Bible Clubs Offer Fellowship And Respite

Participants at Challenger Clubs - monthly Bible studies for individuals age 15 and up with physical or intellectual disabilities - do not always express their enjoyment of the experience verbally. "A grandmother told me recently that her grandson, who (shows little emotion) around his family, is so excited to attend," said Meghan Martin, disability ministries assistant, Handi-Vangelism Ministries International (HVMI), which oversees the clubs. "There are so many smiles."

HVMI has run Challenger Clubs at several Ephrata-area churches, including New Joy and Highpoint, along with the HVMI offices at 300 W. Chestnut St., Ephrata, and private residences, for several years. Now, the organization has expanded to the area south of Route 30 with a new club, which began serving residents of the greater Paradise area in October 2022. The Challenger Club at Calvary Monument Bible Church, 1660 Mine Road, Paradise, meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The club will continue to meet through April.

Martin said each club meeting begins with worship, followed by a Bible lesson and often a skit to enhance understanding of the lesson, and a memory verse. During small group time, participants work on a booklet, which can be taken home at the end of the year, focused on life application of the lesson. Martin shared that the lessons are structured to be more palatable to participants. "We write our own curriculum, and we are able to write in a way that we know has been successful in the past," she said. "Parents can see the growth in their kids when they see them understanding and answering questions. It's a different aspect that parents don't always see." Martin noted that parents may drop their children at the club or they are welcome to stay. "The respite piece is something we like to offer," she pointed out.

According to Martin, volunteers are needed to work with HVMI staff aiding participants at each meeting. "(Volunteers) may help with small group time or take part in the skit," she said.

The Bible clubs are an extension of HVMI's summer program, which provides uniquely designed camping experiences for individuals with disabilities. "A lot of places provide fun activities for adults with disabilities, but our goal is to focus on a Bible lesson," explained Martin, who added that many participants enjoy the club so much they cannot wait to return. "We have a girl who just moved (to the Paradise area) with her family, and she has come to every meeting," said Martin. "She was walking out the door after the last meeting, and she said to her mother, 'What's the date for the next one so I can put it on my calendar?'" reported Martin.

Readers who would like to learn more about HVMI may visit http://www.hvmi.org. Individuals who want to know more about volunteering or participation in a club may call 717-859-4777 or email mmartin@hvmi.org.