Nepal, Himalayan Section, Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD)
05-04-2024
A special Sabbath was observed in the Himalayan Section of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on April 20 for people with disabilities in the church as well as in the communities. People with disabilites are often marginalized, resulting in lives of unhappy isolation.
Various programs for people with disabilities were organized by a number of churches in the Himalayan section, which includes Nepal. Some of these indivuduals from the churches as well as the communities were recognized for their contributions, importance and value. They received special gifts and prayers were offerered for them.
These individuals are still able to be productive and active despite their disabilities, and so it is vital that the church have programs to nurture and respect them so that they can feel useful and especially be involved and be effective in God’s ministries. In His eyes, all people are equally made.
Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) is a General Conference-sponsored initiative that views those with disabilities through the transforming lens of possibilities — what they can do and what they can become because of God’s grace. It is a movement that focuses on the strengths and possibilities of seven groups: the Deaf; the blind; those with physical/mobility challenges; those with mental health challenges; orphans and vulnerable children; those in mourning over the loss of a spouse; and caregivers for these people groups. APM affirms that people go where they are welcomed and stay where they are valued, and that all are gifted, needed, and treasured.
This story from Nepal illustrates the global Adventist Church’s priority that local “church members exhibit respect for all people” including individuals with disabilities in their community (KPI 6.6). Learn more the Adventist Church’s “I Will Go” Strategic Focus at https://www.iwillgo2020.org/kpis/
Original article by Umesh Kumar Pokharel, Director, Adventist Possibility Ministries, Himalayan Section, published on Adventist World on 05-04-2024 at https://www.adventistworld.org/himalayan-section-observes-adventist-possibility-ministries-sabbath/