Remembering the disabled
After publishing Peter Avery's article on God and the disabled in Briefing #341 (February 2007), Melissa Magee from Marsfield and Mel Fung from St Ives both wrote in to say thanks, and to tell us about the ministries to people with disabilities that they are involved with. For many years, Melissa has helped run WROK (Wheelchairs Rule OK!), a camp that Anglican Youthworks holds for youth with varying needs and disabilities. It not only serves the disabled by proclaiming the gospel to them and encouraging them through God's Word, but also serves their carers who are then able to have respite or a holiday. She writes:
Parents and carers sing our praises (praises which are really meant for God) after every camp. Some thank us for playing a large role in saving their marriages. Sadly, such camps for physically disabled youth and physically disabled adults are quite rare. The nature of disability ministry is very specialized and complex; it requires compassionate service and the availability of particular facilities. Some years we are unsure whether the camp will be held the following year as campers may not be able to pay their way and costs are quite high. However, for many of these campers, this is their only experience of church.
For more information about WROK, please visit www.youthworks.net. For adult disability camps, contact Joe Pennington.
Over at Christ Church Gladesville, Mel Fung has been running a ministry called Jesus Club for people with intellectual disabilities (e.g. autism and Down Syndrome) since April 2006. The group, which consists of around 15 members, meets once a fortnight. Mel writes:
Most people with intellectual disabilities would not understand a typical church sermon. Some are not even able to hold a conversation. However, just like everyone else, their salvation depends on knowing Jesus. The aim of Jesus Club is to communicate the gospel in creative ways they can understand. While there is only one Jesus Club at the moment, we hope that many more disabled people will be reached in the future. Our prayer is that a ministry to people with intellectual disabilities will become a regular fixture in every church, just like Sunday School, youth group and services for people from non-English speaking backgrounds. We would be delighted to help you set up a ministry like this at your church.
For further information about Jesus Club, please visit www.jesusclub.org.au or contact Mel Fung. Please support and pray for WROK and Jesus Club, and other similar ministries. Pray that all Christians everywhere will recognize every member of Christ's body, caring for and representing the disabled who often cannot do so themselves.