Here's a comment from Robert who was at Guardian Lutheran Church for Larry's recent speaking engagement......


It was SO good having you with us on the 9th! So MANY folks spoke with me in the days since then about how they were "touched" and "impressed" and "caused to think", etc. by your message and manner! That's the GOAL we set for our annual "Disability Awareness Sundays"....causing folks to get their "Christian awareness" fine-tuned! We thank God for you.....and your ministry!

Thank you, Lori!

The HHSM Board of Directors and Larry wish to thank Lori Wagner for her almost three years of dedicated service to this ministry as the Coordinator. She is a budding author (she has just released her third book) and she will now be moving into other areas of ministry as the Lord leads. Her creativity, skill and generous spirit were evident in all she did for us.

She especially was a great help in updating and computerizing the office, which included putting "The Hurdler" on-line in the form of a blog, as well as keeping up with Larry's schedule and all the various day-to-day work of this ministry.

Though we are sad to see her go, we are very excited to see how God will use her in the future and we pray His richest blessings on her life. Thank you again, Lori, for being a wonderful part of HHSM!

Larry and the Board

Joni & Friends Summit

Larry and Hurdling Handicaps Board Member Greg McDougall traveled to Chicago to participate in the annual Joni & Friends Summit. Larry and Joni pictured at left share a hug and a smile.

Following are some comments received from Summit attendees:

It was a privilege to be a part of this life-changing, spirit-filled conference. The speakers had such a profound impact on my heart. Words cannot express how this conference has changed MY life.

I got much-needed information to develop a disability ministry in my church. I needed this!

The dynamic speakers challenged my thoughts and beliefs and taught me how to engage in action. They demonstrated how a disability can be used in a positive way.

I learned that there is nothing you can’t do for a child for an hour to give the parents a chance to get filled back up with God’s Word!

Thank you for the sensitivity to a wide variety of issues, needs, and situations. The Summit was faith-filled and Spirit-led!

JAF Michigan Family Weekend Getaway

At the podium, Larry Patton addresses campers at the Joni & Friends Michigan Family Weekend Getaway. "We went to Joni & Friends to be spiritually fed," said Chris Kleimola pictured with her family in the boat, "and Larry provided spiritual food to us. He really gave an excellent talk on joy."

The Kleimola family was one of two recipients of the Bill & Sue Patton Scholarship Award from HHSM that provided funds for families with disabled children to attend the JAF camp. Chris reported that her family, James, David and Rachel, enjoyed fishing, the horses, and especially the pontoon boat, an event they could do together. The counselors provided wonderful one-on-one mentorship, pampering and support to campers.


The Don & Cindy Prince family also received a scholarship. The Prince family serves as JAF missionaries and were instrumental in bringing this first JAF retreat to Michigan. Their work blessed many disabled people and their families in Michigan. Their son Alan is pictured on the horse, and his brother Kody attended camp as well.

2007 Scholarships Awarded

Hurdling Handicaps presented two scholarships for families needing financial assistance to attend Joni and Friends camp this August in Michigan. Check back for photos and feedback.

2006 Bowl-a-thon

Hurdling Handicaps Board Member Bowls Remarkable 100 Consecutive Games

One of the sorest arms in the Detroit metro area has to belong to Gregg Fortune of Leonard, Michigan.

On Friday, August 18, 2006, Fortune achieved the amazing feat of bowling 100 consecutive games in only 7-1/2 hours. Rotating from adjacent lanes, Fortune took no breaks to sit down or eat and left the bowling alley with bleeding feet and fingers.

But it wasn’t a test of stamina Fortune was after. His accomplishment, along with the pledges and contributions of other bowl-a-thon participants, raised over $2,000 for a local ministry.

As a member of the Board of Advisors of Hurdling Handicaps Speaking Ministries, Fortune has taken an active roll in raising funds to see the work of this ministry develop and continue to help people in the Detroit metro area and across the country live above their disabilities and the obstacles in their lives.


Hurdling Handicaps was founded by Larry Patton over 20 years ago. Patton, who has cerebral palsy, speaks across the nation delivering his encouraging message of hope to people of all walks of life.

Proceeds from the bowl-a-thon are being designated to help the ministry establish a scholarship fund for individuals in the community that demonstrate a desire to overcome obstacles in a variety of areas.

Celebrating 20 Years!

October 14, 2005, Hurdling Handicaps Speaking Ministries celebrated 20 years in ministry. Guest speaker, Dave Dravecky, and Foster Braun, mc are featured in the photo with HHSM founder Larry Patton..

Larry's new book, "If He Can Do It, I Can Do It," was released at the event