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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.

I’m Involved simulations and table top disability inclusion activities

Kathy Hoyt, standing, Lilian Strandlund, and Eddy Strandlung (Left to Right)

I’m Involved Talent Showcase Gala

Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles and Marsha Motley (Left to Right)

Fitness fun – stretches, prayer, and songs of praise to God

Arthur Battles, Lisa Cone, Melinda Wilson, and Keyroy Barnes

Co-laborers for the same cause.

Dr. Lilieth Coke, Coordinator of Disabilities Ministries, Atlantic Union Conference

and Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Disability Ministry, Director for Southeastern Conference of SDA

(left to right)

The puzzle represents one body with members of diverse gifts.

Participants were asked to write their gifts, then connect their piece with team members symbolizing the need to be involved in ministry.

Lisa Cone and Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles

Deacon on Wheels, Working and Witnessing for the Lord

Keyroy Barnes is a deacon on wheels working for the Lord. He faithfully serves and functions as an ordained deacon at the Mt. Sinai Seventh-day Adventist Church, Orlando, Florida. Through life-changing circumstances, Keyroy has lived with limited mobility causing him to be in and out of a wheelchair for the past 27 years. During our conversation, Barnes shared that at the onset of his disability, he found it challenging to adapt to his new reality. Barnes says, “I worshiped from home and was absent from church because I did not want people to see me in a wheelchair.” A caring and concerned friend visited Barnes at his home several times and encouraged him to come back to church, and he did.

Upon returning to the church, Barnes was asked to serve as a deacon, and he accepted. Within and outside the church, Barnes dutifully carries out the responsibilities of a deacon. Barnes has not let his disability stop him from doing the work of the Lord. He is a greeter who welcomes worshippers at the door on Sabbath, participates in worship services by collecting the offering, serves communion, and more.

Barnes’ acts of service and ministry extend beyond the church walls. Remembering how he felt when visited at home, he sees the sick and shut-in and encourages them through songs and Bible studies. Barnes’ involvement in the work of the Lord attests that there are numerous roles in ministry in which a person with a disability can be invited or volunteer to participate, which adds value to advancing and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The church is an ideal environment and community for inclusion and spiritual support for individuals with disabilities. The mission of the North American Division (NAD) of Disabilities Ministries, also adopted by local churches, is to ensure accessibility, accommodation, and encouragement for persons with disabilities and to educate church members on ways to involve individuals in programs to meet their spiritual needs. Barnes has been instrumental in increasing awareness about being actively involved in the church activities and suggesting how to enhance access and accommodations for people with disabilities. The world-church realizes the importance of the disabilities ministry and urges congregations to have a Disabilities Ministries Coordinator leader who promotes and facilitates a warm, welcoming, and inclusive worship experience for all.

To foster comradeship and networking among persons with disabilities, the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will host its first Disabilities Retreat on September 22-24, 2023, at the Florida Elks Youth Campground, Umatilla, Florida. For more information, visit SECSDA.org

Written by Dr. Jennifer R. Sankey, Ph.D. Performance Psychology Director of Health and Disabilities, Southeastern Conference of SDA.

Church and Community Garden a Ministry of Health for the Mind, Body, and Soul

Written by:

Carol Smith, SEC Administrative Assistant

Co-Author – Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D. SEC Health & Disability Ministry, Director

Gardening is a healthy way to feed the mind, body, and soul. On January 13, 2024, Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Eatonville, Florida, under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Gayle, dedicated their community garden to the Lord. The garden dedication was a grand and joyous celebration of God’s provisions for community residents and church members who are beneficiaries of the garden. Excitement filled the air, as church members and community residents came together to sing, pray and thank God for the bounty of fruits, vegetables, and herbs – foods from his prescribed diet in Genesis 1:29.

The garden is a ministry of health. Anthony Wilcox started the Bethel Community Garden after Elder Andre Grace suggested planting a garden on the church property. Wilcox began by planting seeds in two garden boxes, which have grown into a bounty of healthy food items used to bless many. The garden in front of the church is prominent and easily accessible for harvesting the produce and for upkeep and maintenance. The water for the garden is donated from the well water of the church neighbors, David and Tina, as a result, they have started a garden. Foods planted in the garden nourish the body with essential vitamins that contribute to the health of body for the recipients.

Truly God has blessed the Bethel Community Garden ministry. The flourishing garden produces more than enough food that the community residents and church members enjoy. The garden gives peace of mind to the Community Services workers because they do not rely solely on food banks to provide fresh fruits and vegetables. During the weekly food distribution, collard greens, mustard greens, cabbag3, kale, broccoli, herbs, and much more from the garden are given away.

In keeping with the adage, teach a man to fish; he can eat for a lifetime. Wilcox teaches gardening lessons to church members and community residents. He encourages starting a garden, even if it means using pots, pans, and a small ground area in a yard that has at least 6 hours of sunlight. Several members have started their gardens, maintaining the garden – planting, pulling weeds, and harvesting produce encourages exercise and it helps with building relationships with others by sharing produce from the garden. At the dedication, Elder Maurice Scott testified that he gave several heads of cabbage from his garden to his neighbor at Christmas. Scott remarks, this act of kindness strengthened our relationship and opened a door for witnessing. Wilcox desires every church member to have a garden to have food to eat, share with others, and freeze for future use.

The Bethel Community Garden is healthy for the mind, body, and soul of community residents and church members. Several have started home gardens and are reaping the rewards of their harvest. If you don’t have a garden, consider starting one for your health. From planting the seed to preparing your plate, having your garden is one of the best ways to know how your food was grown and handled before it reached your plate. For more information about gardening, contact the Bethel SDA Church, Eatonville, Florida.