By Sharon Mager

BERLIN, Md. — Berlin First Baptist Church (BFBC) hosted its inaugural Vacation Bible School (VBS) last summer for individuals affected by disabilities. It was a huge success, receiving tremendous feedback from students and parents. On March 7, the church held a follow-up activity that was also extremely well-received: “Pajama Jam.”

A Pajama Jam guest enjoys drawing a picture in the craft room. (Photo courtesy of Berlin First Baptist Church)

Pajama-clad attendees, from toddlers to those in their twenties, arrived at the church, some carrying dolls or stuffed animals, ready for fun. A few parents and caregivers stayed, but most dropped their kids off with their “buddies” while they enjoyed a time of respite, knowing their children were in a safe place. BFBC members volunteered, some as buddies, and many served food and guarded doors. “It was great, and it was impactful for everyone, but especially for the kids,” said Brad Diehl, pastor of BFBC.

The pajama party was the brainchild of Sydney, a young adult with intellectual disabilities who recently began attending the church with her parents, Todd and Melanie. Brad’s wife, Shannon, and Melanie, organized the pajama party, but Sydney suggested it, named it, and chose the activities. “She also picked the food! We had a cereal and nacho bar,” Shannon said, adding that it was very popular. Sydney also named the church’s disability ministry — ‘Finding Friends and Individuals with Needs and Disabilities.” Shannon said everyone had fun making crafts in a low-lit, calm room with a noise machine. There was also more lively bingo and karaoke. Bingo was especially popular. Shannon laughed, saying, “One little girl didn’t leave the bingo room the whole night!”

Melanie explained how she and Shannon partnered, “I posted a prayer request in our Bible study group about starting a disabilities ministry because the disabilities community expressed the desire.” She said that, basically, the idea was, “If you start it, we will come!” Melanie knew Shannon had the experience leading BFBC’s disability VBS last year, and the church had the leadership and members to make it happen. Shannon answered the call, and Melanie and her family stepped up to help. “We had our first meeting, and Shannon and Brad listened as Sydney picked out activities for the Pajama Jam. They put it all into motion and created the event.” Melanie was especially happy that “Sydney had a voice in planning it. She felt like she was heard. We left the meeting feeling so much joy.

“The Lord brought us all together and gave us one mind and one heart for the special needs community and their families. Knowing God heard and answered our prayers so specifically is one reason for the joy that goes into this ministry. The Lord is working, and we are just joining Him,”

More Disability Activities & Youth Group
The church, with Sydney’s suggestions, will also have activities for individuals with disabilities several times throughout the year. On April 11, they’ll have their first quarterly birthday party. Shannon said, “We’ll have party games and tables with presents for them to open,” adding that many individuals with disabilities don’t often get invited to birthday parties and frequently don’t have their own because they don’t have friends to invite. In June, the church will again have the disability VBS, and in October, they’ll have a trunk or treat. Shannon said they’re especially excited about a disability youth group starting in August.

A guest and a buddy sing Karaoke at the Pajama Jam! (Photo courtesy of BFBC)

Though challenging, exciting, and fun, ultimately, all acknowledged the activities were about leading people to Jesus. Melanie emphasizes, “This ministry is important because these individuals are capable of understanding spiritual truth. Often, they get traditional therapy, but there is no hope for the big questions about life, death, and eternity. Jesus offers comfort and hope, and many individuals are living without it.” But Sydney isn’t one of them.

Asked about her devotion for Christ, Sydney said, “I’ve known Jesus my whole life. I grew up in church. When I was about probably 16, I accepted Jesus into my heart. That made a big change. I knew it because I felt the change in everything I did. I didn’t feel the same. I felt brand new.”

Brad said, “I’m really happy we get to do this and show other churches this is something that’s possible. A lot of times, we think we can’t do it, that we don’t have the means. I want to encourage other churches; it can be done and done well. It’s a great opportunity to reach people with the gospel.”

Shannon said, “My favorite parts of the evening were seeing the relief on the parents’ faces, knowing their kids were in a safe environment, watching the kids doing the things their peers get to do, and seeing the smiles on their faces. It was amazing. It was precious. It was awesome! Looking ahead at the possibilities for the disability ministry, Shannon said, “We’re really excited. The Lord has been very gracious.”

If your church is interested in starting or strengthening a disability ministry, visit our website.

Feature photo: BFBC Pastor Brad Diehl poses with a Pajama Jam guest. (Photo courtesy of BFBC)

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D communications specialist/News Editor