A Sturdy Oak Tree

     Today we took another church through special needs ministry training.  Along with detailed training, we shared our passion, our journey, our lessons learned, our joys, and most of all, our love for children.

     As I listened to Bill speak today, I looked at a picture we had taken about twelve years ago at one of our respite evenings we called "Parents Night Out."  Bill had dark hair then and a few less "life lines" on his face, but the compassion and empathy in his voice is richer every time I hear him speak.  Bill reminds me of a sturdy oak tree.  It has weathered many storms, but it remains steady and strong and continually reaches out to provide shelter and shade for those that need it.

     I am so grateful that God not only blessed me with a wonderful ministry to serve in, but with a ministry partner that supports, sharpens and challenges me.  I am looking forward to the rest of the journey...

Exciting Opportunities

     It has been a wonderfully busy day!  This morning Bill and I were able to thank a church for their continued love and support of children and families affected by special needs.  Only 5% of churches offer special needs ministry so it was exciting to thank them for welcoming all of God's children into the church family.  They have faithfully served for 17 years now!
     This afternoon we were able to attend the initial meeting for a church that desires to start a special needs ministry.  It was exciting to see six people attend with another three that couldn't make it.  What a great start  to getting such a vital ministry off the ground.  They were already planning to offer buddies for two hours and were dreaming about starting an evening of respite for families.
     I love that God lets us share in the celebration of seasoned ministries, as well as the excitement of brand new ones.  Thank you, God, for giving us front row seats to the great things you are doing in the churches in Austin.

Yeah, team!

It was a great day today.  I met with three other churches in Austin and "Joni and Friends" to share ideas regarding special needs ministry.  It is always exciting to come together to encourage one another.  God is moving in the city of Austin!

SN Church Network Meeting

In the Network Meeting

Thursday, August 4

2:00

Bannockburn Baptist Church
Austin, Texas

Abington Center Room 306

 Dear Friends,

I just wanted to give you the information for a meeting that will be held at Bannockburn Baptist Church. They are making great efforts to network churches offering special needs ministry as well as getting more churches to start offering this vital ministry.  Please join us if you can!

Hello Everyone,

I am excited to get the fall started and in doing so we are hosting a meeting with Joni and Friends on Thursday, August 4 at 2:00 at Bannockburn Baptist Church.  Most of you have a Special Needs Ministry at your church already but we thought it would be great for all of us to get together to swap ideas and to support each other in this awesome ministry.  So please try to join us.  We will meet in Room 306 of the Abington Center.  Kay from Joni and friends would also like to meet with any churches in our area that may want to start up a ministry.  If you know of other churches, please forward this email to them.  Looking forward to it!  Please call me if you have any questions.

Blessings,
Amy Louis
Special Needs Director
Bannockburn Baptist Church
892-2703 x237
amyl@bbcfamily.com