Every church needs at least one couple who have been through long-term, intense suffering and who continue to praise God for his goodness in the midst of their hardships. Families that include a child or children with disabilities benefit greatly from the wisdom of parents who have been there – and are still standing. Just knowing they exist God uses to bring hope to other families!
Bob and Mary Horning are that for Bethlehem in general and the Knight family in particular. Things just seem to happen around them. And they’ve been through the wars with their oldest daughter – dozens of surgeries related to her disability and any number of issues common to parents with disabled children. They understand what new parents are going through. Their generosity to other families experiencing disability seems endless.
And they both love Jesus. They are more than standing, they are joy-filled people because of what God has done for them.
The list of benefits we have experienced through the Hornings and their generosity would go on a long time, so I will limit myself to two:
- In 2004 we wrote the paper presented to the Elders that would result in the formal creation of the disability ministry at Bethlehem. Mary had already served a multiple-year stint as the volunteer disability ministry coordinator at that point. That ministry and that document would not have happened without their guidance and persistence and years of service.
- Their daughter, Krista, was an aide for my Paul for several years – personally providing access to worship for Dianne and me and demonstrating to the church that young people with disabilities have gifts of service that can and should be expressed.
And those are just the personal benefits we’ve experienced! The list of things they have done for or lead at Bethlehem would also go on for a very long time.
I know they won’t like me writing this; they will give all glory to God for everything said of them. And they will be right in doing so.
Still, their continuing example is good for us – first to encourage new parents experiencing disability that joy is still possible, that persevering and trusting in our sovereign God is right and wise, and that God will provide for all our needs. And for those of us who are following behind them, surprised to find ourselves in the ‘veteran parent’ role, their example of grace and persistence shows us how to behave in helpful, hope-filled, Christ exalting ways.
Bob and Mary, I know that many, many people will join me in saying, we are grateful to God for you!
The Works of God 
Thanks for this very true post, John. The Hornings continue to bless families living with disability at Bethlehem. They are always eager to be the hands and feet of Christ. I can’t even list all the ways they contribute. Also, Krista regularly prays for all of the families and the Disability Ministry volunteers. She also sends out encouraging notes. Brenda Fischer
I consider it a privilege to know the Hornings. They have a sensitivity to suffering that very few people have. They have wisdom and insight that only comes from the intense pain that they have experienced. Their ministry can also be described as merciful and thoughtful. And Krista is firm in her faith.
[…] gone through very hard things remind me that God is good and he can be trusted! She loves Jesus (as do her parents!), prays diligently, and is working on a book that I believe God will use to change lives and […]