Gems and Jewels is a program for the special needs adults and children of our community, for the purpose of helping them to know that they are loved by us and are a blessing from God.  Originally this program was started by Dr. Jeff Smale (then of Elyria, Ohio; and currently pastoring in Cincinnati, Ohio) because he and his wife were blessed with a child that had special needs.  

Through this learning experience, the Smales decided to start the Gems and Jewels program.  In August of 2005, Dr. Smale came to Delaware, Ohio, to specially train a group of dedicated and willing workers of the Grace Baptist Church to start a similar program in our ministries.

In December of 2005, the Gems and Jewels had their first service. The ministry started out with five children, and it has seen amazing growth in so many ways. We now have adults as well as children attending our classes. Each week they hear new songs, a memory verse, do a fun craft, and are taught a Bible lesson to learn about Jesus. Members also get to see exciting things on special days, such as puppet shows and balloon magic. Gems and Jewels is a fun-filled and educational time that the children and adults look forward to each week.

We have a staff of trained and qualified adults that look forward to being a part of this ministry every week. Included on this staff is a nurse and a dietitian, as well as many others that will love and care for those that come each week.

Grace Baptist Church and the Gems and Jewels staff want you to know that we are fully dedicated to helping those that God sends us.