Tag: special needs

52 Reasons to Love the Church

Kathy Pollard

I’m so thankful for Rheanna Plemons. She is a remarkable Christian woman who organized ‘Joyful Hearts,’ a program which makes it possible for those who are physically or mentally challenged to feel like they are the valuable part of the church they truly are. Our church family has been blessed in many ways because of our Joyful Hearts:

A place to belong. Joyful Hearts has brought us delightful folks from the community because Rheanna has provided a service that caters especially to their needs. Everyone desires a place to belong. Everyone wants to feel seen and understood. It’s a reminder of what God’s church is all about.

Extra smiles. Those who show up for the Joyful Hearts class have extra wide, beautiful smiles. They light up our gathering!

Big hearts. Many hands have joined together to make this program possible each week. Rheanna, of course, and also Michele Wheat, Kim Eubanks, and several of our young people. Joyful Hearts is the perfect name for it because it aptly describes those who jump in to help, too.

Opportunities to serve. Speaking of our young people, Rheanna has provided a way for them to be involved in serving our church family and community. I especially love it when she has young men join the class to help teach song-leading! Serving causes growth and a sense of purpose. The Joyful Hearts program brings about much of that as many serve together.

Shining the Light. Every now and then we get a card in our church mailbox from a member of the Joyful Hearts class. They also do various service projects (like helping gather supplies for flood relief). Their ages are different, their challenges are different, but their souls are the same. They are God’s children and He is using them in His kingdom. We’ve all been blessed and encouraged by them. We’ve all learned from them.

God has shown us such goodness through these Joyful Hearts and we’re thankful they’re a part of our family!

If you’d like to learn more about Joyful Hearts, visit their fb page.