STRICTLY OBSERVING: New ministry

By ZACH COOLEY:

As October is Disability Awareness Month, I wanted to close out the month by informing you of a wonderful local ministry of which I have just recently been made aware.  While attending a concert at the New River Valley Fairgrounds in Dublin last month, I was approached by a very kind man named Bill Horton, who presented me with his card and began telling me about the New River Valley Chapter of Special Touch Ministry, which he started with his wife, Debra, about a year ago.  Together, they shared a vision of ministering for Jesus throughout the New River Valley.  Serving the needs and concerns of people with mental and physical disabilities across the region, this ministry is an extension of a Appalachian Summer Getaway program, which allows disabled citizens to experience summer camp in the likewise manner of the average teenager.  This local outreach program, however, strives for such equality year-round.  Based in Pulaski, this is only such ministry in the state of Virginia and offers a monthly support group session with a devotional and prayer requests.  “It gives disabled people an opportunity to be a part of the community and relieve them of the burdens of being homebound,” Horton said.  “It also allows us to minister to them year-round.”
Their meetings, which are held at Abundant Life Ministries in Pulaski on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m., also consist of a monthly activity such as bingo and other creative, exciting activities.  “We make sure everyone is a winner,” Horton stated.  “We concentrate on boosting self-esteem and assuring that everyone knows they have a place in the community.”  Bill and Debra Horton also have a special needs son whom they adopted after meeting him through the ministry program.  Together, the group also plans outings which Horton says help other citizens realize that disabled people can be functional members of society.  “We try to keep everyone on the frontlines rather than blending in the background, helping others to understand that God created disabled people just as He created everyone else,” he noted.  “God doesn’t make mistakes.”
Funding for this ministry is generated through an offering that is collected at each chapter meeting in conjunction with periodic fundraisers, which are conducted throughout the year.  Future efforts being planned include a bowling fundraiser as well as a golf outing fundraiser.  This will hopefully prove to be profitable for the ministry.  Collected revenue will also contribute to the Appalachian Summer Getaway program.
Horton says the most challenging aspect of maintaining the outreach program is keeping the public aware of the chapter and its services.  Currently, he and his wife are sending out literature and are currently working on a promotional presentation, which will be sent to area Pastors.  “Once they take five minutes to plug in the promotional DVD in their laptops, they will be able to share more information about what we do with their congregations,” he explained.  In terms of accomplishment, Horton says he is grateful to God for answering prayers which has helped Special Touch Ministry to expand and flourish.  Currently, Special Touch Ministry is working toward purchasing a Wisconsin property near its national base, which will serve as a national disability ministry training resource center.  This will serve as the national headquarters for the outreach program where emergency teams will be trained to counsel those who are suddenly struck with the tragedy of disability as well as many other services.  Locally, the New River Valley Chapter of Special Touch Ministry maintains its goal of continuous growth as well as the desire for more chapters of the ministry to begin throughout the state of Virginia.  Most importantly, the ministry’s main objective is to ensure that no disabled person in Virginia goes untouched by this particular program.  Horton also added that the Appalachian Summer Getaway program is one of the most inexpensive in the state.
He also acknowledged that the local Special Touch Chapter is still in its beginning stages, saying it will take a great deal of awareness through churches, group homes and other such organizations, to help the chapter grow.  Anyone who reads this article is also encouraged to pass the word along in any way possible.  He also noted that more chapters cannot be started in Virginia without someone taking the initiative to express a need for such ministries throughout the Commonwealth. 
Both as a disabled person and as a general human being, I am humbled daily by the blessings I have in the huge support system of my family and friends throughout this community.  Additionally, it is a blessing for me to be able to express my gratitude by helping spread the word about such wonderful programs as Special Touch Ministry, which helps those in my position who are not nearly as fortunate as I.  I can tell you from firsthand experience that quality disability awareness programs such as this are few and far between, especially in this area.
Anyone who would like to help or be helped by this program is encouraged to contact the New River Valley Chapter of Special Touch Ministry by calling Bill Horton at (540) 230-0747 or send an e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  There is no age limit on who can attend the New River Valley Chapter meetings and no disability is too mild or severe to be blessed by this Ministry.  For the national Special Touch website, please visit http://www.specialtouch.org.
A graduate of Wytheville Community College, Zach Cooley lives in Wytheville. Contact him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).