“My own involvement started in 1990 as my church observed Disability Sunday. When I saw disadvantaged adults stand and sing, they struck my heart. It was like I heard God say, ‘Do this,’ and I did,” said Wampach, a professional teacher and curriculum writer. “I have volunteered with many disabled friends since 1991 and seen their need for safe friendships. Most have few social opportunities and little exposure to anything Christian. Churches and organizations generally overlook this untapped harvest field. We formed ForEver Friends to help meet those needs locally.”

ForEver Friends is interdenominational and meets on Thursday evenings at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. The group’s attendance averages 60 and entertainment includes bands, drama performances, ventriloquists, trained dogs performing tricks, and more. Members travel considerable distances to attend. The group disbands each summer but resumes in September, and new volunteer helpers are welcome.

Wampach didn’t set out to write a book, but through her years of working with developmentally-disabled adults, she created entertaining and effective Bible studies tailored to meet the spiritual needs of disadvantaged adults. Her tested and proven lessons were recently published as “Adventures of Zeke and Jimmy,” her first book in the You can teach, I can learn, Ability Bible Series. The book is illustrated by artist Cheryl Barr.

“This is an amazing project that grew into a book,” said friend Muriel Carlson. “It is thrilling to see this in print because we have seen it coming for a long time.”

“I am happy with the way everything has gone; only God could do this,” Wampach said.

The book’s official release and book signing, held June 12 at the Northwestern Book Store location in Maple Grove, was attended by many supporters.

“The book’s release gave ForEver Friends another reason to party,” Wampach said, “and party they did.”

Wampach gave appreciation certificates to those completing her class. Her handsome, mischievous terrier, Jimmy—the book’s main explorer and storyteller—performed tricks for the crowd.

“Jimmy was in rare form,” Wampach said. “He seemed to know he was a star.”

The Ability Bible Singers, a disabled adults singing group led by Wampach, sang hymns with gusto. The group favorite was “This Little Light of Mine,” and the singers demonstrated kindness in helping one another through the public program and enjoying refreshments later.

When asked what ForEver Friends means to them, member Esther Amundson said, “It is a very good Bible study; we like to read from Scriptures and ask questions. We could understand her stories very well.”

“I enjoy it because I get to learn more things and it was very quiet and peaceful in there and I like that,” Jenny Schultz, another member, said.

“It is our privilege to share the love of God with these gentle, appreciative people,” commented ForEver Friends Pastor Zach Gill. “They receive well. The Spirit of God in each of us is not disabled.”

“Adventures of Zeke and Jimmy” is a highly workable tool for sharing God’s promises with a seriously overlooked population, and its understandable lessons bear fruit. Even beginning teachers implementing its lessons achieve meaningful results, said volunteer Karen Frye.

“By the end of lesson two, one student understood the Gospel story enough to ask to receive Jesus in her heart as Savior,” Frye said.

Wampach is officially recognized as a Ministry Associate of Joni and Friends. She will work with Katy Thuleen from the Joni and Friends to prepare informational seminars for area churches interested in starting disability ministries.

Though Wampach will still work with ForEver Friends, she will also start a new ministry related to the Ability Bible Series. As Wampach’s book gains attention, may many more organizations like ForEver Friends spring up to provide persons affected by disabilities with Christian outreach and fellowship.


ACTION POINT:
For more information about “Adventures of Zeke and Jimmy,” visit www.abilitybibleseries.com, or contact Jane Wampach by phone at 763-533-6040.

The book will be available throughout the Minnesota State Fair at the Crossroads Chapel. Wampach will be there in person on Friday, Aug. 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and on Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To learn more about ForEver Friends, visit www.jrgministries.org or e-mail zdg1971@earthlink.net.