I’m Involved Disability Inclusion Retreat -Shares Hope & Restores Wholeness

Written by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D.

SEC Health and Disability Ministry Director

Have you ever wondered how to involve individuals with and without disabilities in ministry to share hope and restore wholeness? The Southeastern Conference (SEC) of Seventh-Day Adventists has the answer: Host a disability inclusion retreat to provide information, simulation, and an environment for applying inclusion principles which share hope and restore wholeness.

On September 27-29, 2024, the SEC held its first inaugural I’m Involved Disability Inclusion Retreat at the Florida Elk Youth Camp (FEYC), Umatilla, Florida. Individuals with and without disabilities played a vital role in every program; they prayed, sang, read scripture, gave testimonies, presented workshops, and more. The “I’m Involved” retreat was organized under Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, SEC Disability Ministry Director, with the assistance of Melinda Wilson and Keyroy Barnes, advocates for disability ministry. The main goal for the “I’m Involved “retreat was to promote advocacy and disability inclusion; achieving those goals made the retreat a soul-winning success. The guiding scripture was 1 Corinthians 12; it describes the church of God being one body with members of diverse gifts and abilities.

Activities at the I’m Involved retreat increased awareness of the importance of involving all church members in ministry and transforming lives by removing attitudinal and structural barriers and welcoming individuals with disabilities to share the good news about Christ. Participants of varying ages, ethnic groups, religious denominations, and disabilities were in attendance. Throughout the weekend, individuals were greeted with smiles and addressed by their names, respectfully, resulting in making friends for life and a family bond among participants.

The I’m Involved worship-shop presentations focused on serving God, sharing hope, and securing access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Highly qualified individuals gave informative, interactive, and inspiring presentations – Ola Dawson Bookhardt, Carla McLean, Dr. Sharon Battles Hutchinson, Dr. Lilieth Coke, Melinda Wilson, and a representative from New Vision for Independence, Inc. Some of the topics presented were, how to support individuals with a disability, using Artificial Intelligence in ministry, available resources to keep individuals safe, and care for the caregiver. The highly engaged participants readily applied the knowledge by participating in simulations, tabletop hands-on activities, and group discussions related to disability inclusion scenarios. The melodious music, powerful messages, and mix and mingle activities impacted participants and staff of FEYC, positively. During the retreat, a staff member at the venue came to the meeting room to request prayer for a co-worker and their family, her request was granted. Later, she shared, “I enjoyed passing by the meeting room, hearing the singing and the presentations; it was nice to have your group use our facilities.”

Highlights of the I’m Involved retreat were making new friends, heart-warming testimonies, delicious and nutritious food, and the fun fitness walks led by Greta Spradley-Price. Topping off the retreat was the I’m Involved Gala that featured individuals with disabilities who showcased their talents. Lilian Strandlund, an author of three books, testified about how she started writing books, then had a book signing for the book Jasper Saves the Day. Marsha Motley, a crochet guru, told her story of how she began crocheting, then she displayed her craftsmanship of a beautifully crocheted pink blanket. Dejia Brown took the show with her self-produced music movie, including pictures of people and activities captured during the retreat. Recognizing the sacrifice of many veterans who return home with disabilities, veterans Arthur Lee Battles, II, Greta Spradley-Price, and Jean-Luc Quionquion were honored for their military service and given tokens of appreciation. The guests dressed in fine, fancy attire applauded and affirmed the featured guests. The gala strengthened and reinforced the importance of asking individuals to participate and be involved in church and community related ministry events.

At this retreat, Jesus was seen firsthand; many participants expressed feelings of being valued, and more hopeful with wholeness restored by participating in the program. Testimonies at the final closing session reinforced the importance of involving all church members in ministry. One participant said, “I’ve seen more smiles this weekend than in a long time.” Another said, “I thought I would be the only one with a disability; at this retreat, I was happy to see others who have a disability like me.” Another said, “I have learned a lot this weekend; the information about how to provide resources was eye-opening.” Another commented, “I enjoyed this retreat better than cruising.” Participants left the retreat equipped, empowered, and engaged to serve God, share hope, and to secure access. A special acknowledgement and thank you to the SEC Executive team—Dr. Michael Owusu, Pierre Francois, Executive Secretariat, and Emmanuel Charles, Chief Financial Officer—and sponsors Versacare and 4Imprint for their support and contributions to this first-time event. The next I’m Involved Disability Inclusion Retreat is scheduled for 2025. For more information, go to the website secsda.org.