As the mother of a young girl with developmental disabilities, Lawanda Burkett prayed that her daughter Connie would be able to comprehend Bible lessons and sit through church. Her prayers were answered over 20 years ago, through Alison Chestnut Gromer, a young woman with a vision. Alison’s vision was to create a ministry where persons with developmental disabilities could be accepted while learning about Jesus. Alison approached Ted Nissen, Colonial’s senior pastor at the time, who agreed to pioneer this outreach through the church. In a few years, Alison organized a ministry for persons with developmental disabilities based on the mission of teaching the love of Christ. Today, much of our structure remains the same, though now we meet at both campuses, with groups designed for adults with developmental disabilities. These Stars learn God’s mission for their lives, and serve others in the process.
Register for any Abounding Love gathering, contact Mindy Loparco, 816.502.3020 or email.