It seems to me that there is a surge in the number of people in Cincinnati and the USA who suffer from a chronic illness or injury. This is an unparalleled opportunity for the churches to show God's love and healing grace. About 20% of the kids from birth to 18 have a medical diagnosis and another 20% of adults have a chronic illness. Any of the 500,000 churches in America can expand its outreach and influence by inviting people to come for prayer, acceptance and support.
I spent a few days in Columbus at Joni and Friends FUSE and One Accord Conferences. They both had an emphasis on building caring communities of love and acceptance. Any Christian can learn about models that offer hurting persons and families an inviting atmosphere. There is a very strong emphasis on welcoming people with a disability of any kind.
This conference focused on those with invisible wounds of mental, emotional, relational and spiritual nature, including addictions. I spoke four times. Topic #1. Was on the research study with 12 families by giving each a self assessment questionnaire about stresses, strengths and strategies for developing a happy family. The results are on our web page under Family Care.
Topic #2. Reducing Stigma The usual way to discuss this important issue is to focus on changing the behavior of the whole world. We try to stop people from using derogatory terms, from being bullies, from rejecting us, etc. WHEW! That is an impossible task. I focused on teaching Power Christian Thinking to the Disabled and their parents.
Topic #3. The Power of Peers (Befriending). Research shows that Peer or Lay Care/Counsel is as effective as that of Professionals. The book Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty has the supporting evidence.
Topic #4.How the entire Family System is impacted by illness. I drew Family Map and had a role play about how having a disabled child impacts everybody. I recommended How to be me in my Family Tree.
I enjoyed the interaction with Psychologists, Counselors and Special Needs Pastors, all looking for ways to be more inclusive.
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