One-On-One

All of our special needs kids participate in Kid Central with a One-On-One buddy to assist them in any way they need help. They also fully participate in worship and listening to the Bible lesson for the day as well as help their student with their Bible story related activities.
On September 11, our fall kick-off Sunday, I walked into C-Zone (3rd-5th graders) to check on a student and his One-On-One Buddy. In the front of the room Mark Ebbers, the worship leader/teacher, pointed to his right and said enthusiastically, “This way!” Everyone moved in that direction with their feet moving in heel-toe fashion. Then he told everyone to move back to his left. I wish you could have seen the pure joy on this student’s face as he moved from side to side with the music. He LOVES to worship with his whole body and looks forward to coming to church each week.
We also have a girl who has been participating in Celebration Station (3-4 yr. olds). She is older than the other students but fits in perfectly in this age group. She loves to sing and listen to the Bible story and absolutely has fallen in love with Jon and Ellisha Bornfleth who have been our faithful worship/teacher leaders in this room for many years.
This year, Jon and Ellisha are serving in Kingdom Clubhouse (5’s & K’s). When this student and her buddy went to Celebration Station, she didn’t see Jon and left the room looking for him. She asked everyone, “Where’s Jon?” Upon arriving at the door to Kingdom Clubhouse, she saw Jon, called out his name and handed her Bible to her buddy while opening the door. She immediately began clapping her hands to the music and began making her way to Jon. After a great big, beautiful greeting and hug from Jon, she joined the other children in walking in a circle and clapping with the worship song.
Praise the Lord for faithful worship leaders, teachers, small group leaders, and One-On-One buddies who make it possible for kids with special needs to feel welcome, loved, and shown the love of Jesus.

Debbie Heiser
Exceptional Events Coordinator