In 1992, Mary Jane Ponten, a retired widow with cerebral palsy, and John Nix, a father of twin daughters with cerebral palsy, founded Mephibosheth Ministry to communicate to the churches, community groups and others the importance of reaching out to families affected by disabilities, to build a community of love, care and compassion.
Mary Jane became ill while traveling to Ghana in 2020, to celebrate the 16-th year anniversary of the school for disabled children Mephibosheth started. Greg and Carol Brown were her choice to take over the ministry.
Having worked along side of Mary Jane for over 15 years, Greg and Carol hope to honor what Mary Jane and John Nix began.
Meet David Brown, one of the toughest men I ever knew. My little brother born 11 1/2 years after me being the spoiled baby of the family. Our parents, Ralph and Helen Brown, knew from the start that David was special. Not because he had severe special needs, but of all the parents of the world, God trusted them with David. He was a gift from God, and they would honor God and give David back to glorify God as best of they could. In 1970 resources and opportunities were very limited, yet their local church embraced David and my parents with love and understanding. To say they were the exception and not the rule was a major understatement.
David was born with microcephaly which limited most of his physical functions, yet he was fully aware of all that went on around him. Needing complete care, my parents were his caregivers. Being part of a family of 6, David went everywhere we did, enjoying a full life. As a testament to our parents, David never spent a day in institutionalized care. He lived at home. My 2 older sisters took part in David’s care, I did not. As a teenager, who believed life revolved around him, David was a burden I chose to avoid.
I missed out on seeing the joy David would experience. His laughter was contagious and when you tried to sneak his least favorite food in during meals, he would let you know as only David could. Nearly every morning of his life, 50 and 1/2 years, David would wake up happy and laughing. Although he had the capacity to be negative, unless he was sick or you fed him Jell-O, laughter and joy was what David shared.
Ralph and Helen, along with Deborah and Suzanne, loved and cared for David. Me, I was indifferent at best. The dynamics of a family affected by disability can be harsh. Yet, the miraculous life changing power of the Holy Spirit is just that, miraculous and powerful. When David was about 25 years old, God asked me a simple question, “Greg, who communicates with David?” Shocked and surprised, I ignored the question. In His persistence, God asked again. By then my father had passed and Mother still cared for David. My answer was “Mother, she knows everything David needs.”
God’s response to me changed my life. “No Greg, I’m the only one who communicates with David and that’s the way I like it.”
At that moment I realized 3 things. First, my brother had a soul that was every bit as important to God as mine was. Next, although he had a paralyzed, atrophied body, it was bought and paid for with the same blood as mine. But it was that He communicated with my brother and liked it was what knocked me over. My little brother David, who never walked, talked or couldn’t even pick up a glass of water, just may have a more meaningful and deeper relationship with God than I did. I fell on my face in repentance for all of the animosity I had harbored towards this true gift from God.
So when I say my little brother was one of the toughest men I ever knew, I believe David knew who and what he was. In spite of his limitations, he enjoyed the gift of life God gave him. Yes, he needed the help of others, especially the family. Yet, every day was filled with laughter and joy.
God gave mankind 2 institutions, the church and the family. The family came first! It is the bedrock upon which all of life depends. His desire is to see both vibrant and healthy, regardless of the challenges they face.
That is why we at Mephibosheth Ministry are committed to see the local church embrace families affected by disabilities welcomed in to become a necessary part of the church family community.
One day I will be standing next to David enjoying that laughter of his for eternity!
Since founded, Mephibosheth Ministry has been active in over 28 countries, bringing the good news of hope and support available to parents, siblings, and families through their local church communities.
LORD, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and gave you something to drink? When did we see a stranger, and invite you in, or needing clothes to clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?
THE KING will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did it for me.'
