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.

Philippa hasn’t starred on TV or Radio, or featured in national press or glossy magazines, however, on a trip to Latin America during August – the first time she has flown outside the UK, in fact – as part of a mission team from Christian disability charity, Through the Roof, she was given priority boarding to the aircraft, even before First Class and Business passengers. Staff provided short cuts for her through check-in and security; and she was offered lifts on those nippy electric buggies that whizz around airports (although she preferred to walk).

The reason for this VIP treatment is that Philippa was born blind and sometimes needs a little extra assistance, which this airline were happy to provide. However, not everyone is aware that a little effort can make a big difference to the lives of disabled people.

The World Health Organization states that “only 2% of disabled children in developing countries receive an education”. The whole purpose for this trip to Guatemala, Latin America’s second poorest country, was for a small team with many years’ experience of working with disabled children, to equip and resource teachers, church and community workers to ensure disabled children are included in their activities.

Philippa was an integral member of the team and inspired delegates through sharing her experience of disability, while demonstrating what can be achieved – travelling 5000 miles, working in a team, presenting to 170 teachers on one day, and singing beautifully. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from the 480 people that benefited from the 8 workshops. Partner organisations in Guatemala have already asked the team to return. If you want the opportunity to enable disabled people to fulfil their God-given potential, either as role models like Philippa, or through training teachers and churches, please partner with Through the Roof in prayer, as a volunteer team-member, or donate to the work of potential trips to India, Guatemala and Uganda in 2010.

Nothing out of the ordinary so far – except that Joshua is now working as a missionary in Japan and has severe cerebral palsy – it affects all 4 limbs and so he uses an electric wheelchair!
His vision is to bring glory to God by being a witness to the disabled in Japan and to equip the local church to do the same.  Joshua has had struggles in learning the language, finding a carer to be with him in Japan and finding accessible accommodation but he has already seen many answers to prayer and is loving the adventure.

• You can find out more about Joshua, Jesus and Japan at his website: http://jgrisdale.spaces.live.com/

However, over a twenty-five year period they have completed hundreds of races together where Dick runs, pushing Rick in a wheelchair. When Dick cycles, Rick is in a wheelchair seat, attached to the front of the bike and when Dick swims, he pulls Rick along in a small boat.

“Rick is the one who inspires and motivates me, the way he just loves sports and competing,” Dick said. Rick returns the compliment: “Dad is one of my role models. Once he sets out to do something, Dad sticks to it whatever it is, until it is done. For example once we decided to really get into triathlons, dad worked out, up to five hours a day, five times a week, even when he was working.”

The Hoyts don’t only compete athletically; Rick now works at Boston College’s computer lab helping to develop a system which can control mechanical equipment by a person’s eye-movements, when linked-up to a computer. They are also motivational speakers and Rick believes that he and his father offer a positive, good news message in a world that often dismisses disabled people.

“People just need to be educated. Rick is helping many other families coping with disabilities in their struggle to be included.”
“The message of Team Hoyt is that everybody should be included in everyday life.”

• Find out more at their website: http://www.teamhoyt.com/
• Follow this link to view a video of their work on youtube

In 1991 Michael fought Chris Eubank for the World Middleweight title and the referee ended it in round 12. Suddenly Watson collapsed inside the ring but there were no ambulances or medical staff at the venue. He endured 30 minutes without oxygen and spent 40 days in a coma after six brain operations to remove a blood clot left him partially paralysed. The time Watson spent without oxygen is one of the longest anyone has ever survived and if it hadn’t been for his supreme fitness, he would almost certainly have died.

Watson woke up from his coma and was told he would never speak or walk again. He spent many years at the hospital, slowly recovering some of his movements, and regaining the ability to eat, read, and write. In 1999 he started getting off the bed and was able to begin walking therapy. In 2003 Michael Watson made headlines and became an instant hero, when he completed the London Marathon after six days. Finishing the race by his side were Chris Eubank and his neurosurgeon, who has become a personal friend of his.

Before the accident Michael wasn’t a committed Christian. He believed in God but didn’t go to church as he was too busy, rushing around, enjoying the fast cars, expensive clothes and girls. One minute he was a top celebrity, in the ring going for the world title, the next minute, he was in hospital, confused and frustrated with strange people all round him.

From the moment he regained consciousness in hospital he turned to God. He became closer to God and found inner peace and strength. Michael didn’t feel anger towards Chris Eubank because he now believes in forgiveness – Jesus is his inspiration.

In the afternoon we saw a disturbing view of Guatemala City’s dump, where hundreds of people – rejected by society – scavenge through the rubbish to try and find anything they could sell to earn a few Quetzales.