Beyond Suffering: A Christian View on Disability Ministry is a unique Certificate of Completion Program. The course is comprised of a study guide and leader's guide that includes contributions from 40 experts in various disciplines. The 16 lessons are supported by video case studies and involve four thought-provoking modules: - An Overview of Disability Ministry - The Theology of Suffering and Disability - The Church and Disability Ministry - An Introduction to Bioethics Each module is designed to give Christians a solid understanding of the main issues involved in various aspects of disability ministry. The course encourages the participants to reflect on their own personal journeys through suffering and brokenness. This vital aspect of the course drives home two essential points: 1) Human brokenness and humanity's need for universal grace. 2) The disability community's understanding of the human condition. Students who embrace this study will gain a sense of confidence in knowing that they are a part of a movement that God is orchestrating to fulfill His command in Luke 14:21; "Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame."
Joni Eareckson Tada, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joni and Friends, is an international advocate for people with disabilities.
A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson, then 17, a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, she emerged with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations.
During her rehabilitation, Joni spent long months learning how to paint with a brush between her teeth. Her high-detail fine art paintings and prints are sought-after and collected.
Her best-selling autobiography "Joni" and the feature film of the same name have been translated into many languages, introducing her to people around the world. She also has visited more than 45 countries.
She has served on the National Council on Disability and the Disability Advisory Committee to the U.S. State Department.
She is Senior Associate for Disability Concerns for the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization and serves in an advisory capacity to the American Leprosy Mission, the National Institute on Learning Disabilities, Love and Action and Christian Blind Mission International, as well as on the Board of Reference for the Christian Writers Guild, New Europe Communications and the Christian Medical and Dental Society.
After being the first woman honored by the National Association of Evangelicals as its "Layperson of the Year" in 1986, Joni was named "Churchwoman of the Year" in 1993 by the Religious Heritage Foundation.
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