I grew up in a unique family of seven, my father was a preacher’s kid and engineer, and my mother was a teacher. We moved every three years, which made us strong in character and faith. Dad led us spiritually, and we were always involved in church. I was saved at 12 at a children’s Christian camp. While there, we focused on our relationship with God more than I had previously and I accepted Jesus as my Savior.
Later I joined the Air Force, and when released from active duty, I moved to California to escape the cold weather. After a degree in Fashion Design didn’t take me far, I pursued an Adapted Physical Education (APE) career. My father became blind in his older years. Our love-bond was so strong, two hearts that beat like one. I helped him as much as possible. That experience gave me extra compassion to help children stay fit while having fun, and by treating them as small models of my dad.
I taught the Sonshine Class at RHCC six years for adults with disabilities while teaching APE. It was modeled after the Shepherd's Class here at Lake! When I moved nearby 12 years ago, I jumped into the Shepherd's Class, because I felt at home. I needed their family, because my relatives are across the country. I helped Rex and Maybelle Parks with the Shepherd's Class. When they retired, I took over as class leader. We’ve grown in traditions such as class newsletters, annual Camp Day and small-group visits to the Parks. I love serving God in this capacity! I also serve in a community prayer ministry, am in Evening Break and a cell group. I strive to serve the Lord with my whole life, and the Holy Spirit challenges me to go deeper in Almighty God.
While teaching APE, I was disabled after three injuries. Being limited to bed rest was rough on me. So I laid there and prayed, forced myself to shower, fix meals and do essentials that left me sobbing in intense pain. I went to many doctors and did their exercises. Gradually, my body improved. Eventually I realized I could lie down in the balcony and listen to the service. My friends, family and I prayed for healing as they helped me do the tasks I couldn’t. Eventually I could sit long enough for church, and teach the Shepherd's Class again. Being disabled, I have more empathy for everyone. Maybe God allowed these injuries to make me a better person. Sure, I went through spells of depression, anxiety and being unable to cope. But God pulled me through it, an hour at a time. I have a better life now within my limitations. I praise God, because He brought me through it, and for His glory!
Presently, God is teaching me to be more intimate with Him, to follow His Will more intentionally, and to draw others to Him. On a side note, I love Lake - it is my home church. Pastor Greg and the other pastors are right on, along with friends who help me along the way.
In conclusion, I am grateful to God that I am alive, and as able-bodied as I am. Little things don't matter once we're gone. The uncomfortable experiences strengthened my conviction in Almighty God, and made me a better person. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I believe this to be my life verse for this season in my life.
Carol has been involved at Lake in many ways. She attends Evening Break and has been part of the Shepherd's Class for 13 years. Carol was in HopeKeepers for nine years, which helped her a lot. She attends the Missionary lunches and supports missionaries as God enables. She also helped with VBS for the first time this summer and enjoyed it. We celebrate Disability Ministries this weekend. We hope you can join us!
The Disability Ministries serve to bring the message of the gospel to people with various disabilities through the Shepherd's Class, braille translations and signing the worship service. To find out more about Disability Ministries: Beyond Barriers webpage. For questions contact Pastor Bill Mead at or call 626.817.4882.