Here is an article from the current issue of reflections magazine, a ministry of the UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL. everyone should read this article, including and most importantly the ministry as I have experienced first hand how frustrating and and heartbreaking it can be to raise children with disabilities in a church setting . My wife and I were recently called out publicly and called unfaithful and we were told we were playing games with God because of circumstances in relation to our kids disabilities. I am still in shock over the lack of compassion , understanding and total disregard for our kids physical and psychological disabilities. Anyhow, heres the article, I hope you all read it. A.B.L.E ministries Accepting,believing,loving,embracing Individuals and families with disabilities Mine is a ministry born out of affliction.the calling came day by day and year after year through struggle,heartache , and an insidious decay of my soul. Raising a child with a profound disability can be a lonely experience. Writing my book, WHEN GOD SAYS NO , was an unveiling of hidden emotions, deep disappointment , intense longing and abiding hope for an awakening of the church to this ministry. Current statistics reveal that 54 million americans are affected by a disability and 20 percent of american households with children have atleast one child with special needs. A recent Pentecostal Herald article cited that 90 percent of special needs families do not attend church. Attending church without support from the congregation is nearly impossible. We know we are a distraction and our childrens behaviors are loud and strange. However, staying in empty rooms, where no one is disturbed or uncomfortable is not the answer. Where should we go?where is our sanctuary where we hear Gods Word preached?where is our altar where my child feels Gods presence? Where,as a family, do we find fellowship, acceptance and love? God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them,just as He wanted them to be( 1 Corinthians 12:18 niv) ministering effectively to those with a disability- and to those who love them- will require extroadinary effort from the church. A.B.L.E ministries will promote awareness, provide resources, and support necessary to help churches worldwide to Accept,Believe,love and Embrace imdividuals and families afdected by disabilities. Denise wynns book, WHEN GOD SAYS NO, is available through pentecostal publishing house and online book retailers. A workbookmfor small groups will soon be available. You can all stay silent, as im sure you will, but those of you who stand silently behind others you view as leaders and have watched my kids get pushed out of sunday school know who you are. Remember, leadership,even pastors and bishops are not above reproach. Silent stance is a pro-stance. We love all of you and feel no ill will towards any of you. We will pray that hearts are softened and revival occurs.God bless.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 04:33:41 +0000