Disability Advocate

Glenda entered the world of disability in October 2012 when her twenty-one-year-old lost her vision. That experience grew her faith more than any other event in her life and gave her a heart for people with disabilities, particularly within the Church.

The United Nations estimates that one billion people, approximately fifteen percent of the world’s population, is disabled. Of that number, eighty percent (plus their families) will never attend church and hear a formal Gospel presentation. Of the twenty percent who do attend church, sixty percent will be asked to leave or will choose to leave because the church is not equipped to serve them. One in five Americans is physically, mentally, or developmentally disabled, but we do not see that ratio in our churches.

The Church must do better including people with disabilities. In order to help in that effort, Glenda serves with The Banquet Network, a non-profit organization that inspires, equips, and resources churches to reach, serve, and include individuals and families affected by disability: joyfully, simply, co-operatively. Glenda has also had the privilege of serving at the Joni and Friends Summer Retreat.

If you have a heart for people with disabilities, would like Glenda to share with your group about disability inclusion, or want to learn more about The Banquet Network, please contact Glenda via her contact page.