We’ve been doing some listening lately. And in that listening we have heard powerful things. As The Banquet Network is working to develop a training on disability for international missionaries, we’ve had the opportunity to listen to people with disabilities, across the world, share with us what they want missionaries to know
Read MoreAs sweet as he is and as challenging as he can be at times, I typically respond in a way other parents comment on as patient, loving, and admirable. Well that wasn’t the case yesterday. Despite the things I’ve been taught yesterday I struggled to put any of it into practice. It didn’t seem to matter what I had been taught in school or what I had learned in parenting class. Lessons from my Autism support group and techniques from ABA weren’t helpful.
Read MoreLoneliness kills. But the gospel saves. It rips us out of our isolation from God, restores us to Him, and places us into a family of the fellow redeemed. We will never be alone. And God wants to use us to make that true for millions of others too. So throw a banquet. Invite people to Jesus. Be a friend. Because the gospel has defeated loneliness now and forever.
Read MoreOne implication taught through this parable is the inclusionary nature of the Kingdom of God. Those who are marginalized by society because of disability find themselves welcomed by the Master. This story challenges the church today to model a similar acceptance in a cold and calculated culture where value and significance is measured by appearance and contribution. These measurements leave those who have a disability feeling unwelcomed and alienated. I believe a church that takes seriously this mandate will engage in three important practices.
Read MoreNobody enjoys trials and suffering, however in this book, Dave Furman reminds us how we can trust God’s sovereign hand amidst them and live as Spurgeon quoted, “I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages”. Furman, who shares his own story as a missionary who suffers with a disability, helps build a theological foundation in understanding what it means to kiss the wave.
Read MoreIn March of 2008, a devastating outbreak of tornadoes destroyed parts of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metro area. Sometime in the middle of the night I heard the sound of tiny feet racing across the wood flooring in our home. Our oldest son, who was around two years old at the time, opened our door and jumped into our bed. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Daddy there’s a tiger outside my window!”
Read MoreOctober is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and of course we want to emphasize the capabilities of our friends with disabilities in the workforce, but we particularly want to emphasize their part in the Body of a local church and how you can come alongside them. We want to help you and your church grow in understanding the needs and roles people with disabilities can have in your church!
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