“You get a line and I’ll get a pole!” They may not have fished out of a crawdad hole, but 341 Special Friends braved the 95 degree heat to experience the thrill of feeling that wiggle at the end of the line. The 6th annual Fishing Derby was held at Lake Willow behind the church and 262 registered “servants,” some from as far away as Indiana and Michigan, arrived to aid and assist the guests who experience various levels of cognitive and developmental challenges.

“Special Friends is a ministry that holds to the core value that all people matter to God,” explains Bob Mathein, event coordinator. “It is our goal to bring the knowledge of saving grace through the love and touch of Jesus to every individual, regardless of the degree of impairment.”

The Fishing Derby was an idea that originated at a men’s small group. The men wanted to provide a time of respite for families with special needs children. From its inception, the derby has grown to include not only families but group homes and various institutions across Chicagoland.

“The first year brought about the realization that the potential for outreach was extraordinary. Each year the circle expands as more families and individual groups are included.” For many guests, aides and volunteers who do not know Jesus, the Fishing Derby is a place where caring Willow volunteers act as the hands and feet of Jesus. “Every year, I am more convinced that this is as much an event for the volunteers as it is for our guests. Maybe more,” says Bob.

The success and inspiration of events such as the Fishing Derby has prompted Willow’s Special Friends Ministry to cast a vision for the future of a disabilities ministry at Willow Creek. “It’s time to chart a course of full disability inclusion for Willow to the degree that when you first turn onto one of our roads, you can feel the warmth of Willow’s arms around you,” says Bob.

To learn more about Willow Creek’s Special Friends Ministry, e-mail specialfriends@willowcreek.org