, but her faith was shaken as she tried to find meaning in Greg’s untimely death. The Pauli family was not alone through their grief. They received comfort and compassion from many people. Pastoral support flooded in from their Lutheran church. She began to pray daily and soon came across the words of St. Paul: “In all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28 NIV). Betty clung to those words, letting them tumble through her mind. She wondered, how can the loss of a child work for good? How is such a tragedy turned into a benefit for those who love God? Over time, the Paulis began to celebrate Greg’s life rather than linger in the pain of his tragic accident. They decided to take their loss and channel it into something to help others. They decided to give an annual gift to Bethesda.
Arland and Betty had heard about Bethesda at their local church. Bethesda’s mission to “enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ” stuck with them. They learned that Bethesda helps thousands of people and embraces those lives with Christian compassion and respect.
“It was Bethesda that stirred us, we didn’t stir Bethesda,” Betty said. “We were very thankful that Greg was healthy, both mentally and physically. That’s why we started giving to Bethesda.” The Pauli’s gifts to Bethesda in memory of Greg have continued annually for over 40 years.
“Bethesda just fits with our values,” Arland said. “Bethesda loves and supports the whole person.”
Arland and Betty believe in Bethesda and have included the organization in their estate planning and will. They pray that their legacy to the organization can help Bethesda continue its good work.
Although they suffered a tragic loss, the Paulis managed to turn their heartache into hope. They have lived their lives in service to the Lord and their church. Their 40 years of giving to Bethesda is a beautiful way of keeping Greg’s memory close to their hearts, while at the same time supporting the lives of people they have never met. Through his parent’s thoughtful gifts, the memory of a little boy who died many years ago brings life to the Bethesda community in ways that can be seen, heard and touched today. It brings Arland and Betty peace to know that Greg smiles upon all the people Bethesda supports. Now, 54 years later, Betty begins to understand the words of St. Paul that inspired her all those years ago: “God works for the good of those who love him.”
Consider honoring the memory of your loved one. Support people with developmental disabilities to live the best lives possible in your loved one’s name. Call Bethesda at 800-383-8743 to talk to someone about planning your gift. 4 Messenger | Fall 2016
BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org
Support begins
Bethesda was one of more than 3,500 homes in Harris County that were flooded.
Bethesda Weathers Tough Rainy Season in Texas As the flood waters rose inside a Bethesda group home in Cypress, Texas, there was no drought of support from staff and community members. It had been raining for quite a while, and six men Bethesda supported in a Cypress, Texas, suburb had been keeping an eye on the waterline, which was slowly getting closer to their home.
Facing those rising floodwaters, Gordon Ogutu, a Bethesda Direct Support Professional (DSP), knew it was time to take action. He decided to take steps and protect the six people he supports from the springtime storms flooding Cypress in late April. Working with his Program Manager, the local fire department and Team Bethesda, Gordon helped evacuate six people from the home to a nearby Staybridge Suites hotel.
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The rain caused more than $5 billion in property damage in Harris County.
The evacuation was swift and the men—Leigh Boy, Donnie Steinsiek, Kevin Soluts, Jay Anderson, Andrew Wade and Brandon Gracida—were made safe and comfortable in the hotel. But they would never return to their home.
Family and Friends Support the Group The men lost everything: their home, clothes, furniture and bedding. However, their community came together to provide them with everything they needed.
Other Bethesda group homes in the area invited the men over for meals so they could be around their supporters and maintain a healthy diet. Barbara Gonzalez, Jay’s mom, also visited them in the hotel and delivered home-cooked meals for the group. “The people we support were so appreciative of the hospitality and kindness their community showed them,” said Tamico Melvin, Bethesda’s Regional Director for Texas. “It was wonderful to see so many people extend God’s love to assist the group in their time of need.”
