We Are Able 2023
Editor’s Note:
The opinions expressed in guest contributions to Opening Doors are those of the author and may not reflect the official theology or opinions of Anabaptist Disabilities Network.
We are able. Yes! Every one of us—a conviction confirmed as nine adults gathered in June for four days of service, worship, fellowship, and growth. Our home base was Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, and our sponsoring partner was FaithX of the Church of the Brethren. Three of us were the designated leaders, including Anabaptist Disabilities Network’s wonder executive director, Jeanne Davies, super nurse Cassidy McFadden, and myself. The other six were beautiful servants of Jesus intent on doing some good in the world.
That good included two sessions of food packing at Feed My Starving Children, a rock garden beautification project at Lambs Farm (a residential community for adults with disabilities where my son Ben lives), and learning from horses as we also assisted with grounds keeping at The Ranch of Hope Reins (a therapeutic horse farm).
Daily worship featured spirited singing, inspired prayer, and insightful scripture engagement. Each participant contributed valuable talent to the celebration of God’s all-embracing love.
Just for fun, we attended a local concert in the park, featuring The Stingrays who play 50s, 60s, and 70s-era rock music. Our crew did a lot of dancing, and several strangers became friends! One evening we stayed in, made popcorn, and laughed through a movie together. We prepared most of our meals, while some were delivered by local friends. We adapted to life in a dorm and sharing space with roommates!
We experienced a few rough patches. At times, we wore on each other’s patience. We had a few medical issues. Sometimes it was hard to understand each other, both what we were saying and what we meant. We all got tired, sometimes powering through and other times adjusting our schedule for rest.
In the end, we left for our homes in Indiana, Michigan, and Illinois at the end of the workcamp having made new friends, having learned more about following Jesus, having grown in self-understanding, and having done something meaningful for our neighbors near and far.
Without a doubt, we know that as followers of Jesus we, individually and together, are able!
Jonathan Shively
Jonathan Shively is a husband to Kim and a dad to three adult children, including Benjamin who has Williams Syndrome. He serves as executive director of Fox Valley Hands of Hope, a nonprofit providing grief support in north central Illinois. A lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren, Jonathan has a long history of church work, but his most rewarding ministry venture was a four-year partnership with Jeanne Davies in Parables, a community for persons with disabilities and their families. Jonathan and Kim are enthusiastic Building the Future Partners.
