September 2025

Creating spaces of welcome and belonging

Dear Hephzibah62:4 Friend,

Up to 20% of the global population is estimated to be neurodivergent, meaning they differ in mental or neurological function from what is considered typical.

Culture Life Wesleyan Church, a Hephzibah62:4 partner in New Jersey, sees this reality as a discipleship opportunity. They recently took their church's local commitment to provide spaces of belonging for kids with special sensory needs to the next level.

Seven years ago, Culture Life's Pastor John Gaines began taking mission teams to serve a church in Arroyo, Puerto Rico. Inspired by the needs of the local pastor's grandson who has autism, and several others in the church with significant disabilities, this year the team used their congregation-funded Hephzibah ministry budget to design and outfit a special sensory room for those already present and for others who they will welcome into their church. See a glimpse of the room's transformation below.

"We believe every child carries the image of God and we are called to affirm their worth, stand up for justice and create spaces of belonging where healing begins and hope is restored. Through tangible acts of love, advocacy, and presence, we become living reminders that God sees them, delights in them and has not forgotten them." – Culture Life Church, NJ

On a denominational level, we are excited to partner with Next Gen to sponsor a Hephzibah62:4 Calming Space at the upcoming Empowered Tour sites. This Calming Space has been designed to provide a place of welcoming and belonging for teens and young adults with special sensory needs stemming from disabilities like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and many more.

Please pray with us, that growing intentionality will open up new opportunities for the gospel of Jesus to be received in the lives of vulnerable children and their families, for transformational impact.

Jodi and team

P.S. Interested in diving deeper? Check out the great resources from Baylor University's Collaborative on Faith & Disability.

Leave a legacy of Kingdom building and transforming the lives of vulnerable children by including your local church and Hephzibah62:4 in your ESTATE PLANNING.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

Hephzibah62:4 Calming Space

Hephzibah62:4 is partnering to help make Wesleyan Next Gen events welcoming for everyone, including those with special sensory needs.

Visit our Calming Space at the Empowered Tour sites in North Carolina or Michigan! 

Cohort: The Intersection of Sexuality, Gender, & Vulnerable Children

A 4-week online cohort facilitated by Zach Coffin, a sought after coach because his practical theology approach empowers leaders to walk in grace and truth. Space is limited, with priority given to Hephzibah62:4 partner churches.

Begins October 28. Find more info and register here.

Pure Religion Sunday

On or around November 9, join with churches across the globe committed to live out their church's unique calling to care for vulnerable children and families while growing closer to Jesus as his disciples.

Get your FREE Field Guide and register your event here! En Español.

SAVE the DATE!

We will return to Washington, D.C. next spring for the incredible Disability & the Church Conference. Join us there April 21-23, 2026 and become better equipped to care for families impacted by special needs in your church and community. Grants available for qualifying partners.

Learn more here