Church Opportunities / Sponsor a Student
Several years ago, a man named Bill Ballou befriended a young man with fetal alcohol syndrome named Joey. When Joey was a junior in high school, Bill suggested that his parents take him to visit Shepherds College. Joey visited and said, "I don't want to go home!" He felt strongly that he belonged here.
In Joey's senior year of high school, Bill asked Joey's parents about their thoughts on sending Joey to Shepherds College after graduation. Joey's mom sadly replied that the tuition was out of their price range.
Bill reflected on their dilemma for days, then thought, "If a certain number of people each gave $1,000 a year for three years, we'd have the money to send Joey to Shepherds College!"
After contacting his church friends, within three weeks, Bill raised enough money to send Joey to college for all three years.
While Joey was here, he learned skills to hold a job and manage his finances. He learned to care for himself, his home, and his relationships. He grew in faith and love for others.
In 2014, Joey graduated, and God put every single one of his new skills to use. Joey's dad got very sick and needed to be placed in long-term care. His mom also was diagnosed with a debilitating illness and needed surgeries, hospital stays, and homecare. With the training Joey received at Shepherds College, he was able to maintain steady employment, assist his mother, and care for the home while she was away.
God knew what Joey would be facing and provided for Joey's upcoming needs through a loving and generous church family.
Do you have a young person with disabilities in your church whose life would be enriched by a Shepherds College education? Talk with your church family and see how God leads you.