Dr Kelly Fleming

Disabled people provide a powerful message to others through their bodies. Their physical presence is a way of preaching and living the Gospel. In every community, the presence of disabled people in leadership, theological studies and missionary work break through historically influenced stereotypes that exist within the Church. Their presence becomes a strong force of Continue reading

Missionary organizations need to rip up their stereotypical criteria sheet and welcome disabled people into the missionary field. It is only by doing this, that barriers will be shattered, just as the friends of the disabled man who tore off the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching, motivated by faith. We need to Continue reading

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to Continue reading

Joni Eareakson Tada, who had a diving accident in 1967 at the age of 17 which left her a complete quadriplegic, has spoken about her experience in outreach missionary work. Joni and Friends is an outreach ministry that provides wheelchairs to those in need in developing countries. Amongst other specialized ministries, this organization reaches into Continue reading

One large outreach ministry that is severely lacking in inclusion of disabled people is missionary work. When disabled people apply to be overseas missionaries, they are, for the most part, turned down. Missionary organizations have developed a criterion that matches the stereotypes of mainstream society. Missionaries are expected to be physically fit, physically strong, and Continue reading

Outreach ministry to the disabled community needs to focus on inclusion on the local level of accessibility and inclusion in congregations. Outreach ministry to disabled people and their families cannot be confined within the limits of the walls of a Church building. Jesus told us to go forth to the people, to preach the Gospel, Continue reading

Sirach 10:19a, states: “Who is worthy of honor? The human race. Who is worthy of honor? Those who fear the Lord.” This passage does not state, “except disabled people.” It states, “the human race.” Everyone is worthy of honour, without exception. Joni Eareackson Tada summarized this message quite well: If access is having a ramp Continue reading

As the Gospel message is not often readily accessible to disabled people who earnestly seek to learn it, they may turn to organizations and non-traditional Christian communities such as Jehovah’s Witness and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have created an active ministry dedicated to bringing the Gospel to disabled people. Both Continue reading

The disabled community is one of the least who learn the Gospel. Depending on their location in the world, many are still “tucked away” from society. Disabled children often do not have the opportunity to attend school. Disabled adults are often a financial burden to their families, and they are deserted. In some developing countries, Continue reading