A Dad's Story

The Need, The Ministry, And the Challenge



by Darryl Orrell


Darryl and Lynn Orrell are parents of Mr. Josh Orrell, the young man (in all three photos) with certain disabilities, many similar to ALL young men who push their way through life. Darryl used these notes to speak at a Capernaum Business Breakfast on March 4, in Chesapeake Virginia at the Broken Egg Bistro.


THE NEED

My wife and I struggled for some time attempting to locate a church that could minister not only to our spiritual needs, but also for our son – Joshua - who suffers from an unknown intellectual disability. We soon discovered that churches were simply ill equipped - and in some cases seemingly unwilling - to accommodate those with intellectual disabilities in the sharing of God’s word. Sadly, this remains a huge obstacle in many of our churches today.

Now I specifically cite “Intellectual” disability because nearly all churches have accommodations for those who are physically challenged, but the vast majorities are missing the mark when it comes to ministering to those who are intellectually challenged… Eventually my wife and I became discouraged in our search and quit all together.

THE MINISTRY

A few years later, through my son’s best friend, we discovered “Young Life – Capernaum” and at first, we simply viewed it as a nice social event for our son to attend. However, in time, we began observing subtle yet obvious changes in his personality – changes that took him from being a shy recluse young boy and turning him into the outgoing and socially active young man he is today.

Moreover, we observed that he and his friends were being exposed to God’s word on a level of understanding commensurate to their intellectual abilities. Even more profound was these rather simplistic spiritual messages were also penetrating the hearts of parents and caregivers alike, and they certainly served as inspiration to my wife and me moving us towards rededicating our lives to serving Jesus.

We began a family bible study and working in concert with “Young Life – Capernaum” and our newfound church, Joshua accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior last summer, and we praise God for the blessing of His grace. Joshua along with several of his Capernaum friends, their parents, and even caregivers were all baptized at the Virginia Beach oceanfront the following week during Capernaum Surf Camp.

Turning out to be an auspicious event, Surf Camp took place during the height of summer with tourist and locals alike stopping in amazement to watch these baptisms being performed, and we can only wonder how many were inspired that day to re-examine their hearts and reconcile or begin a relationship with Jesus Christ, but God certainly knows!

“Young Life – Capernaum” plays a vital role in our community! It not only provides young people with disabilities an environment of – open acceptance - blanketed with fun…, adventure…, friendship…, and challenges that build self-esteem…, but most importantly it provides a network of spiritual mentorship that enables them to learn of God’s love and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Thus in knowing they have God’s supreme acceptance – empowers them to then confidently challenge…, endure…, embrace…, and even forgive society for all its… fallacy regarding those with disabilities.

THE CHALLENGE

In closing, I would like to share with you something the great Apostle Paul once said. He said, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”

Your financial and prayer support can easily answers those questions by ensuring the ministry of “Young Life – Capernaum” continues to move forward and share the Gospel with not only those having disabilities, but with everyone who comes forward so they too, may call upon the Lord in whom they believe.

Indeed, our nation is facing some tough economic challenges and investments are risky, but this is a risk-free “Kingdom” investment guaranteed to yield returns beyond any worldly gain. Not only for those you bless by giving, but also for yourselves because Jesus said, “Truly I say unto you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” I challenge each of you to search your heart and make a “Kingdom” investment today by supporting this much-needed ministry… Thank you and God bless.