By Dumisani Ndlovu
Mkoba South legislature, John Kuka has applauded Seventh Day Adventists Church Ascot branch for embracing an inclusive ministry which leave no one behind.
His sentiments emanates from a belief that God has created us as equally-valued people in His image.
The legislator was speaking at Ascot SDA Church Building Dedication Ceremony held on Saturday 23 December 2023.
“I am far more impressed to realise that here you are an inclusive ministry which enables, empowers and engages all persons within the worshipping community, regardless of ability. Being ‘inclusive’ of those with disabilities means valuing them,” he said.
Honourable Kuka highly appreciated the disability friendly environment existing at the church.
“Making churches accessible and services understandable is important, we could see sign-language interpreters making our differently abled people understanding, it is socially and religiously healthy. It is not enough for a church to call itself “inclusive,” without having wheelchair ramps we saw here,” said Honourable Kuka.
“ We do not want to create a ‘program’ that deals with disabilities, but a ministry that comes alongside all people loved and valued by God as SDA has shown us here,” he added.
Veteran disability activist, Moses Magazeni who was equally impressed by the church‘s gesture said an inclusive ministry is not a program.
“It is not about creating a special class or a separate ministry or even identifying ‘the disabled’ as an object of ministry. It is opening the doors of the Church to include those with disabilities to fully participate in the life of the Body of Christ as we are witnessing here and at Mtapa SDA church branch were the concept started,” said the visually impaired Magazeni.
Mr Magazine who is also an internal advisor of the first ever Zimbabwe International Disability Inclusive Arts Festival (ZIDIAC) set to be officially launch in 2024 further said all people with disabilities are looking for a place to belong, to be valued, to know and be known.
“We people with disabilities long to be part of a community that brings meaning, purpose, and opportunities to contribute as well as to receive. We are seeking a place that provides for a corporate expression of our faith in Christ that communicates. The gesture by SDA in collaboration with the Sibanda and Tagwireyi families as mentioned at the official opening of the-state-of –the-art church shows that we are not alone in our disability inclusive journey,” said the clear spoken,” Magazeni.
A ministry approach that is principally based on inclusion will be much more effective than a program-oriented one. Principles of inclusive ministries should not be restricted to a bible study or Sunday school class or specialized programs, but should be formative to all functioning and ministries of the Church
KWEDU CLASSICS.
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