Ministering with disabilities

BOOK REVIEW: “DISABILITY IN MISSION”

REVIEW BY CHRISTINE JEYACHANDRAN, SIM PERU

“Should you be going back to the mission field, considering your condition?”

This question is often asked of me. Six years ago while on the mission field, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the premature age of 37. So when I found this book, Disability in Mission, I’d already been exploring its themes. But new insights came through the wisdom of the writers. The book’s point is illustrated by the true story of a deacon in the early church, burned to death for his actions.

Lawrence … was ordered to bring the treasures of the church before the emperor. He collected all the poor, the sick, the lame, the elderly and disabled people he could find, took them to the emperor and said, ‘See, here are the treasures of the Church.’

The book links biblical examples of weakness and treasure. God says in Isaiah 45, “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in dark places, so that you may know that I am the LORD.” Paul celebrates his weakness, and the book’s stories reveal how God is glorified in the weaknesses of other humble servants.

The foreward is written by Joni Eareckson Tada, who knows firsthand the ministry God gave to her because of her quadriplegia. Many previously untold stories reflect that ‘the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable’ (1 Cor 12:22). Nathan John writes:

Often society assumes the worst about people with disabilities…. Yet each of the powerful testimonies here affirms how God chooses weak people, equips them powerfully by his grace, and works through them.

One story I loved was of a child with down syndrome born to missionaries in Indonesia. As in many societies, the people believe disability is the result of a curse, generational sin, or divine judgement. But this child became an example of hope.

The local community saw how she was loved and encouraged to reach her full potential, and it gave local mothers hope for their children who were different. The position of the missionary mother changed too. In her own words: “Indonesians now perceived me as being more approachable.… shared weakness was like a bridge.”

The book tells of people getting new perspectives on their own situations. Even being present and united in weakness can encourage others and challenge the status quo. Many lives, such as editor Nathan John’s, have changed completely. His daughter’s disability inspired him to coordinate community disability services all over India.

On a practical side, when disability is present, we must evaluate on a case-by-case basis the support services needed. Extra costs shouldn’t prevent health or emotional services and practicalities, but prayer is needed. SIM has evaluated my situation and freed me for service. I’m excited to be back in Peru and love reaching people I’d never have thought to serve.

My disease has given me opportunities to speak in many meetings and churches, and thousands have seen my videos. Many say, ‘You are inspiring.’ I’m just following God’s call and I’m blown away as I see how God turns weakness to his strength!

I loved the book and highly recommend it. May it touch you as it did me.

Christine Jeyachandran serves with husband David and kids in Peru. She is engaged with student and women’s ministry and ministry with people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Her video, Handstand for Parkinson’s (https://youtu.be/ h1B6kUgN6WQ) was a finalist for the World Parkinson’s Congress video competition.

Her blog is www. handstandforparkinsons.com