Clothing and Necessities Coordinated Of course, losing their home and belongings to the floods meant scrambling to come up with new 6 Messenger | Fall 2016
day-to-day necessities. Fortunately, there was an out-of-the-box solution. An online wish list was set up from which people could purchase clothes, toothbrushes, shampoo and other necessities for the men. Cypress community members' donations alone were enough to replace all of the group’s belongings.
Medical Support Maintained
The destruction of their home caused a sudden loss of routine, which made getting the men their daily medicine an additional challenge. Bethesda Nurses in the area immediately dispensed medications and provided other services to manage the health of the people Bethesda supports. Team Bethesda made and maintained all necessary accommodations.
Volunteers Pitch In
Community members volunteered during the height of the crisis, providing respite to the Bethesda team of caregivers. Staff were working long hours to guarantee the safety of the people they support, so volunteers took the six men on outings in the community. These excursions allowed DSPs time to refresh and come back at the top of their game. “The Lord helped us during the flood by blessing the people we support with dedicated staff members
BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org
along with helpers who stepped up during this time of crisis,” said Lori Anderson, Bethesda’s Chief Operating Officer. “The health and safety of our staff and the people we support is our top priority at Bethesda, especially in times of crisis.”
Community Kicks into Clean Up Mode The flooding caused severe damage to the home, but Bethesda staff immediately sounded a call-to-action for volunteers to assist with clean up. More than 40 volunteers were gathered in less than eight hours. Because their old home was not salvageable, Bethesda is building them a new home called “Armadillo Trails.” It will have extra room and easier access for people who use a wheelchair. “They are all happy and healthy,” Tamico said. “I am honored to be part of a team that can respond to emergencies in such an efficient, competent manner.”
Our dedicated staff, donors and volunteers make it possible for the people we support to have a comfortable life, even while they cannot be at home.
When natural disasters leave people with disabilities without anywhere else to go, your financial donations help Bethesda bear the cost of maintaining their supports. Your donations ensure Bethesda has the resources to support people with developmental disabilities in times of crisis, like this. Donate online at BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/Donate, or call 800-383-8743.
Fall 2016 | Messenger 7
Life Stories
Together, the best life is possible.
People with developmental disabilities accomplish great things thanks, in part, to support from Bethesda and donors like you. Are you interested in reading more stories like this? Visit BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/Life-Stories.
A MAN OF MANY TALENTS
Rob Hanley has been supported by Bethesda in Fort Collins, Colorado, for 10 years. He rose to local celebrity status for being the first person who utilizes a wheelchair to figure skate. “I always wanted to figure skate,” Rob said. “My wheelchair wasn’t going to hold me back. I worked hard to make this happen, and I love it.” In recent years Rob participated in couples competitions across the state and performed local shows with his figure skating club. He's skated countless hours each week to perfect his routines. And he's still skating.
But that's not all. Rob is a man of many talents—he also spends time horseback riding.
“My favorite part of riding is falling off,” Rob said. “I say that because when I fall and get right back on the horse, it proves to me I am strong and can do whatever I put my mind to.”
DANIEL AND PETER: INDIANA SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHAMPIONS
A pair of people Bethesda supports in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had a great year in the Special Olympics this year.
Daniel Ogden was named Special Olympics Athlete of the Year after competing in Indianapolis, Indiana. Daniel was selected from a pool of 1,200 athletes. He recently announced his great news to friends and staff at the Bethesda Community Life Center in Fort Wayne. When he revealed his incredible accomplishment, Daniel had tears in his eyes. Peter Barlow has participated in the Special Olympics for 20 years. From June 10-12, Peter competed in the Fort Wayne Special Olympics. He walked away with two medals and one ribbon for swimming. Our Bethesda staff—Michael Dickman, Lead Direct Support Professional; Randy Murphy, Maintenance; and Kirsten Whitsitt, Director of Volunteer Services—were honored to cheer him on again this year. 8 Messenger | Fall 2016
DANIEL
PETER
Respect lives
PORTLAND WOMAN’S POEM PAINTS PICTURE OF PERFECTION
Sabrina, a woman Bethesda supports in Portland, Oregon, has a mission. She seeks to tell the world that people with disabilities are unique and different – and that’s a good thing! She recently shared a poem she wrote:
Please Listen
We should know who we are, and nothing could change that. Sure, we have disabilities, and we should be proud of it, because that is what makes us, us. People say we are different, and you know something? They’re right. That is something we should always cherish. We don’t want to be like them, for we are unique and special. The world would be a very boring place if we were all the same, huh? We should live our lives to the fullest. Enjoy ourselves whether it’s coloring or clapping, follow your heart. For you are different, and that is perfect.
