Displaying items by tag: disability

People with disabilities come from many walks of life; they can be businessmen and women, professionals, manual workers or pastors; they struggle and need counsel; many are children at risk. People with disabilities need the gospel. Neglecting to evangelise these individuals means neglecting 1/7 of the global population. The church must be revitalised, not only to minister to, but also to equip, empower, and enable those with disabilities to engage fully in ministry and service. Current mission and church leadership must realise the reality that for the body of Christ to express itself fully in line with God’s design, the disabled must be involved as strategic ministry partners. Lausanne Global Classroom helps fulfil these goals, and seeks to inspire young leaders, established leaders, churches, organisations, and movements to understand the importance of disability concerns in all their ventures.

Church buildings house congregations with a variety of physical, mental and spiritual needs. We need flexible and creative approaches when planning a service, so that adults and children with disabilities are not overlooked. Reading isn't easy for those with learning disabilities, poor eyesight or declining comprehension.Pray for churches to explore fresh Bible translations like the Easy to Read Version for those with lower reading skills and comprehension, braille, or versions designed to help the dyslexic. Our churches can sometimes be loud during praise and worship for those with autism who could experience sensory overload. The teaching can be boring or confusing for those with moderate or profound learning disabilities. Pray for more personalised services that tell God’s story creatively just for them. Pray for congregations to help with the range of needs without splitting church families into types, abilities or tastes. See

Jared O'Mara spoke for the first time in the House of Commons, ‘I was elected a year ago as Hallam's first Labour MP but due to mistakes I made - for which I am truly sorry, I hurt a lot of people - I've been unable to speak in the House with confidence until now.’ He spoke of his pride in representing disabled people, as Parliament's ‘first autistic MP, with cerebral palsy and other disabilities’. He also spoke of what can be learned from the teachings of Jesus, although he considers himself ‘a man of science.’ He said, ‘Jesus was a man who forgave those who truly repented, and he shares my belief that our utmost human priority should be helping those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable amongst us.’ MPs usually gather around their newly elected colleague for maiden speeches, but Jared stood alone at the end of the rear opposition bench.