‘One big happy memory’ — 25 Years of JCM
When the Lord inspired volunteers in the greater La Crosse and Onalaska area of Wisconsin to start a Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) program, He provided all the things they needed to make the special needs ministry a reality — teachers, supplies, facilities, a bus to carry students.
In 2016, “Coulee Region” JCM celebrated 25 years reaching out to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and the community through Bible study, worship and fellowship. More than 110 individuals attended the celebration hosted at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Onalaska, which included a service, dinner and program.
“It’s just one big happy memory,” said Lee Robbert, a founding volunteer of the Coulee Region JCM along with his wife, Lois. “It’s been close to 20 years since we moved away, but when we walked in the building for the 25th anniversary celebration, several students remembered us. Michael came running up to us just like he used to on Monday evenings.”
At the time of its start in 1991, Coulee Region was one of four JCM programs. Lee was serving with the Special Ministries of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, where he heard about JCM programs in the Milwaukee area. He and Lois had a special place in their hearts for disability ministry, and wanted to start something close to home.
Many talented educators, pastors and volunteers helped the new program run smoothly. With 10 teachers and about 15 students every week, they hosted Bible study and followed a simplified catechism, basically the same format they follow today — with fellowship as a highlight.
In 2003, Lee retired after 40 years in the teaching ministry and moved to Manistique, Mich. All the while, active volunteers and faithful participants kept the JCM program going with the help of JCM Consultant Bill Truebenbach, who works with The Lutheran Home Association.
Today, Mimi Richmond leads the Coulee Region JCM. Her mother, Elizabeth “Bette” Sebald, helped lay the foundation of today’s Jesus Cares Ministries in 1985, and Mimi got involved at Coulee Region about five years ago. Her brother, Peter, was a participant in the initial Jesus Cares group in the ‘80s.
“Jesus Cares has helped a lot of people, and I’m very thankful to be part of it,” Mimi said. “We have wonderful students, and it’s important that everybody knows about Jesus and their need for forgiveness.”
About a dozen volunteers serve 40 people, including participants, caregivers and family. Two original participants, Michael and Jenny, still attend. The group has Worship at the Cross and Bible study, and sings at different congregations in the area and at Luther High School’s Heidelberg Fall Festival, a longstanding tradition for the JCM students.
In Bible study, the students are working on memory treasures to memorize passages from scripture.
“One of the most exciting things for me is when I ask them for a verse for a certain situation; they’ll raise their hand and be able to quote scripture,” Mimi said. “It’s a blessing to know they can use the Word of God to help them in their daily lives.”
Shine your light by volunteering with a local JCM program. Find a program near you by calling 920-517-0381 or visiting our “Locations” page.