The McCombs Family Provides Rest for the Weary
By Sharon Mager

MIDDLETOWN, Md. — At this year’s Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s (BCM/D) Everyone Belongs Camp at Skycroft Conference Center, for youth and young adults affected by disability and their families, Lexington Park Baptist Church (LPBC) Pastor Chris McCombs, his wife, Shawnetta, and their family brought a unique gift of music, testimony and rest. On Saturday afternoon of the three-day camp, the family invited parents and caregivers to Skycroft‘s HeBrews Coffeehouse and treated them to a time of soothing worship, along with free milkshakes, ice cream, soft drinks and snacks provided by LPBC and the BCM/D. Each attendee also left with a gift bag.

Parents and caregivers expressed their gratitude, several naming it a highlight of the camp weekend.

Chris said God gave his wife, Shawnetta, the vision for this ministry, and he was happy to support her. Shawnetta explained that she felt called to help when a few years ago at BCM/D’s The Gathering, Executive Director Tom Stolle shared the need for buddies at the camp. Shawnetta said she was moved but felt serving as a buddy was not something she was called to do. She wanted to help in another way. “I thought, what can I do? And God just really put the parents on my heart,” Shawnetta said. She added that the emphasis is geared toward the youth affected by disability, as it should be, but parents are also going through significant challenges each day as they lovingly care for their children.

Shawnetta recalled that during COVID her family had done lawn concerts, where she, Chris and their daughters would pack up the keyboard and the violin, show up at people’s houses and do mini concerts on their lawns. “I thought we could do something musical for the parents and give them that respite to just minister to them.” And that ministry has grown and evolved. She said, “The first year I did a variety of songs by myself, talked to the parents and gave them some scripture. Then last year, (their youngest daughter) Savannah, who plays violin, came with me, so we added the violin and did a few songs as instrumentals. I think people really responded to that.”

About a year ago, the McCombs’ daughter, Macy, married a drummer, Joey Shrum, and this year they too joined the family group. Shawnetta said, “He played the cajon, which added a lot. It really set the tone, and then we also had three-part harmony with the girls and me. I just felt God leading me to thread it all together.”

The theme was “The Power of Choice.” Shawnetta shared scripture and tied in the music. “You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can choose your attitude,” she said. Songs included “Tremble,” “Gratitude,” “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and “Be Thou My Vision.”

They closed with an Irish blessing. “It’s a song I love, which left parents with a beautiful blessing,” Shawnetta said.

Parents and caregivers relaxed with their snacks and enjoyed the time while buddies and volunteers took care of the campers. As they left HeBrews, they received popcorn buckets filled with an assortment of goodies — water, popcorn and chips donated by Food Lion; a devotional book by Billy Graham on peace; and kid-friendly books. Chris said, “We also included flashlights, chargers, and gift cards for drive-throughs like Starbucks and Chick-fil-A — so families could grab something quickly without leaving their cars.” First Baptist Church of Waldorf partnered, providing the Chick-fil-A gift cards, which Chris called a generous gesture that greatly encouraged the ministry.

LPBC member Kelly Krenek stepped forward to take on the mission of collecting the donations, assembling the gift buckets and writing personal cards to the families.

Several parents expressed deep appreciation. Some shared how tired they were, one mom noting that she didn’t even realize how much she needed the camp experience. One mother, Sherry Wright, who attended with her son, Robert, said the time at HeBrews was comforting and just what she needed. Lindsey Holland, who brought her son, Marshal, said she was blessed by the respite, especially knowing the intentional thought that went into the session.

Chris said he encourages other churches to get involved. He said churches may not be able to do what his family does, but they can help. “Maybe they could consider providing some financial support? Could some churches possibly allocate a small portion of their budget or take up a love offering on a Sunday to support this? This ministry reaches an unreached people group — special needs families. How can we better minister to them?”

For more information about how the BCM/D can help you start or strengthen your disability ministry, visit our website.

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D News Editor and Communications Specialist