‘God’s Love Is Perfect’: DeWaine Ferguson finds purpose, community, and faith at Elevate Church

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — DeWaine Ferguson has never let his wheelchair, or his disabilities stop him from living with purpose.

“I’m just a normal guy that’s in a wheelchair,” said Ferguson.

Ferguson, who was born and raised in Mississippi, found a spiritual home at Elevate Church in Vicksburg in early 2019 or 2020. What started as a visit to a church service with a friend quickly turned into a calling.

“I started going to Elevate because a friend, Heather Calnan Sumners, invited me one Sunday,” Ferguson said. “I’ve been there ever since. It’s just been amazing, it’s changed my life.”

Over time, Ferguson became deeply involved in the church’s youth programs, working closely with Youth Pastor Preston Lanier.

“I started working with Preston after about six months, and I’ve been helping with the youth ever since,” he said. “Whether it’s Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights, I just try to help out however I can.”

Ferguson credits Elevate’s pastor, Robert Andrews, and his wife Amanda — who leads the nursery ministry — for cultivating a welcoming environment.

“One thing I love is that Elevate doesn’t judge anybody,” Ferguson said. “We’re a non-denominational church. We don’t care what your background is. If you’re looking for a place to grow in your faith, we’ll welcome you with open arms.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, but Ferguson said the church remained steadfast, offering online services and maintaining community outreach.

“We lost some people, but we gained some too,” he said. “Now, we’re seeing more people coming back. It’s just a blessing.”

Ferguson, who has cerebral palsy, has never let his disability define him. After he was born, his doctor told his mother that he would never be able to speak.

“Even though I’m in a wheelchair, that doesn’t mean I can stop. There’s nothing that you can do that that can stop you if you’ve got your mind to it,” he said. “You can do it. If you’re in a wheelchair like me, don’t ever say you’re not good enough, because you are good enough. You are God’s creation.”

On top of helping with youth ministry, Ferguson also works security during services, works as a greeter, and never says no if asked to help out.

“If I’m able, I’ll do it,” he said. “I hate telling people no, if they ask me I say ‘sure.’”

Ferguson said Elevate’s new church building is expected to open soon, possibly by Christmas. In the meantime, he invites anyone who’s looking for a spiritual home to visit.

“If you don’t have a church, or you’ve been away for a while, just come,” Ferguson said. “You don’t have to be perfect. None of us are. But God’s love is perfect, and He’s always there to pick you up.”

Watch DeWaine’s church testimony from 2021 below: