Doing Mission with a Physical Disability

I’m Ceri from Cardiff, I love spending time with my two little nephews who are always making me laugh with their funny little sayings. I have Cerebral Palsy which affects my co-ordination and speech but God has given me a sense of adventure and ability to persevere. I’ll give most things a go and really enjoyed the recent SHINE adventure holiday run in partnership with Scripture Union and Through the Roof. It was so lovely to go on an ‘inclusive’ holiday where no distinction was made between disabled and able-bodied, everyone was made to feel equal …. it was just a bunch of lively people up for lots of fun!

I’m quite a people person (I love Facebook!). I have always enjoyed getting to know people from other cultures or those who have experienced other cultures. Hearing their stories always gives me a bigger vision of God and a passion for reaching the unreached with the hope of Jesus.

I work for OSCAR, the UK’s online resource and information service for anyone involved or interested in mission or Christian work around the world.
(www.oscar.org.uk). OSCAR is now interactive with its own social networking site, OSCARactive, which much of my work here has been focused on.

OSCARactive is a website where mission-minded people meet, support and encourage each other as well as share professional knowledge and expertise and explore opportunities for partnership.

I have set up a group called ‘Doing Mission with a Disability’ and it would be great to see people involved in Integr8 use or simply join! My vision for the group is for it to grow into a place where folk can share stories of their own experiences on the mission field, highlight possible opportunities and discuss some of the additional practicalities that may be involved such as travel arrangements, accessibility etc. As someone who has a Masters degree in mission studies and has cerebral palsy, I’m very keen to see this issue of disabled people included and encouraged into mission/ministry roles being raised as much as needed.

To join the OSCARactive community please go to www.oscaractive.net and fill in a few details. Once you have received an email confirming your membership you can join the group here http://oscaractive.ning.com/group/doingmissionwithaphysicaldisability.
If you have any problems joining or questions you can contact me at ceri@oscar.org.uk.