Story of the Week: A Place To Belong

Nancy shares what Access has meant to her and her family

When Nancy Ferguson's son Stephen was born nearly 60 years ago, she and her husband were overjoyed to welcome their third child into the family. Then came the unexpected news.

Doctors confirmed that Stephen had Down syndrome. Before they left the hospital, a nurse suggested they place him in a state institution.

At the time, that was common advice. Society's hopes and expectations for people with disabilities were painfully low. But Nancy and her husband had different ideas: "We just said, 'He's God's gift to our family. We're taking him home.'"

LOVE IS THE WAY

Doctors told the Fergusons there wasn't much they could do beyond loving Stephen. Looking back, Nancy believes that may have been the most important advice they received.

"Love is really the important thing in all of our lives," she shares.

Nancy prayed for healing. Like many parents, she researched every piece of information she could find, hoping to discover something that would change Stephen's future. Over time, God gently reshaped her prayers.

Nancy puts it this way: "We learned through our experience that we accept God's will. Whatever God's will is, that's what we want."

SHOWING UP

Along the way, the local church where the Fergusons lived in Missouri became one of God's greatest gifts to their family. Nancy and her husband served faithfully in ministry to children and adults, but what she remembers most isn't a program or event. It's the people who showed up.

One couple brought over ice cream after Stephen was born. Simple acts like this reminded Nancy that her family wasn't alone. More importantly, they reflected the love of a God who knew Stephen completely and delighted in him.

As Stephen grew, so did his faith. At a young age, he trusted Jesus and was baptized. Today, at 59 years old, one truth continues to shape nearly every prayer he prays: "Thank you that I am your child."

Nancy knows full well God’s unfailing love for her, and she longs for others to experience His love, too. There is no greater joy for Nancy than hearing her son confidently proclaim who he is in Christ.

THAT’S THE CHURCH FOR YOU

After Nancy's husband passed away in 2010, she moved to Colorado Springs to be closer to family. Her son encouraged her to visit Woodmen.

"He said, 'That's the church for you. They have a senior program, and they have a special needs program,'" Nancy recalls.

Nancy was thrilled. Finding a church that cared for her was a blessing. Finding one where Stephen would truly belong was even greater. From the moment they arrived, she experienced the same kind of love and community that had carried her family for decades.

Nancy says, "The love of God was shown immediately."

A TENDERNESS TOWARD GOD

Today, Nancy serves as a ministry partner with Woodmen’s Access ministry, while Stephen participates in the adult class at Rockrimmon. Access aims to provide opportunities for kids and adults of every ability to participate in the life of the church.

Every Sunday in Stephen’s class begins with worship alongside the rest of the church before the class gathers to study scripture, pray together, and encourage one another. Students build friendships, celebrate birthdays, learn about God and grow in their faith together.

"They care for each other," Nancy says. "They know each other's abilities. They're respectful of one another, accepting of one another and they have such a tenderness toward God."

Access provides one-on-one buddies who faithfully walk alongside participants each week, helping them engage in worship and build meaningful relationships. Several times each year, the ministry also hosts respite events, giving parents and caregivers a few hours of rest while class members enjoy a fun evening in a safe, loving environment.

A CHILD OF GOD

For Nancy, those ministries communicate something every family longs to hear: "Your child is important. They're important to God, important to the church and they're loved."

Just as meaningful are the relationships formed between parents and caregivers who understand one another's journeys. Nancy says, "They support each other because they know what everyone is going through."

If you ask Nancy what ACCESS has meant to Stephen, she smiles. Sunday is the one morning each week Stephen eagerly jumps out of bed.

"Sunday is his favorite day," she smiles.

For Nancy, that excitement is about much more than a class. It's the joy of watching her son walk into a place where he is known, loved, and reminded every week of the truth he already believes with all his heart: He is a child of God.

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