No Boundaries
We are excited about this brand new ministry in KidsQuest. It is a ministry for children with special needs here at Fairfield Christian Church. Our mission is to afford every child an equal opportunity to learn the Word of God in a group with their peers.
Because we care about your family, we desire to provide an opportunity for your child’s spiritual growth in a loving, accepting environment. This would include providing a buddy in a supportive role in the classroom to allow them the opportunity to participate as a vital member of the class. Buddies are responsible for attending consistently for one service on Sunday morning, Sunday evening or Wednesday evening. Buddies will keep in direct contact with parents regarding their child.
If you believe your child may benefit from this ministry, please take a moment to print, complete, and mail the Health Information Sheet to the KQ office. You will be contacted by our No Boundaries Coordinator, Cynthia Kohl so that you can discuss the options available for your child’s needs.
If you are interested in being a buddy, contact Cynthia Kohl.
Download the No Boundaries Health Information Sheet
Download No Boundaries – Being a Buddy
The Call
When a family discovers their child has a disability, it’s often a time of grief, fear, doubt and confusion – and all of these emotions may be a part of their life for many years to come. Their world is suddenly full of doctors, therapists, teachers, social workers, etc. The seemingly endless appointments and demands of dealing with these various systems can be frustrating and overwhelming. These families are usually emotionally drained by the time we will meet them.
Parents need to be reminded they can turn to God because he’s always faithful, all-knowing and in control. He is in charge of the life and future of their child.
It is difficult for children with disabilities to make friends outside of a school setting. Special needs children benefit from relationships with non-disabled children as they learn improved social skills and work hard to learn tasks these children model. That’s why KidsQuest feels it’s so important to provide a place in the classroom with a buddy.
Non-disabled children learn to be more sensitive, patient, positive, and tolerant as they interact with special needs children. Often, however, the child with a disability will need to interact with a competent adult to learn to play, build social relationships and to develop other skills.
Special needs children often experience developmental delays in one or more areas. Although their development follows the same sequence as a typical child, it occurs at a much slower pace. It is important to remember that development does occur and to encourage and support that progress.
The Challenge
God calls us to love each other unconditionally, and these special needs children are so often denied the normal interaction, love, and support their non-disabled peers take for granted. Decide to walk in Jesus’ steps and love unconditionally to a population who will never get too much love.
We say “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13), but do we believe this to be true for these children? Do we believe it is true for us as we minister to these children? “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Do we trust God enough for us to be part of that process in the lives of these children? Do we even believe – honestly and deeply – these words apply to these children as much as they do to us?
We invite you to “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) as you work in this ministry that will show his care for his children.
The Blessing
It’s easy to think of a special needs ministry for children as just for children, but it is also a blessing to the families. It provides precious time for the parents to meet their own need for spiritual food by being free to attend church. Our “extracurricular” activities provide a social setting for the children and allow parents to meet with others who are dealing with similar problems.
But this ministry is also a blessing to those of us who work with these children and their families. The children are loving and responsive once a relationship is established. It has never been more true that the giver is blessed even more than those who receive. Your heart will enlarge and your soul will give glory to God as you practice an agape love that far outreaches any time or effort you may put into this work.
Opportunities for Teens and Older Adults
KidsQuest supports a No Boundaries program for teens and adults that meets at Fairfield Christia Church. You may contact our No Boundaries coordinator for teens and older adults, Kathryn Albertson for more information and a meeting schedule. Gatherings include worship time, lesson time and a snack. All activities are aimed at the participants.