Connecting children to JCM
Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) developed the idea of streaming Worship at the Cross services online before COVID hit and churches shut down. The goal was to share God’s word with more individuals with developmental disabilities no matter where they were located.
Having an online option allows individuals to watch whenever it is convenient for them. Transportation or being close to a local program is no longer an issue.
As we at JCM continue to develop and adapt our online services, the impact has proved to be helpful beyond the original goal.
Shepherd Lutheran School, a K-8 school based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, selected JCM as the receipt of its mission offering for the semester. To share information with the students, Pastor Joel Gaertner, the national director of JCM, shared a variety of ministry information that is currently being displayed on a bulletin board in the school.
Information about the ministry was also shared during chapel services and discussed more in depth in individual classrooms. To provide students with a real-life example of JCM’s service, the students watched a recent streamed service.
“When we showed the videos, we had numerous students sit up in their seats and pay extra-close attention. It was neat how they seemed to see the reason for the ministry,” explained Dave Koester, the vacancy principal at the school.
In addition, the online videos have been used in a variety of methods for training within the JCM ministry. A collection of services is available on DVD for those who lack technology to watch online.
“We love discovering new ways for these videos to be used,” said Pastor Gaertner. “Although the video in this case resonated with the school, we are even seeing Sunday schools use the videos for their lessons. Just another way our tools are meeting the needs of various groups. The goal now isn’t specific to sharing the Gospel with those with special needs but with all of God’s children.”
In partnership with St. Mark Ministries, Worship at the Cross ONLINE services are streamed live on the second Tuesday and the fourth Sunday of each month on the JCM Facebook page. Previously streamed services are available on demand at myjesuscares.com.
When organizations, such as like Shepherd Lutheran School, choose to support JCM, our ministry greatly benefits. During the Christmas season, gifts inspire joy in the friends of our friends with special needs.