Here's a brief letter from Joni Eareckson Tada describing the very exciting ministry, the Christian Institute on Disability. Please read the note, make a mental note to begin praying for its development, and then watch any (or all) of these video clips about the Institute which are available on the right sidebar of this page of Joni and Friends website.Joni at Biola Chapel (Time: 36 minutes);
Who will be their voice? (Time: 6 minutes); or
Church promo (Time: 3 minutes).
Let's get behind this important ministry in a big way.
Here's Joni's letter:
"Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy"
Proverbs 31:9 (NIV)
Dear Friend,
The idea behind the Christian Institute on Disability began in 1982, just after a Down syndrome child with mild complications was starved to death in a hospital. The parents, doctors, and the Supreme Court of Indiana said the family had the right to refuse to grant permission to operate. They had the right to starve a child to death. I remember thinking, "The life of every disabled person is now in jeopardy!"
Many people think a civilized society would never condone something as horrible as infanticide. But it's happening, here and around the world. Infanticide is only one small component of a much wider assault on God-given life.
With God removed from the public arena, these are dangerous days for families affected by disability. If this downward spiral is allowed to continue, disabled people-and the personhood and dignity of all human beings-will be systematically targeted. Friends, the situation is urgent and the time to act is now!
God has ordained the Christian Institute on Disability for such a time as this. It is my sincere prayer that you will stand firm with us on the front lines, safeguarding the future of loved ones now, and countless generations to come.
