Is Disability Good For Us?
By Dr Mike Townsend, Chair of Trustees
I am just back from a Churches Inc trip in Ukraine. On the
Saturday, we welcomed disabled people and their families
to a meeting, and got off to a brilliant start with a beautiful
violin recital from Natalia. Natalia is an accomplished
musician playing with leading Ukrainian orchestras. She
uses a wheelchair after becoming disabled at twelve after
falling out of a tree. Amazingly, Natalia thanks God for her
disability. Through it she came to believe in Jesus. When
asked about healing, Natalia says that God uses her gifts as
she is. One day she will meet Jesus face to face and won’t
need a wheelchair.
A number of disabled children came. Their parents spoke
of the challenges they face. The state tries to insist that
very disabled children be cared for in large institutions.
Volodymyr, our Ukrainian host, has a disabled boy,
Zechariah, and runs a group for families with disabled
children. Zechariah loves music. It was good to be able to
share together the struggles, tragedies, and victories.
Can God use people with disabilities like Natalia?
We shared personal testimonies. I am clear that God uses
me - even the gift of blindness. People seem to remember
what I say. Several say, “You understand. You know what it
is like to be me.” For the first time, I heard the story of my
fellow trustee, Trevor Hahn. When born, his daughter Ellen
died. God led Trevor to touch Ellen and pray. Ellen came
back to life but is profoundly disabled. Ellen has no words,
but a beautiful smile. That smile has led people to Jesus!
Profoundly disabled Ellen is an evangelist!
The apostle Paul himself struggled with disability and
illness. “There was given me a thorn in my flesh, a
messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded
with the Lord to take it away from me.” (2 Cor 12 7-8). We
don’t know what the “thorn” was, but the Greek word
“Skolops” can mean something physical or problems with
Beyond inclusion to belonging
personal relationships. However, when reading this in my
daily Bible study, I had forgotten that illness brought Paul
to Galatia where he shared the gospel.
“As you know, it was because of an illness that I first
preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a
trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn.
Instead, you welcomed me. ... I can testify that, if you could
have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and
given them to me.” (Gal 4 13-15).
Paul also wrote with large letters. Perhaps he had some
sight loss? God left Paul with his “thorn” despite his
pleading. Why?
God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is
made perfect in weakness.” (2 cor 12.9).
God’s power is transmitted through Natalia, Ellen, Paul and
even me!
International Missions 2020
Our International Mission trips have spaces for techies, therapist, administrators, teacher/trainers, pastors, photographers and
bloggers. We particularly require Therapists with specialist seating experience for the February and May trips. Your skills and
experiences can help to change lives, so please contact: [email protected] if you are interested.
Wheels for the World trips 2020:
Kumi, Uganda
5th – 15th February 2020
Maputo, Mozambique 6th – 16th May 2020
Ternopil, Ukraine 5th – 15th August 2020
Elburgon, Kenya 4th – 14th November 2020
www.throughtheroof.org
Churches Inc trips 2020:
Kerala, India 24th March – 3rd April 2020
Uberlandia, Brazil 30th June – 10th July 2020
Ternopil, Ukraine 5th – 15th August 2020
www.throughtheroof.org