Bethesda celebrates people like Sabrina who are unabashedly vocal in their defense of the dignity and respect for people with developmental disabilities.
HONORING BETHESDA’S VETERANS
Ken, a man Bethesda supports in Minnesota, had just graduated from high school in 1967, when he was called up to join the Army.
A short time later, nineteen-year-old Ken left his family farm for Fort Lewis, Washington, where he completed his basic and advanced infantry training. When his training was finished, he left for Vietnam. Ken was stationed as a security guard at the Long Bihn Airport which was northeast of Saigon.
Ken is one of a very small number of people that Bethesda supports who are also military veterans. Ken said he was never in combat, but he was responsible for protecting the munitions depot at the airport. Ken told Tom Bartels, a DSP Ken confides in who is a veteran himself, that he could see bombs dropped on Saigon from his guard post. Ken was honorably discharged as a Private 1st Class after 13 months of service and returned home on November 17, 1968.
Ken tells people his service to his country was nothing special, but when staff thanks him for his service, he smiles with pride.
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Acceptance builds
Where are Bethesda College Graduates Now? Seven graduates who attended a two year college-based program for students with developmental disabilities have transitioned comfortably into post-college life. On May 14, the first class of Bethesda College students anxiously awaited the moment they had worked so hard to get to—graduation. As they walked across the stage to receive their Certificates of Applied Learning, they were doing much more than that. They were showing thousands of people, all of whom cheered them across the stage with a thunderous standing ovation, that people of all abilities can achieve their goals. It was a shining moment for the graduates and Bethesda. It will have a long-standing impact on people of all abilities.
Left: Kristen Van Handel (Mequon), Rachel “Rach” Hoffman (Grafton), Thomas Scandrett (Mequon), Alec Shafer (Fox Point), Christopher Brandt (Milwaukee), Mary Cate Neff (River Hills) and Claire Chalupka (Whitefish Bay).
“The Bethesda College graduates showed students and professors that a person with a developmental disability could be successful in college. They have also made an enormous impact on societal views,” said Susan Perkins, mother of Bethesda College graduate Rachel “Rach” Hoffman.
People with developmental disabilities often struggle to find educational opportunities after high school. Many dream of attending college. Bethesda’s supporters help Bethesda College students take steps toward fulfilling that dream. The Bethesda College of Applied Learning is how Bethesda connects people of all abilities to a higher education system
that supports them as they learn, grow and mature into adulthood just as their traditional college peers.
Bethesda College is a partnership between Bethesda Lutheran Communities and Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) in Mequon, Wisconsin. The program is growing; the first seven graduates of the two-year program were all from Southeastern Wisconsin. However, word has spread across the country. This year's freshman come from as far as New York and Colorado to attend this program specially designed to help people with developmental disabilities achieve their dream to gain a secondary education. Students enrolled in Bethesda College live on the CUW campus in integrated residence halls. At CUW they can build lifelong friendships, practice their faith and participate in clubs and student activities. Bethesda College’s faculty members are always available to support each student and help them get the most from their college experience.
“Graduation was a special moment for the students, their families, staff that made this possible and Team Bethesda,” said Mike Thirtle, Bethesda's President and CEO.
10 Messenger | Fall 2016 BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org
“We are only getting started! We can’t wait to make graduation a possibility for many more young men and women with developmental disabilities.”
