John records a powerful interaction between Jesus and a paralyzed man who had been by the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, for 38 long years. Jesus asks him, “Do you want to get well?” The man replies, “I have no one to help me when the waters are stirred.”

Likewise, Mark records the interaction Jesus had with five friends, one of which could not walk and was lowered from the roof grabbing the attention of Jesus who credited their collective faith for unleashing the spiritual and physical healing which was about to occur.

Both of these accounts are amazing examples of Jesus’ compassion, power and provision. But the story which happened in Caperneum, as recorded by Mark, should inspire us, the Church, to see the difference that community makes in the lives of kids and families affected by chronic illness and/or disability.

Not long ago, we met a family from Phoenix, AZ with two energetic teenage boys. Both boys in electric wheelchairs and diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. We asked their Mom, “Are you connected to a church or a youth group?” Her answer felt so familiar from so many others, “I was when I was kid but now, it is just too hard.”

Access Youth Ministry (AYM) was started to inspire the Church to step into the “hard.” To make youth ministry not only accessible but inclusive to kids, families and leaders affected with chronic illness and/or disability.

We are grateful that you have found AYM and pray you will join us in our many efforts and projects.

Don & Crissie Talley
Founders, Access Youth Ministry

Board of Directors

Mark Sawyer Dave Underwood Lee Talley Nathan Tibbs