Ken Medema

Those who have taken piano lessons likely remember their first session. First learning the notes on the staff, then playing the right-hand melody, and eventually playing with both hands together. Now imagine playing piano without the ability to see. For musician and songwriter Ken Medema, this is all he's ever known.

Blind at birth, Medema's parents saw their son had an affinity for music at an early age. When he turned 8 years old, they found a piano instructor who could teach him using the Braille music system.

This year Medema celebrated the 40th year of his singing career. As part of that milestone, he recently stopped in Cape Girardeau for a benefit concert at Centenary United Methodist Church. Concert proceeds will assist in funding the church's youth and adult summer mission trip to Joplin, Mo. The group will be assisting in the ongoing recovery from the devastating tornado that ripped through the city in May.

Ken Medema is inspiring. His can-do attitude and willingness to share a great musical talent should be an example to us all to reach out to others using our own God-given abilities. Thank you to the mission team at Centenary, as well as the many others in the area, for doing just that as they support the people of Joplin.