Mark Nicholson from Sheffield – an electric wheelchair user involved with the Integr8 programme – tells us about the group he has set up.
‘I have set up a group at St Thomas’ church, Sheffield. Aimed at people with physical disabilities, it is called ‘As You Are’. My heart is that God wants to know us as we are and wants us to be happy with who He has made us to be. This can sometimes be hard for people with disabilities particularly in a church context. The other side of the coin though is that God wants us to get to know Him as He is. As we develop in our relationship with God we develop a better understanding of what God’s will is for our lives. Once we have that understanding then we are in a better place to live it out.’
‘One of my team has suggested that I could reach people through day centres and that is a lead that I am hoping to follow up soon. I am hoping that people from the church will come forward to be part of the team. At a big church like St Thomas’ there will be some people who have friends and family who are disabled. I am praying that they would have a heart to see them come into a relationship with God and that in this way the group will grow.’
‘I am aware that there is also an element of reaching out to families, which we are currently lacking, and I am praying about how we can reach those as well.’
