1. Why did you choose the name Mephibosheth for your ministry?
We remember Old Testament story of David and Jonathon in the
Bible. Their relationship is at the heart of this ministry. David and
Jonathon made a promise to each other out of their deep love for each other.
If one should die and the other became king, the one who lived would take
care of the other man's family.After he was made king, David remembered his promise to Jonathon and
inquired about his friend's family. The only one who was left was Jonathon's
son, Mephibosheth. But there was a problem: Mephibosheth was lame in both
feet.David was encouraged to forget about Mephibosheth and leave him for the dogs
(after all, a "disabled person" couldn't be seen in the palace courts!), but
the king took compassion on Mephibosheth. Keeping his promise to Jonathon,
David brought Mephibosheth into the royal family. Mephibosheth, though
disabled, became part of the king's family. This sets the example for our
ministry. Our purpose is to bring people with disabilities into the church,
the Family of God through Jesus Christ.
2. What makes Mephibosheth Ministry unique in the field of disability ministry?
Mephibosheth Ministry is committed in following David’s example of mainstreaming people with disabilities in the local church. We do not want to set up or encourage time-consuming programs in your church. Instead, we want to help you find the right place for a person with a disability who has become a believer to serve Jesus in your church. We know from experience that people with disabilities would rather served than to be served, and our ministry is designed to help with that.
We believe we fill a niche that no other ministry provides. We have seen great strides in providing assistance to people with disabilities and their families with support, retreats, and sharing the Gospel. We applaud these ministries for their work and support them whole heartily, however, we see little in giving people with disabilities the opportunity to serve Jesus Christ. Our goal is to take it to the next level. James tells us that faith without works is dead, and we believe people with disabilities should have the privilege of living this verse out.
Another uniqueness in Mephibosheth Ministry has to do with our financial policy. Everyone in our ministry raises his/her on support. No one on staff takes a salary, and 100% of the money raised goes towards the person or project it is designated for. We trust the Lord to provide our running expenses.
3. Do you have a Board of Directors?
Yes, we have seven members on our board of directors that meets once or twice a year. A list is available at your request.
4. How large is your staff?
Over the years, we have grown from just a one-person ministry to inviting other associates to join in the ministry. We are based in Colorado Springs, but we have associates from all over the world join our ministry. Here is our current break down.
U S
Mary Jane Ponten – Executive Director
Tait Berge – Associate Director in charge of Church Relations
Bonnie Nakasuji – USC Associate – taking Occupational Therapy students to Ghana*
Vonnie Nicholes - ReceiptingGhana
Joe and Andrea Jehu-Appiah – Directors - Mephibosheth Training CentreTaiwan
Jeff Taguchi – Oasis Bread of Life Church – Taiwan contact personAs with all ministries, we use many volunteers throughout the year, to help with projects.
*We are blessed to have a working relationship with the Division of
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the Ostrow School of
Dentistry of the University of Southern California, whose fieldwork program
is headed by Jaynee Taguchi-Meyer, Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Bonnie
Nakasuji, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, heads up the level I fieldwork
group that goes to Mephibosheth Training Centre in Goma Ankamu, Ghana, West
Africa. The students get some of their first work experiences there. These
students get experience rather than merely observation of the work. It has
proven most successful.
5. How is Mephibosheth Ministry funded?
We are a faith-based ministry. Following Paul’s example we believe donors are essential. However, we choose the term partnership feeling that each one is a full partner in our ministry. As such we are all equally blessed by God. Each associate is responsible for raising his/her funds for projects. No administration fees are imposed.
6. Do you work with other ministries?
Yes. Mary Jane and Tait are Ministry Associates of Joni and Friends and have partnered with Friends of the Disabled Latin America.