Pastor, wife spearhead ‘inclusive ministry’ model for people with disabilities

“When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Matthew 9:36 AMP

We usually see crowds as inconvenience—traffic, long lines, or a noisy stadium. Jesus saw them differently. He saw real people carrying real burdens: parents caring for children with special needs, those wrestling with mental health, marriages under strain, people battling loneliness, and families anxious about the future. When he looked at the crowd, his response was active compassion—and compassion moves us to act, too.

Turning struggles into something beautiful

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.

Romans 8:28 Voice

Romans 8:28 reminds us that God can weave our struggles into something beautiful when we trust him and follow his ways. That’s the heart behind the ministry model featured in this Christian Post story about our Executive Minister Russ Ewell and Women’s Ministry Leader Gail Ewell: a couple who turned personal struggle into a practical, faith‑rooted plan to welcome, serve, and empower people with disabilities. 

In a culture where only 29% of churches offer classes or events for people with disabilities, Russ and Gail decided to model the heart of Jesus. They didn’t just have compassion, but took action, creating a Spiritual Resource Ministry and Manual so that anyone with any disability can feel part of a community. 

Their work shows how compassion, training, and community can convert despair into belonging.

How can you have active compassion in your community today? 

Read the full article to learn how this ministry is changing lives and how you can do the same.