Some of the biggest names in the Bible lived with disabilities. From Moses’ stutter to Saint Paul’s unnamed ‘thorn in the flesh’, Scripture has plenty of examples of God working through what was seen as ‘human weakness’.
And, of course, God’s glory and love shone brightly when Jesus’ miracles brought into the spotlight people who had been ignored, belittled, shunned and left destitute by society because they could not see, hear, speak or walk. Jesus not only straightened the mason’s ‘withered’ hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:9–13, Mark 3:1–6, and Luke 6:6–11), he also restored his dignity and livelihood.
Unlike religious, government and business authorities of his day, when Jesus met a person with a disability, he saw the whole person. The fact that he ‘saw’ them at all set him apart. He loved them just as he loved his disciples and loves each of us, with our varying abilities and disabilities. Because society ostracised and failed to care for people living with disability, Jesus knew they were suffering and wanted them to live their best lives. His prayer for everyone in 2022 is the same. As he says in John’s Gospel (10:10b), ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’.
That’s why the accommodation, in-home and day-centre services and employment and training programs facilitated by churches, government, charitable, and aid and development organisations who work alongside people living with disability are important. Overall, they aim to remove barriers to independence and self-determination and replace them with opportunity and self-worth.
Among our Lutheran family, we have agencies whose staff, volunteers and supporters know the joys of serving with people who live with disability, and the challenges of a world which still excludes and devalues people, based on physical, mental and intellectual attributes. These agencies include Lutheran Services and Anuha in Queensland, and Lutheran Disability Services (LDS) and Elcies Disability Care (Lutheran Care) in South Australia. In addition, LCA International Mission and Australian Lutheran World Service support people internationally through their partnerships and programs.
We are excited to share a raft of stories from those who serve and live in this space, including thoughts on how our churches can be more inclusive of people living with disabilities. (Personally, I experience an extra dose of joy from the privilege of worshipping in a congregation with LDS clients and carers.)
As well as our regular columns, news, views and resources from around the church, our print subscribers will find a bonus copy of Border Crossings from LCA International Mission inside (digital subscribers can head to https://lcamission.org.au to access a digital copy under the Resources tab).
I pray that you’ll be blessed by your reading.
Lisa
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