Sparkle & Shine

Sparkle & Shine
by Kathleen Bass

Did you know that people with disabilities are considered to be one of the largest unreached people groups in the world for the Gospel? It is estimated that 16% of the world’s population lives with some kind of disability. We know from the gospels that Jesus loved and cared for people with disabilities— and we should too! How can we reach these families in our community who are touched by disability and don’t know Jesus? One way we can show them that God loves them is by celebrating them through the annual event Night to Shine!

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” – Isaiah 60:1

A major highlight this year for Dawson’s Special Needs Ministry was the opportunity to partner with Shades Mountain Baptist Church and host "Night to Shine." This unforgettable worldwide celebratory event is centered on God’s love, and honoring and valuing people with special needs. Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation and hosted by more than 800 churches around the world, February 7, 2025, was a very special night celebrating our friends with disabilities.

This event is Gospel-centered and focused on sharing God’s love with everyone in attendance. For the Birmingham event, there were 150 guests with special needs who attended the event, and 250 parents and caregivers who enjoyed an evening of respite, dinner, and entertainment. There were also more than 400 volunteers who made the event possible.

Dawson was able to partner with Shades Mountain in several ways to make Night to Shine happen in Birmingham. A few of these ways included helping to plan the logistics of the event, decorating the venue, as well as providing the many Dawson members who both volunteered and attended this special evening.

One unique way Dawson participated was by supplying gift bags for each guest who attended Night to Shine. These bags included a variety of intentional items along with handwritten notes. Each of the gift bags were packed by an awesome group of 11th grade girls from Dawson's Student Ministry during DNow this past January. They spent an entire morning writing encouraging notes, assembling the bags, and praying for each guest that would attend Night to Shine. We specifically prayed that God would use this night to reveal Himself to each person in attendance so that they would know they are loved by God and made in His image.

One of the most special parts of the evening at Night to Shine is when each guest is honored as a King or a Queen—the way that God sees them each and every day. The crowns and tiaras were a part of the bags that Dawson packed for each special needs guest.

Dawson’s very own Happy Class had the opportunity to attend the event together along with several of their leaders. Our “Happy Class” is one of our adult Life Groups made up of the happiest and sweetest friends you’ll encounter at Dawson. They also happen to be high-functioning, independent adults with disabilities. Most of them ride our bus to get to church on Sunday mornings. They attend the 9:45 a.m. service and sit in the front left section. You can’t miss their joyful noise!

In the weeks leading up to the event, the group was buzzing with excitement. They could not wait for their “Night to Shine!” On the evening of the event, the energy on the bus was electric with anticipation. Dressed in their best, they were ready for the awesome night that was ahead of them!

Upon arrival, they were each given a corsage or a boutonniere and met their one-on-one buddy for the evening. Their buddy escorted them for a special ride in a limousine or a fancy car, which took them straight to the red carpet. At the red carpet, each guest was cheered for, welcomed, and celebrated. Michelle Banks, a member of the Happy Class, gladly shared, “When I got there, the cheerleaders made me feel special!”

The rest of the night included dinner, dancing, karaoke, games, meeting Disney princesses, and a Gospel presentation. After the event, Michelle told me, “My favorite part of the night was getting to spend time with people with different abilities… I was reminded we can do anything through Christ... [the event] made me feel special and like I was loved by God.” Our class members and volunteers enjoyed this fun evening. One of our leaders, Jinnie Lacey, wrote after the event, “It was so special to watch our Happy Class and others enjoy a night just for them!” Another leader, Angela Smith, said, “My favorite part of Night to Shine is stepping back to watch the amazing and unique personalities of each guest fully on display. It’s a night for them to be celebrated for who they are and how God made them.”

A personal highlight of the night for me was when I walked into the karaoke room to see Thomas Campbell, James Sasser, and Kent Nunn singing “This Little Light of Mine.” Our Happy Class loves Jesus deeply and they love singing praises to Him. Their love of Jesus shone brightly at this event.

The Sunday morning following the Night to Shine event, several of the Happy Class members wore their crowns and tiaras to church because they wanted to remind everyone that we are all royalty in the eyes of God. They were proud to have been a part of this wonderful night celebrating the love of God.

Our Happy Class is certainly a very special part of our family of faith. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he reminds us that as believers, we are one body with many members in Christ Jesus. He goes on to say in verse 22 that, “The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” Praise God that in our weaknesses, He is strong. We are each indispensable members of the body of Christ, made in His image, and appointed for a purpose.

Night to Shine was a memorable night of celebrating God’s love for us—even in our weaknesses—and a reminder of the life that is to come. To see a glimpse of
Night to Shine is to see a glimpse of heaven where we will worship God unhindered, side by side with all nations, tribes, tongues, and abilities, for the rest of our days.

If you are interested in serving, we would love to have you join us at Night to Shine 2026 or even right now in our Special Needs Ministry. No experience or special skills are required to serve. Please reach out to kbass@dawsonchurch.org for more information.

Kathleen Bass serves as Dawson’s Associate Minister to Special Needs. She grew up in Vestavia and graduated from Samford University. Before coming to Dawson in 2024, she completed her Master of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School. Kathleen is passionate about engaging families touched by disability.