One of the most essential aspects of an individual's emotional and mental well-being is the sense of community belonging. After all, belonging to a community gives one a stronger sense of purpose and identity. This notion is especially true for people with disabilities who face challenges in breaking free from the biases, stereotypes, and discrimination that limit their self-determination and autonomy. Travis Wilson, a pastor for over 12 years, echoes the immense importance of community in his transformative journey toward providing spiritual support to people with disabilities.
Travis found his calling to do ministry work in high school while working with a therapist. He recounted, “During one of our talks, he asked me, ‘Have you heard of the story about a cat stuck in a tree waiting for someone to rescue it? Now, you’re like that cat. I believe that one day, you’ll be the kind soul to save it.” This confidence awakened something within the pastor, helping him determine the path toward fulfillment and higher purpose.
As a legally blind person since birth, Travis spent his younger years feeling lost and helpless, unable to perform mundane activities like visiting and hanging out with friends without help from others. It was only a few years ago when he embraced the idea of walking with a cane as he constantly wrestled with the thought of standing out, given that he was a victim of bullying in his younger years. “I always asked myself what it means for me, someone who is legally blind, to accept the reality of my disability. I don’t want to be different or do things differently. However, I realized that I must make the most out of what I can do and control instead of focusing on my physical limitations. Otherwise, I won’t be able to get anywhere and would just be stuck in perpetual feelings of helplessness,” Travis shared.
Finding renewed purpose, Travis left the corporate world as an inventory administrator and entered the Trinity Lutheran Seminary as an audio-visual student worker. In 2012, Travis dedicated his time to providing worship leadership and pastoral care and engaging in outreach missions as a pastor at St. James Lutheran Church in Michigan. The pastor now serves at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. At Peace Lutheran, members devote themselves to being a beacon of God's light and enlightening lives through acts of love and selfless service.
When asked about one of his most meaningful experiences in his journey, Travis answered, “As a ministry leader, I had the opportunity to be part of a hospital chaplaincy. I met a little girl of about eight years old with cancer in one of her eyes, which was soon to be removed. Our conversation that day is something I deeply treasure. Being able to relate to each other allowed me to provide her the emotional and spiritual support she needed during such a difficult time.”
The pastor furthers his mission by facilitating transformational discussions among a group of senior citizens who are blind or with low vision to share valuable insights into how to live a fulfilling life based on the values of self-determination, empowerment, dignity, and equality. In his ministry work, Travis employs an approach that champions inclusion and community.
Travis aims to pursue a doctorate and write a dissertation to give hope to people with physical, mental, emotional, developmental, cognitive, and sensory disabilities. The kind pastor concluded, "Ultimately, my goal is to spread the message that one's disability does not define them. We are our own persons who can make self-determined actions and decisions. Most importantly, I want everyone who experiences challenges to know that people are willing to go above and beyond to provide them the support they need."
For those who are interested in visiting the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church please visit the website HERE. The church opens its doors to all people regardless where they are in life or faith.
Media Contact
Name: Travis Wilson
Email: twilson@peaceinsouthhaven.org
Published by: Pathos Communications Ltd