Outreach program for visually impaired marks anniversary

After wrapping up a successful kickoff year, Carolyn Fiedler said the Good Shepherd Outreach Center for Blind and Visually Impaired plans to continue to grow for years to come.

Fiedler, coordinator for the outreach program, said the nondenominational program works with visually impaired and blind people in Cape Girardeau and Jackson to share the light of salvation through Jesus Christ. They meet at 11:30 a.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Their first meeting was held April 28, 2010, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel, and they became the eighth outreach program for the visually impaired and blind in the state.

There were 13 visually impaired people who attended the first meeting, and since then, Fiedler said, their contact list has grown to 43 participants, ranging in age from late 30s to 80s.

They have been able to provide audio Bibles for participants through fundraising and funding from the Mission Outreach Board at Good Shepherd and plan to continue offering them as needed, she said.

"They all find it to be such a comfort to know they can all hear God's promises to them," she said.

A Bible study began two months ago and is held before each meeting. Fiedler said they will try to expand attendance.

Each meeting includes a meal, fellowship and social time or different programs of benefit for the visually impaired. Transportation is available through the center, and drivers are all volunteers from Good Shepherd.

The meals are funded by Good Shepherd's Mission Outreach Board. Six to eight church volunteers prepare them.

The program's main goal is to provide a place and opportunity for social interaction, she said.

"They can share about their visual impairedness or blindness and encourage one another," she said.

Nancy Stiegemeyer, a Cape Girardeau resident and participant in the program, said the social interaction is one of her favorite aspects and serves as a comfort for her.

"It's hopeful, in a way, to know that you're not alone," she said.

Stiegemeyer suffers from age-related dry macular degeneration. Her vision has steadily decreased, and while she is not completely blind, she describes her vision as "a little misty."

She said the programs benefit the visually impaired.

"It's just a good place to be able to go and get information," she said.

An anniversary event will take place today during the regular meeting at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel at 11:30 a.m. It will begin with a concert by the Saxony Luthern High School chamber choir, followed by a meal. The group will then hear from guest speaker Lisa Watts, Missouri coordinator for the Lutheran Blind Mission. The event is open to the public.

Fiedler said through continued expansion, they hope to reach all visually impaired and blind people in the area.

"We know there's a lot more," she said. "We just want to give them something to look forward to."

For more information about the program, contact the Good Shepherd Lutheran Chapel at 335-3974 or Fiedler at 204-8831.

rrolwing@semissourian.com

388-3654

Pertinent address: 1904 W. Cape Rock Dr., Cape Girardeau, MO