Meet a Few of Our Fabulous Alumni Thomas Cooks up a Career
Thomas began work as a pantry cook at Devon’s Seafood and Steak in Milwaukee shortly after graduation. He makes sushi rolls, spring rolls, salads, biscuits and tuna tartare. He is also responsible for torching crème brûlée and bruschetta.
“I learned a lot about serving food at an etiquette dinner class at CUW,” Thomas said. “I improved my culinary skills and learned about food safety when I worked at campus dining services.” His passion for culinary arts inspired him to apply for a culinary certificate. His dream is to open up a pub-style restaurant.
“After attending Bethesda College, I can hold more jobs. I’ve decided what my career is going to be,” Thomas said. “I can be a student in culinary school and be successful.”
Rach Banks on Riveredge
Following graduation, Rach worked with kids as an Education and Inclusion Intern at Riveredge Nature Center, a wildlife sanctuary in Saukville, Wisconsin. In addition to helping the sanctuary’s education programs, Rach worked on a unique project that incorporated adaptive technology for students with sensory disabilities. She had a great time hiking with students at the sanctuary, and she helped them catch and observe frogs.
“I gained problem-solving skills through Bethesda College. Distractions are part of life and you have to learn how to deal with them,” Rach said. “That was something that was difficult for me in high school.”
Claire Finds Her Faith
At the start of Bethesda College Claire experienced a long battle with homesickness. “I didn’t like being away from home,” Claire said. “After a while, I started to get used to campus living and, although I missed home, I enjoyed my time at college. My professors, RAs and friends helped me to be a better person.” At Bethesda College, Claire also grew her faith.
“In my Christian Life class I learned about the New Testament, which helped me develop a religious background,” Claire said. “Jesus taught us everything about life, grace, forgiveness and how good conquers evil. Most of all, Jesus taught us to have faith in Him, that all who believe in him will follow him on the bright path to Heaven and never die, but journey with Him to the heavenly afterlife.” “Bethesda College is an experience I will never forget,” Claire said.
Top: Thomas created sandwiches at CUW dining services. Middle: Rach showed up for her first day of work at Riveredge Nature Center full of excitement and confidence! Bottom: Claire enjoyed celebrating with her parents, Lisa and Gary, at dinner the night before graduation.
People with developmental disabilities have hopes and dreams. You can help them pursue their goals, such as graduating from college or having a meaningful job. Donate online at BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/Donate, or call 800-383-8743.
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NEWS & NOTES
When people of all abilities share their time, talents and resources with Bethesda, we make the world better.
Donors Raise $40,000 at 16th Annual Bethesda Golf Outing Hundreds of people gathered in July for a day of golf, fun, fellowship and fundraising as part of Bethesda’s 16th Annual Golf Outing at the Oconomowoc Golf Club in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
Bethesda’s generous donors raised $40,000. Proceeds from the event went to the Bethesda Foundation, which provides sustainable financial security for Bethesda to afford the best life possible to people with developmental disabilities.
Bethesda Thrift Shop Volunteer Turns 100 Adeline Brandenburg has seen a lot in her lifetime. Not only has the Wausau, Wisconsin, resident volunteered for more than a quarter century at Bethesda’s Wausau Thrift Shop, she turned 100 years old in June. To honor Adeline, a party was thrown at the Thrift Shop which included family and friends.
“We are thankful to the sponsors, donors and all attendees for their participation and generosity in making this a great event this year,” said Jedd Lapid, Vice President of Development.
Visit BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/Events to see when the next golf tournament is coming to your area.
“I’ve been so blessed that I am still able to volunteer,” Adeline said.
Those at Bethesda who have gotten to know her over the years say she is a shining example of what it means to give back and to do so selflessly at any age, without need of recognition. Bethesda volunteers provide a meaningful service to the people we support while they share the good news of Jesus Christ, grow their faith and encourage independence.
