May 4, 2024

Himalayan Section Observes Adventist Possibility Ministries Sabbath

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On April 20, a special Saturday (Sabbath) was observed in the Himalayan Section of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for people with disabilities, both within the churches and the wider communities. People with disabilities are often neglected and looked down upon, leading them to live a life of sadness and isolation.

Several churches in the Himalayan Section, which includes the country of Nepal, organized various programs for people with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities from both the churches and communities were recognized for their contributions and given special gifts. Prayers were also offered for them, recognizing their importance and value.

At Udaipur in eastern Nepal, clothes being given to a disabled individual. [Photo: Dhanlal Rai]

Poster for Adventist Possibilities Sabbath for a church in Nepal. [Photo: Himalayan Section]

Ghataghar Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bhaktapur, Nepal, honors disabled people and provides them with essential supplies. [Photo: Roger Pokharel]

Shanti Pokharel along with Umesh Pokharel sharing the Word of God at Ghataghar Adventist church in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on Adventist Possibility Ministries Sabbath. [Photo: Roger Pokharel]

At Dapcha in central Nepal, local church pastor Keshab Kumar Rai provides the disabled with food. [Photo: Sunita Rai]

Young people from Ghataghar Adventist church in Bhaktapur, Nepal, assist a disabled friend. [Photo: Umesh Kumar Pokharel]

A disabled member of the community receives a food donation on Adventist Possibility Ministries Sabbath in Nepal. [Photo: Himalayan Section]

Rajapas Adventist church in eastern Nepal after the Saturday (Sabbath) church service on April 24. [Photo: Dhanlal Rai]

Despite their disabilities, these individuals can still be active and productive in many areas of their lives. Therefore, it is important for the church to have special programs that properly care for, nurture, and respect them, ensuring they do not feel left out or useless.

In the eyes of God, all people are equally made and have different talents. It is crucial that people with disabilities are involved in God’s ministries and can be effective tools for reaching others.

Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) is a General Conference-sponsored ministry that views those with disabilities through the transforming lens of possibilities — what individuals can do and what they can become because of God’s grace. It is a movement that focuses on the strengths and possibilities of seven groups: the deaf; the blind; the physically immobile; those with mental health challenges; orphans and vulnerable children; those in mourning over the loss of a spouse; and caregivers for these people groups. APM affirms that people go where they are welcomed and stay where they are valued, and that all are gifted, needed, and treasured.

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