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The annual Luke 14 Party, celebrating people living with disabilities, will return for another year.

Luke 14 Ministries was formed as a non-profit organization in August of 2017. It was formed to provide clarity of vision, accountability, and efficiency for several ministries God was developing to serve people affected by disability, both locally and globally.

It hosts a unique banquet in Morristown where the guests of honor are those in and around the community with disabilities.

Guests enjoy themed exhibits and fun activities before sitting down to a delicious feast with entertainment provided by the community.

This year the party will return to Manley Baptist Church on April 28 and 29 with a Dr. Seuss theme.

The first day, is for children with disabilities and the second, Saturday, is for adults with disabilities. Families and caregiver are welcome to attend alongside their honored guest.

With every party, Luke 14 Ministries anticipates the community’s support to help the celebration be successful.

There are three ways the community can get involved and help with Luke 14’s party.

The first being through praying for the event and for its success in celebrating a community that tends to get overlooked.

“We believe in the power of prayer and we believe it is the best thing to have. As long as we have prayers everything will come together,” said Hayden Howard, Luke 14 Ministries Public Relations team member.

The second way to help the organization it through volunteering at the party.

“We need a lot of volunteers,” Howard said. “We have a large range of needs so you can come in do pretty much anything.”

The most needed assistance is through their Buddy Program, where volunteers will walk with party guest through the event and spend time with them.

“People will come in and work one on one with our guests and their families.” Howard said. “You will show them around, play with them and just give them a chance to relax and have a fun time.”

Howard explained what the day would look like for a buddy with their guest.

“We will begin the day with a team meeting to answer any final questions. Following that we will have a giant welcome with all volunteers to truly celebrate our guests. Then each buddy will be partnered with a guest and their family; the group will go through the church to visit booths and games until we have dinner a few hours later.”

There are other opportunities to help in the kitchen preparing meals or running an activity at the party.

“We have a party store, tables and booths that people can work if they don’t want to buddies,” Howards said. “We also make a giant meal for all guest at the end of the night that we serve to them and volunteers could help with that.”

“So there is so many different ways that people can step in and help this amazing event.”

The last way the community can help is through donations.

“If people in the community have Dr. Seuss decorations we would be more than happy to accept them and use them for our party,” Howard said. “If people want to donate financially they can do that to our website and we would greatly appreciate that.”

“Whether it be time or resources we will accept anything people are willing to give to our organization and our party.”

Howard discussed how she felt when she started with Luke 14 Ministries and explained how rewarding it is to work with organization.

“I was terrified and anxious the first time I volunteered,” Howard said. “It will bring you out of your comfort zone, but once you take that leap of faith and trust God and what he’s going to do it will change your life.”

“Taking that leap of faith is how I fell in love with the ministry and now I am a Special Education Major at East Tennessee State University because I have been working with Luke 14 Ministries for so long.”

“It’s just so rewarding to see the joy on those kids faces and seeing the parents have a chance to relax and let loose is a gift.”

To sign up as a volunteer or to sign up as guest visit Luke 14 Ministries’ website.