Thousands Learn About Bethesda at the LCMS National Youth Gathering Bethesda was one of 200 exhibitors at The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s National Youth Gathering (NYG) held from July 16-20 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The NYG had 22,000 youth from 48 states and 14 countries participate in the event. Bethesda unveiled our disability awareness theme “The Christ Connection” and gave away 6,200 fans with a Bethesda logo. Youth attendees were asked to post a picture of themselves on Instagram while at the conference.
Those at the conference connected with people and congregations interested in learning more about how they can help people with developmental disabilities.
“It was wonderful to meet youth groups and congregations across the country to engage or re-engage them with Bethesda’s mission,” said Kimberly Trombley, Bethesda's Vice President of Religious Life. 12 Messenger | Fall 2016 BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org
You Can Help 'Night to Shine' in Two Locations We are pleased to announce we’ll be participating in Night to Shine again on February 10, 2017. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, we’ll partner with local churches to bring the prom night experience to two Bethesda locations in Wisconsin and Colorado. Prom kings and queens, volunteers, parents, guardians and Direct Support Professionals will enjoy an evening complete with prom dresses, suits, limos, shoe shining and make up stations.
Be on the lookout for updates and information on how you can help on our website: BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/NightToShine.
Make This Small Change and Contribute to Bethesda’s Mission with Ease Do you wish there was a way you could automatically donate a portion of your online shopping costs to Bethesda? That would add up quick! AmazonSmile allows you to shop like normal on Amazon.com, but 0.5 percent of your purchases are donated to Bethesda. All you have to do is: 1. Go to smile.amazon.com and use your Amazon username and password to log in.
2. A screen will pop up asking you which non-profit organization you want to support. 3. Type in “Bethesda Lutheran Communities” and select. 4. Shop online like normal.
Signing up is easy, and your contribution to support people with developmental disabilities is enormous. Next time you’re shopping Amazon, remember you could be supporting Bethesda, too.
Laborers For Christ Wrap Up Work Bethesda and the Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s Laborers For Christ partnered in January. As Lutheran organizations, they are committed to supporting people with developmental disabilities grow their faith, while updating the homes of people Bethesda supports across the country.
The project kicked off in January this year when a team of Laborers performed work on Bethesda homes and buildings in the Houston, Texas, area. They wrapped up in September in Watertown, Wisconsin. Over the months, Laborers teamed up to perform work on homes in California and Michigan as well. Laborers helped maintain many Bethesda homes with projects such as drywall, siding, landscaping, painting and deck repairs. The Laborers even updated a furry friend’s home in Michigan—Jessica Jr., the pet bunny of Larry, a man Bethesda supports.
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Faith surrounds
Bethesda’s New Vice President of Religious Life and What She Can Do for YOU Kimberly Trombley has taken charge of Bethesda’s Religious Life efforts and is invigorating all of Team Bethesda to help people with disabilities know the good news of Jesus Christ.
Kimberly was promoted from her role at Bethesda as Corporate Director of Religious Life to Vice President of Religious Life.
Deaconess Kimberly Trombley has a bachelor’s degree in education from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and a master’s degree leading to Deaconess Certification from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
In her new role, Kimberly oversees the Religious Life team and its initiatives to provide faith supports to people with developmental disabilities, Bethesda staff and congregations. She leads a team that interacts with congregations, helps people with disabilities know Jesus as a domestic mission and develops opportunities for people with disabilities to be members of church communities.
How can Kimberly help YOU?
Among her key responsibilities in her new position will be to lead Bethesda’s mission to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ. “I have a passion for actively involving people of all abilities in the life of the church,” Kimberly said. As a Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod church worker, Kimberly was called to Bethesda in 2012 as a Ministry Consultant.
“We, at Bethesda, honor the faith choices of the people we support, regardless of our beliefs,” said Mike Thirtle, Bethesda's President and CEO. “Kimberly truly embodies this promise. It is seen clearly through the love and respect she shows the people Bethesda supports and her passion to help them live the best life possible.”
