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Faith in Action Transcends Disability
 

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Faith in Action Transcends Disability

Joshua Dean
Page Image
4 men seated at picnic table
Image Caption
Josh Dean (right) hangs out with friends from a nearby group home on a church outing


Opening paragraph
I was skeptical, reluctant and a little scared upon venturing up the hill to Slate Hill Mennonite Church, in Camp Hill, Pa., for the first time. I was unsure of many things. I have faced fears and stigmatization in this stage of life, and I was nervous I might find more of the same.
Page Content

Joshua Dean lives in Camp Hill, Pa., where he works as a health insurance claims processor. In his free time he enjoys playing piano, cooking, reading, and playing card and board games.

 Only as an adult did I fully realize I had a disability and what that would mean in broader terms of life and work. Living in the “big world” has challenged my beliefs, perception of self, and outlook on life. In this stage of life, I am grateful to have found a community of believers that welcomes me and helps me along life’s journey.

When I first arrived at Slate Hill in May, 2014, I was in a dry desert and I felt spiritually abandoned. I wanted to find restoration and hope through God’s people. I was seeking a tangible expression of the gospel. My fears and anxieties quickly subsided upon arriving at Slate Hill. 

Being part of this church family has meant a lot to me, which in turn has enhanced my spiritual journey. Right from the get-go, people took notice of me, extended a warm hand, and offered assistance for various things. Church is one of the few community activities I can participate in without needing a helper around which is also very nice! This welcoming has sparked spiritual renewal, and I am so thankful for God’s leading. I am grateful to have found a community of believers that welcomes me and helps me along life’s journey. I have found restoration and hope through God’s people.

In college, I had visited many different churches of all denominations. I caught rides with anyone that had an extra seat or space for my wheelchair. But it felt like going to church was a huge chore and almost not worth my time and the effort it took. I would ponder whether or not it was necessary to go to church. At the same time, I longed for a church where I felt welcomed, loved and free.

I found that church here at Slate Hill, where our mission is to live out our faith. I firmly believe that this mission, rooted in the Gospel, is important when welcoming newcomers. All who enter, I believe, should experience a welcoming that restores their faith in humanity and, even better, creates faith in God. Living out our faith is not dependent on ability; faith transcends ability. This would imply that everyone has a responsibility to actively express their faith.

A disability-friendly church must be thoughtful in their approach. Offering a sort of friendliness that gives off false esteem may actually be a disservice and patronize the person involved. I have found at my new church a sincere group of people who are dedicated to welcoming and encouraging each member’s faith journey.

While I am truly grateful that I have this sense of belonging, many people are still outside the church walls. These persons may have questions, fears, and anxieties—fears that I, too, have faced in some way or another. These fears hinder them from entering, even though they may desire a respite from life’s difficult journey. I believe strongly that we must make it our goal to welcome those with physical ailments into our midst so that they too may know the good news of Jesus and experience healing that goes far deeper than the body.

 In this issue

  • Light in the Dark
    The birth of a daughter with Down syndrome inspires Norma Vazquez Maldonado to reach out to support other families coming to terms with a child's disability.
  • We Are Able Workcamp
    We Are Able Workcamp offers a service opportunity in the summer of 2016 for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities and other young adult volunteers.
  • Teachers of the Soul
    Book review of Teachers of the Soul: The Heart of God Revealed through People with Disabilities, by David J. Gullman (Westbow, 2015). Reviewed by Christine Guth.
  • ADN Updates February 2016
    ​Recent posts on the Opening Doors Blog, progress on the new website, and why you should visit our Facebook page
  • Safety for Vulnerable Populations
    Steps that churches can take to ensure the safety of all vulnerable persons, including children and adults with disabilities.
  • Special Needs Parenting
    Review of Special Needs Parenting: From Coping to Thriving, by Lorna Bradley (Huff Publishing Associates, 2015). Reviewed by Christine Guth.
  • Becoming More Inclusive
    Two churches take new steps to become more accessible to people with disabilities. ADN offers resources and connection to congregations like these seeking to widen their welcome.
  • Open Roof Award
    Cedar Lake and Staunton congregations were honored with the Church of the Brethren Open Roof Award for 2015.
 

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