The Luau

The work of building the Kingdom is not the exclusive provence of professional Christians serving on staff at a local church.

Earlier this year, I shared the story of Abby Hamilton, a ninth grade classmate of my older daughter who initiated and led a outreach event, “FBC Luau 2011” to welcome and serve  adults in our community with developmental disabilities. Abby’s effort drew lots of attention from local media. Check out this story from the local NBC station that aired following the Luau.

I see the Luau as a triple win. It was a win for the Kingdom because many adults who don’t otherwise experience much recognition had an opportunity to experience the love of Christ through a party thrown in their honor at a local church. It was a win because lots of kids and adults had the opportunity to use their gifts and talents in serving others. It was also a win because the Luau led at least one family to reconsider attending church because of the experience their son had at the Luau. Check out this blog post following the Luau from Rebecca Hamilton, Abby’s mother. Here’s a quote from her post that sums the event up nicely, and also sums up why we do what we do at Key Ministry:

“So, back to that Friday night party and the Sunday morning worship that followed it. It’s not about the party at all, is it? It’s about being the hands and feet  of Jesus Christ to families who are affected by disability. It’s about meeting them where they are, with lots of love and no judgment.  When we do this, we have a rare chance to serve up a little slice of Heaven right here on Earth. And that’s where the real party is!”

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About Dr. G

Dr. Stephen Grcevich serves as President and Founder of Key Ministry, a non-profit organization providing free training, consultation, resources and support to help churches serve families of children with disabilities. Dr. Grcevich is a graduate of Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), trained in General Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve University. He is a faculty member in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at two medical schools, leads a group practice in suburban Cleveland (Family Center by the Falls), and continues to be involved in research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications prescribed to children for ADHD, anxiety and depression. He is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Dr. Grcevich was recently recognized by Sharecare as one of the top ten online influencers in children’s mental health. His blog for Key Ministry, www.church4everychild.org was ranked fourth among the top 100 children's ministry blogs in 2015 by Ministry to Children.
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