Title: To One of the Littlest Ones
To one of the least of these (Matthew 25:40-46)
According to statistics published by the United Nations International Disability Organization, 10% of the world's population is disabled. In Korea, about 10% of people with disabilities (congenitally disabled - 2%, acquired illness or accident 8%). Developed countries have been serving the disabled with a deep interest in them since the 1970s. Since Korea first held the Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1981, April 20 has been designated as the Day of Persons with Disabilities every year and held a commemorative event. Each church has decided to keep disabled Sunday.
The Act on the Prevention of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities specifically mentions four major types of discrimination. Direct discrimination that excludes or alienates people from participation or activities on the basis of “disability”. Indirect discrimination that prevents or hinders the participation or participation of persons with disabilities by failing to consider persons with disabilities when planning various events or programs. Discrimination experienced by persons with disabilities not only in the areas of transportation rights and access rights, but also in sign language, Braille, and lack of adequate accommodations for the disabled. It is discrimination based on violence, harassment, use of derogatory language, bullying or abuse.
This kind of discrimination is also taking place in the church. First, the disabled may be discriminated against because of the lack of convenient facilities, that is, there is no space for the disabled. Second, a church without a disability is itself discriminatory against the disabled. Although 10% of the total population is disabled, it is discriminatory to say that only 2-3% of disabled people in the church are. Third, if a person with a disability finds it difficult to participate in church activities, it is discriminatory. Fourth, in sermons, Bible studies, and other church activities, the disabled should not feel discrimination by using derogatory terms, bullying, or abuse. Long ago, while translating the Bible, the title of the disabled was translated into very impersonal and negative words. So, while retranslating the Bible this time, in the Revised Version of the Bible, the translation of the sick → the disabled, the blind, the service → the blind and the visually impaired, the dumb → the deaf, or the speech or hearing impaired, the lame, the hunchback, the one-armed → the disabled, leprosy → leprosy, etc. became
Why should we serve the disabled? (1) Because he was created in the image of God. Disabled people are masterpieces, not failures. (2) It is because Jesus was always with them, loved them, healed them, and entrusted them to them (Matthew 4:24, 14:14). (3) Because they are our closest neighbors. (4) Because they are one brother and sister who received one blood and became one body. In 2005, the Sarangbu summer retreat was held at the Seomun Training Center. After the evening sermon, I prayed a voiceover, and an amazing thing happened. A prayer of repentance broke out, and tongues broke out... So I came back and discussed it with the session, and decided to baptize the mentally handicapped people as well, and they are still doing it. (5) Because it is God's command and the reward we will receive in the future. (Matthew 25:34-40)
Churches are reluctant to minister to people with mental disabilities. The biggest reason is the economic logic that the budget is high and there is no fruit. When we serve people with disabilities, we should not look at them through the eyes of others, but through God's eyes and God's point of view. If there is one person who has made the most uneconomical investment in the world, it is God. What could be a more absurd and foolish investment than this, since he killed his only begotten Son, Jesus, on the cross to save people less than worms like me and you? We believe that the ministry for the mentally handicapped is the ministry that God is most pleased with. To do this, the members' deep interest, prayers, and finances are needed. Of course, our church and the government are giving our best support, but I hope you will actively participate through the piggy bank of love and monthly support. I pray that you will serve the least of the people, the disabled, and receive a great reward in the future.