Leaves From A Disabled Pastors Notebook
Reflections about God and grace from Jabez Ministries
April-May 2024
Hello!
This is the first of a newsletter from Jabez Ministries.
After being blessed with twelve years of ministry, eighteen years prior to that of working with persons with disabilities, add in my own experiences having disabilities, I’ve got stories, lots of stories, as one can imagine.
I would like to share them with you.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
John 13:20 ESV
When this ministry started in 2012, ten years before becoming a Classis advocate formally, people asked me why I thought such a ministry to those with disabilities was necessary, my answer involved asking the person if they saw Christ in various well known individuals of the congregation. The answer would, invariably, be “yes,” often with examples of the persons church or charity work. Then I would point out a person with disabilities that we both knew as well.
“Do you see Christ in…?”
Again, invariably, there would be a long pause before the usual answer of “yes”.
In our congregations, we all have persons with what are deemed as disabilities. They have also been gifted by the same God who gifts us.
We have a tendency to see the disability before the Holy Spirit working in and through them.
Disability advocacy is more than accommodation, it’s also about discipleship. It’s about eliminating that “pause.”
Jabez Ministries is committed to helping persons with disabilities grow in their gifts as ministers for and in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thank you and Blessings,
In His Name and in His Service,
– Rev. Peter J. Gordon
Pastor and Executive Director Jabez Ministries
Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked.
1 Chronicles 4:10
