With joy and thankful hearts, the RP Woman’s Association’s (RPWA) Disabilities Ministry would like to report on the Quinter, Kan., RPC’s experience in ministering to the disabled. As reported in the May/June 2019 Witness article,

“The steering committee recognizes that the RPWA Disabilities Ministry…cannot begin to provide for all the varied financial and physical needs that the label “disability” encompasses, nor do we have the expertise to minister to the wide variety of needs that exist. We do hope, as the Lord Jesus leads, to be a source of encouragement, education, and spiritual support to pastors, elders, deacons, and congregations ministering to the disabled and to their caregivers.”

In keeping with this goal, the RPWA Disabilities Ministry contributed financially to renovation projects by Quinter RPC that sought to make their building more accessible to the disabled. The RPWA Disabilities Ministry Steering Committee rejoiced to receive the following report from Quinter RPC:

“Investing the financial gift from the RPWA Disabilities Ministry, Quinter RPC has installed in the women’s powder room a new, taller commode and mounted a grab bar near it. That simple fix makes participation in worship and fellowship events less strenuous and burdensome for those who have physical challenges.

“Additionally, the money given to us by the RPWA Disabilities Ministry was invested in the installation of a handicapped ramp in front of the meeting house, gently sloping from street level, through the curb, and into our elevator entrance door. This makes it much less hazardous for those with disabilities, for the aging and infirm, and for people pushing infant strollers to enter the RP meeting house. The ramp is much safer than the former use of (potentially ice-covered) curbs, steps, and stairways, so it encourages participation by some infirm individuals who have formerly been disinclined to brave inclement weather to attend wintertime services and activities. Such members and adherents feel more inclined to participate in worship and fellowship with the rest of the body in all our activities because of these improvements.

“These positive improvements (not to mention the reduced liability for injuries from slipping on the old surfaces) are the direct result of the Disabilities Committee’s small investment of seed money into practical resolutions for these long-standing problems and disincentives. The entire congregation joins in thanking the committee, the Synod, and the cheerful givers who made possible these improvements.”

We hope and pray that this will be one of many projects that the RPWA Disabilities Ministry is able to support. The steering committee hopes to provide additional support through the establishment of an educational website that provides articles and support for the disabled, those caring for them, and their churches. We also hope to provide counsel and support to church leadership and to families impacted by disability.

Please pray for us as we continue to slowly work toward the implementation of the goals presented in our previous article. If you are interested in participating in this important ministry, please contact one of the board members listed below.

Steering Committee:

• Martin Blocki

• Rich Johnston, Chair

• Debby O’Neill

• Karen Olson

• Bill Weir

• Nola Youngman

Martin Blocki serves as associate pastor of North Hills (Pittsburgh, Pa.) RPC. He is married to Kathy; they have three children and four grandchildren.