I’m CSPC member Megan Hubbard. Here’s how I’m living deeply.  

“For nine months, I knowingly disobeyed the Lord. I heard [CSPC Director of Special Needs Ministry] Mary Kendall Akers stand up in church and share about the opportunities to serve with the Special Needs Ministry, and it was in that moment when God began prompting my heart.  I heard the Holy Spirit immediately whispering, ‘This is something you should do.’ But instead of obeying, I went home and started making a list of reasons why He had the wrong person. Before I continue the story, let’s take a step back- because it’ll be helpful for you to understand where I was coming from. My husband Jared and I had been at a smaller church before CSPC where we were deeply involved. We loved serving, but after years of both carrying multiple responsibilities, because a smaller church means fewer hands, we were tired. When we joined CSPC, we slipped into the back right corner of the balcony and stayed there (you’ll still find us there today). We truly felt God was calling us to a season of rest. So, when Mary Kendall spoke, I knew He was saying it was time for that season to end. I wish I could say I was obedient immediately, but instead I basically told God, ‘I think you have this wrong.’ I’m a licensed Elementary teacher with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, but felt so ill-equipped to work with children with disabilities. The enemy, of course, was right there with his lies: ‘You’re busy. You’re already serving in the nursery…that’s enough. You have no experience.’ And I listened to him for nine months. Then God decided He was done being subtle with what He was calling me to do.

I suddenly started seeing Mary Kendall everywhere. And I mean everywhere. She spoke at the Women’s Advent event and talked about what happens when God keeps putting something in front of you repeatedly. Christmas Eve, she handed us our candles for the candlelight service. The list of ways is exhaustive and some hilarious. But it wasn’t just Mary Kendall that God used. I also began having unexpected encounters with people with special needs. One day at my daughter’s basketball game, I felt a hand reach out and grab me as I walked through the gym. I turned to see the sweetest child with Down Syndrome smiling up at me. That moment stopped me in my tracks, literally. Experiences like that kept happening, and each one felt like another reminder of what God was asking me to do. After months of this, I ran into Mary Kendall at a party our daughters both attended and finally introduced myself. She had no idea God had been orchestrating all of these ‘Mary Kendall Moments,’ as I like to call them, so afterward I asked if we could meet. Over coffee, I told her everything- the ways God seemed to be calling me, my disobedience, and all the moments that kept pointing me back to the special needs ministry. I even said, ‘You might not have a need for me, and that’s okay. I just knew I needed to be obedient and have this conversation.’ She looked at me and said, ‘Megan, you have no idea how much I need you right now.’ She told me about Archer, a young man who had recently started coming to CSPC and needed a buddy during Sunday school. She had been praying for someone to fill that role. Then she asked if I would also consider buddying with another child on Wednesday nights- a little boy named Theo who needed support to participate in KSG. I laughed and said, ‘Are you kidding? Instead of wandering Home Goods while my daughter Mary Taylor is at KSG spending money I don’t need to spend, I’d love to do that.’

Archer is 15 and heading into high school. He has a rare peroxisomal gene disorder, is legally deaf, blind, and uses a wheelchair. Despite the challenges he faces, Archer never lets his circumstances slow him down. He loves being in the middle of everything, and joy overflows from him in a way that is contagious. When I buddy with Archer on Sundays and at Buddy Blast events, I help by being his eyes and ears. Through him, God has given me a deeper appreciation for my own senses and taught me empathy in ways I never could have learned otherwise. He’s also taught me the importance of choosing joy regardless of circumstances. One of my biggest fears when I began buddying with him was the communication barrier. He has cochlear implants, and his mom, Ashley, explained that developing language takes time. It has been incredible to watch him find his words. On my birthday this year, he looked at me and said, ‘Happy birthday!’ I told my family, ‘Nothing can top hearing those words from Archer today.’ God has been so gracious in helping me learn how to communicate with Archer. His mom often jokes, ‘You speak Archer now!’ A treasured language for sure. My other buddy, Theo, is heading into third grade. He is energetic, joyful, and always on the move. Wednesday nights at KSG rarely involve much sitting still. There have been evenings when I’ve arrived exhausted, wondering if I had the energy to keep up with him. Then I see Theo’s face and remember Philippians 2 and Christ’s example of pouring Himself out for others. Jesus was asked to do far more than something uncomfortable or inconvenient. He willingly gave everything for us. I’m simply being asked to run around a church gym, sing worship songs, and listen to Bible stories with an amazing kid. Buddying with Archer and Theo has never felt like a sacrifice. It has been one of God’s sweetest blessings and a privilege to worship beside them.

I realize I’m the one sharing this story, but it’s really not my story at all. I thought God was calling me to serve Archer and Theo, but they are serving me. Through them, I’ve seen Jesus in mighty ways, because of the joy, light, and authenticity in them that cuts through the noise of this world. I’ve also had the privilege of getting to know their families. Archer’s mom, Ashley, often says, ‘We don’t have family in town. Our church family is our family.’ Because of these buddy relationships, I’ve been able to walk alongside their families, pray for them, and share in both challenges and celebrations. One of those celebrations came this spring when my daughter, Mary Taylor, and I attended the presentation of Archer’s Make-A-Wish gift- a golf cart. As I rode around with him, I found myself thinking, ‘How did I almost miss this?’ When I look back, I can clearly see how God has used this ministry to grow my compassion, deepen my humility, and give me relationships that far outweigh any earthly reward. One unexpected blessing has been watching God stir a love for people with disabilities in Mary Taylor. Through Buddy Blast and friendships with Archer and Theo, she has developed a heart for this community and was thrilled to sign up to volunteer at this summer’s Joni and Friends Family Retreat. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: When God keeps placing something in front of you, don’t assume you’re the wrong person. Don’t let excuses convince you that you’re too busy, unqualified, or unprepared. Why would God call you to something He wasn’t already preparing you for? I spent nine months arguing with God about this calling. Thank goodness He never gave up on me. What He had waiting on the other side of my yes was beyond anything I could have imagined.”  

For more information about serving in CSPC’s Special Needs Ministry, contact Mary Kendall at marykendall@cspc.net.