Bridge of Love
Special Needs Ministry of Amherst Baptist Church
 » Ministry Team
 

Tricia Doricko, Ministry Director

In 2003 our precious gift, Paul, came into the world with a medical diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Like any other parents, my husband and I were unsure of what all of this meant. We had a lot of questions about our son's future. One of those concerns was how to provide for Paul's spiritual needs and include him into the life of our church family. We soon realized we were not alone. We had many families attending our church whose lives were affected by disability. One of our Pastors helped to organize a meeting. Prayerfully, the LORD placed each of us on a journey that would lead to forming and establishing a special needs ministry within our own church. I am so grateful that the LORD has placed within me a love and compassion for all of His children. For several years now I have been privileged to serve as the Director of the special needs ministry we call "Bridge of Love".

Marilyn Foote-Kragbé, Ministry Team Member

My name is Marilyn Foote-Kragbé. God has blessed me with the spiritual gift to be a teacher in which I use on the professional level. I have been teaching for numerous years and have always been challenged to try to reach and teach children in a variety of ways.

On the personal level, I have raised a daughter and a great nephew who have serious reading dis-Abilities.

I believe, God has placed me in the right situation joining up with several others at Amherst Baptist Church to serve the members who are in need because of their dis-Abilities.

Brian Rosie, Ministry Team Member

Why I am involved in the Bridge of Love Ministry

I grew up in a family where my Mom was terminally ill with Multiple Sclerosis. As a result I know what it's like to grow up in an atmosphere where the focus is on the person with special needs. I feel it's also important to be aware of the needs of the other family members. This way we can make every effort to meet those needs. We want the rest of the family to know that they are welcome in the house of the Lord too and that we are here for them.

Angela Rupple, Ministry Team Member

This ministry has been on my heart for years, I am so excited to be a part of it. It all started when I was in college, I had a Tramatic Brain Injury, leaving me unable to walk or talk. I didn't have much of a future. God triumphantly brought me through a very long journey leading me to this point. I became involved with the Joni Eareckson Tada disability ministry outreach, serving each year at the family retreats. I have long desired to bring such a ministry to my church.

In 2005 we stepped out in faith and a group attended a Joni and friends conference to begin a disability ministry. The Bridge Of Love ministry then came to fruition.

Fred & Mary Kozak, Ministry Team Members

I have received an incredible blessing: God gave me my son Sam, who has autism. The power of God is manifest in and through Sam's life in a unique and beautiful way. With a pure heart and a natural faith, all things are possible for Sam. Though termed as having a "disability", Sam more accurately has a unique ability to accomplish God's purposes. Sam and others with disabilities are used to bless and serve us in special way. Through the "Bridge of Love", I have a special opportunity to serve in return; to give back to those who have unique needs, by extending my heart and lending a hand. "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:3

Other Ministry Team Members

Robert & Valerie Goodwill, Ken Rupple, Paul Doricko, John & Jan Clay, Debbie Carlini, and Dan Fragale

The Bridge of Love Special Needs Ministry Presented:

NICK VUJICIC
"Life Without Limits"

Thurs., Feb. 12th at the Eastern Hills Wesleyan Church

Click here for a review of the event