Cemipre -
Presbyterian Ministry Center

Enabling and Giving Hope to the Differently Enabled

I'm John Rug, MTW missionary, General Director of CEMIPRE and founding pastor of Grace and Peace Church (currently mission status). You will find lots of information on this Website that will give you an idea of what the Lord is doing at the ministry center and the church. Both these entities are closely related. For now, let me explain a little bit about what makes us tick.

Matthew 4:23 (NIV) says, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." In a word, Jesus preached, and did miracles, something his disciples were expected to take seriously as they followed in his footsteps. 

For us to take seriously what it means to be Christ's disciple today, , we are confronted with the fact that miracles don't always happen. While some blame the potential beneficiary of the miracle saying that he or she just doesn't have enough faith, others write off the significance of Jesus' ministry of miracles and miss out on an exciting practical application in what should be part of the Church's ministry in any day and age. 

In the New Testament, the miracles clearly pointed to Jesus as the Christ (Messiah, anointed One) and also show God's heart of compassion. Herein lies the application for us: Even if we do not see a miracle take place, we can still do things that are in keeping with the spirit of them. We'll come back to this point in a minute. 

When the deaf were healed, they also knew how to talk--likely doing so with the accent of their parents, though they might have never heard them speak before. When the lame man was healed at the Gate Beautiful (Acts 3cc6-8), he didn't have to go to physical therapy. He was quite able to walk and leap. The point is that the miracles undid the effects of the disabilities and diseases of those who were healed. 

What can we do in keeping with the spirit of the miracles? Precisely this: Roll back the effects of the disability as much as possible in Jesus' name. In doing so, even without a miracle taking place, I am witness to the fact that Jesus is shown to be who He said He was, and God's compassion is highlighted. This certainly enhances our opportunities to proclaim Christ to both those with disabilities as well as to those with no apparent disability. 

How can we minimize the effects of blindness, for example? Blindness hampers one's ability to read and get around, among other things. By learning Braille and adaptive computer technology, illiteracy is virtually eliminated. Learning to use a cane or work with a dog guide enhances the blind person's ability to get from place to place. 

How do we do this in Jesus' name? By assuring people with disabilities that they are no less made in God's image than others. What's more, the fact that Christ shed his invaluable blood for all who trust in Him, lends a dignity to people who are often ignored or looked down upon in society. This combined with Braille, sign language, wheelchairs and much, much more help to minister in keeping with Jesus' miracles. A Christian person with a disability is also responsible to use his/her talents and gifts for the Lord. 

My wife, Cathy, and I hope this website proves to be an encouragement to you and that it stimulates all of us in our walk with Jesus!