Doing Mission with a Disability

[OSCAR]

If you have any points to add or issues to raise in response to January's article Doing Mission with a Disability, please do so by joining this discussion.

 

Please also note you can join OSCARactive's Doing Mission with a Disability Group - a private group which so far has 8 discussions, including topics such as the Micah Disability Network, the Enabling Church conference, Integr8 project and on using hearing aids.

[Pastor Zoe Young]

Hiya

I have out here "doing missions" with Chronic pain syndrome, and also chronic fatigue. These 2 conditions being with them a plethora of problems especially in the countries I have been ministering in. Medication is a big problem. The amazing thing for me is that God just continues to supply, and at one time I was on 5 medications, now I am on one and very infrequently. Balance is difficult for me, but I am learning that it is necessary. When I feel great I go go go... and then comes the payment.. crash. Also since being here in India I was diagnosed with cancer and have just gone through the "treatments". The only thing I can say is that we truly walk by faith.

[Elinor Young]

The part of the article (great one, by the way) where I think I can best contribute is the section,

"People with disabilities are indispensible on the mission field," especially the second and third points:

• Secondly, I believe the testimony of someone with recognisable disability is powerful and will be listened to by those who are suffering. Pride makes us all want to hide our weaknesses and yet admitting to them can break down barriers with those we are sharing the Good News with. However, pain is the common denominator that gives all Christians a platform to speak about our hope.
• Finally, when people with disabilities are working as part of a mission team this has a huge capacity to speak for itself about the inclusivity of God’s family. There are many places in India where those with disabilities are seen as the lowest of the low within the Hindu cast system – hidden away and abused. If people with disabilities are seen included into our teams, respected, loved and treated equally this could potentially speak volumes!

I have a story that demonstrates these points clearly. Rather than re-invent the wheel, let me point you to where you can find it: http://www.elinoryoung.info/GodsSecretWeapon.html  Yes! On the mission field, we CAN be God's secret weapons!

[Daff]

Thank you for sharing your story, Elinor, it's such an encouragement and great testimony. Great to have you here and be able to tap into your first hand experiences.

[Jenny Young]

Dear Elinor "Bad Legs"

What a wonderful story!!!

Love from,

Jenny God bless you xxx

[Hazel Frost]

Superb "people with good legs have come and not stayed...." I love it!  Bless you and your work.

[Sophie-Anna Dann]

I've been enjoying reading this discussion, but was wondering if it could go another step further.  Having read about physical disability and learning disability, I was thinking that there doesn't seem to be anywhere to discuss mental disabilities - specifically, depression and other mental health issues.

As someone who suffers long-term depression, I have absolutely no idea how or even if someone with depression can go into mission.  I'm also aware that missionaries are particularly prone to things like stress and other mental health issues, as it's something most mission agencies seem to check very carefully.

It would be great to hear of anyone involved in mission who suffer mental health problems or just what people think about it.

[brownsincambodia]

Hey Sophie-Anna, I have had severe depression all my life. I was diagnosed about 12 years ago and have been on medication since. I manage my life with simple but profound boundaries like getting plenty of sleep, working part time not full time and making sure I get quality time with God. I set my work load limit before I came, not once I had started, that was very much a key. 

I have now been on the mission field for 3 years and never felt better. In fact I have been able to reduce my medication. That said I know that without any medication that things deteriorate quickly. I have some annoying symptoms so I need to be careful.

I am here with my husband and two children. We work as teachers. We live very simply here in Cambodia. It is dusty, hot, noisy, smelly, but most importantly, right in the centre of God's Will. We have grown so much in our faith being here, we can't even begin to imagine not having come.

My advice, for what it is worth:

Know and set your personal limits before you go to the mission field.

Don't take responsibility for people or situations God does not give you to minister into.
(Don't assume just because there is a need you are called to meet it, the need is too great.) 

Hand over those people and situations God has given you, back to him in prayer.

Have someone, somewhere who you can chat with openly, who is not a gossip but an intercessor.

Blessings

Fiona

[Pastor Zoe Young]

Fiona

I really identify with your posting. It is amazing to me that as you say, "right in the center of God's Will" there is healing. It's healing with some responsibility though isn't it. Like finding that balance, part of co-labouring with God.

Thanks

[Mary]

Thanks Fiona

We usually improve when on the mission field too and struggle back in UK! (Depression, Fibromyalgia etc)

Love your list of advice- must print it out and remind myself that I dont have to do everything!!

So important to know that you are where God wants you to be, even when life is tough.

Mary

[Mike Frith]

You might also be interested to read this article from a couple of years ago:
'Fit for Purpose? - Disability Legislation and Missionary Health'