Service focuses on disability awareness
WATFORD, England--On Feb. 10, the Watford congregation heard from four members who deal with disabilities on a day-to-day basis, in a service on Disability Awareness.
After a talk by pastor Andrew Silcox on the Christian responsibility to be aware of the needs of others, Betty and Marissa Campbell, Stuart Channon and Joy Barlow gave presentations on how disabilities affected their lives.
Mrs. Campbell has suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than 20 years and is now confined to a wheelchair. Despite the fact that her condition is still deteriorating she retains a great sense of humor.
Her daughter, Marissa, concluded the talk with tips on how the rest of the congregation can help a person with MS.
Stuart and Margaret Channon's son Roddy is autistic; a condition about which, as Stuart pointed out, little is known. Roddy is unable to relate to the world around him in the same way as other people do, but does have, what Stuart labels, "islands of awareness."
Stuart spoke on the challenges they faced as parents to bring up their son normally so he had the best quality of life possible. As a result, Roddy can use computers, drive a car and even fly a plane.
Tinnitus is a complaint where there is a constant noise in the ears and Joy Barlow has suffered with this for most of her adult life. Because tinnitus is not obvious to other people, few people are aware of what the disorder means to those who have it.
Some people are driven to suicide because they cannot escape the noises in their heads. Most sufferers have to find a way to cope with it, usually by concentrating on other sound such as music. Like MS and autism, there is no known cure.
The presentation ended with questions from the audience, most of which were inquiries on how those who do not suffer from these illnesses can help those who do.
After services, many people commented on the courage and fortitude of those who had taken part. None of the participants felt sorry for themselves but rather they had taken life in their stride and made the most of it.
The Disability Awareness Service was inspiring as well as educational and helped to bring the members of the congregation closer together.
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