Darlene and I had an opportunity to attend a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. This was not ordinary ceremony. This ceremony opens the door more families with special needs to get the help they so desperately need. Yesterday Shawnee Mission Medical Center broke ground on the new B.E. Smith Children’s Pavilion.
This new facility will be the home to the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center. It will replace the aging former school they currently reside in. For those not familiar with the work of the Britain IDC, they provide therapies for children with special needs. They currently serve 200 families a week between the preschool, pathways autism program and the various therapy’s they offer. This new facility should provide the opportunity to serve more families in a state of the art facility.
For me, one of the most powerful times was when Doug Smith, whose father the center is named for, stood to speak. He had a short speech, but one that carried a powerful message. He took the crowd to Exodus 3: 1-5.
Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up?” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. “Do not come closer,” he said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” (Christian Standard Bible)
Mr. Smith told the crowd they were standing on holy ground. That really stuck with me. See, this was not simply another groundbreaking ceremony. This was a God moment. For me, it was a visual reminder that God is moving in mighty ways in the special needs community here in KC. A good vision combined with a hospital and donor who desire to honor God produced an amazing outpouring of love and support.
It caused me to stop and consider where God is calling me. A great dream of mine was rekindled yesterday. The dream had somewhat faded from the doubt the enemy casts. I had forgotten how big God is. Yesterday, He reminded me.
We have a great work still to do when it comes to reaching the special needs community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It will not be easy or quick, but it is possible. May God use us in a mighty way.
Life With Super D! 