• Get resources to share Bethesda’s mission with your friends, family and congregation. • Ask her how to start or get involved in a disability ministry. • Learn about Building on the Rock. This curriculum prepares people with developmental disabilities for First Communion, Confirmation and more. • Get our FREE Grief and Loss Scrapbook which helps people with developmental disabilities cope with the loss of a loved one. • Learn how to use Cross Roads Journey, a series of curriculum for Bible studies. Kimberly loves to hear from supporters like you. Feel free to reach out to her by sending an email to Kimberly.Trombley@mailblc.org or calling 1-800-369-4636, ext. 4408. 14 Messenger | Fall 2016 BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org
Q&A
TEAM Bethesda
God Led Philemon Ngare to Bethesda’s Ministry, and There Was No Turning Back
A few years ago, Philemon Ngare, one of Bethesda’s Ministry Consultants, met with a pastor friend in Kansas City. He was not yet serving Bethesda’s mission and engaged with some people Bethesda supports.
Philemon was touched. Meeting with the people Bethesda supports that day, he saw firsthand how people with disabilities struggle to find church communities that bring them closer to God. He immediately applied for the Ministry Consultant position.
“I felt God calling me to be a part of this ministry,” Philemon said. “The Lord led and opened the door for me to be here.”
Q: Where are you originally from? A: I’m originally from Kenya, and I came to the United States in 2000. I lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, for 16 years with my wife and two daughters, Rachel and Julia, until our recent move to Vancouver, Washington. In Kenya, I worked in youth ministry with my wife and was a pastor within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya which is a sister church body of the LCMS. I transferred my pastoral credentials to the LCMS upon my arrival to the United States. I became an official United States citizen in April!
Q: What has been your most moving experience at Bethesda? A: Two months after I started, I did a faith assessment with a woman we support
named Sandy. I was asking her about what she liked to pray about and Sandy told me that she prayed for many things, but always tried to remember her parents who had died from cancer. I told Sandy that I was sorry for this loss and hoped she could find strength in God. Sandy replied: “Sometimes you pray and God answers the prayers in the way you want. Other times you pray and God answers the prayers in a way you don’t expect. Yet, you always pray and leave your prayers with God.” For me, that was a huge moment because I realized that the people we support have a tremendous understanding of faith. People with disabilities comprehend God in extraordinary ways!
Q: What are the greatest needs for people with disabilities?
A: The needs are many, but the biggest need is the necessity for people with disabilities to be included in every aspect of life. All people need to feel that they are connected and belong; that we are part of a community.
Q: How do you help people with disabilities become involved with a ministry? A: I recently went to St. Paul’s in Sherwood, Oregon. Two people Bethesda supports are members of this congregation. In fact, they were both baptized at St. Paul’s and are welcomed by the people in such a loving manner. The parish gave me an incredible response to Bethesda’s ministry and work. They are very receptive to Bethesda because they know the people we support and have a great love for our mission.
Helping people with disabilities find and know God is an important part of Bethesda’s mission. The only way we can continue these activities is with your financial support. Make a gift online at BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/Donate.
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600 Hoffmann Drive Watertown, WI 53094-6204
Electronic Service Requested
DONATING YOUR OLD VEHICLE IS AS EASY AS:
1
CONTACT US
Call Bethesda’s toll-free 24/7 vehicle donation line at 1-800-269-6814 or visit our vehicle donation page: BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/DriveChange.
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EASY PICK UP
Bethesda’s partner, Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) will pick up your vehicle, in nearly any condition, at the most convenient time for you – at no cost!
RECEIVE TAX ACKNOWLEDGMENT
You will receive an acknowledgment letter that can be used as a receipt for tax deduction purposes, and the vehicle will be sold. Upon sale, additional tax documents may be provided when required by the IRS. Revenue from the sale is sent directly to Bethesda to support our mission.
1-800-269-6814 | BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org/DriveChange