10%

Today I attended a luncheon for Joni & Friends. They had a video presentation of the various ministries they are involved in to let those present know how they're working in the disability communities around the United States and the world. One simple statistic they showed has stuck with me.

"Only 10% of those with a disability will ever hear the Gospel message."

Wow! If that is not enough to make you want to reach out to those with disabilities, I don't know what is. There is such a large population of people in our own backyards that have not heard the Good News.

As we're entering into Easter weekend, I am continually brought to tears simply thinking about Christ loving me enough to die on the cross for my sins. I can't imagine there are so many people with disabilities who have never heard that Christ loves them that much too. Granted we might never know whether some with disabilities have trusted Christ as their savior. Some cannot communicate their beliefs verbally, some may not seem to understand the words we're saying, and some might not ever be able to state in simple words that they trust in Christ but who are we to not ever give God the opportunity to work in their lives? This brings me back to our vision. We have a precious opportunity to share with every child and adult with disabilities who comes into our building that God loves them and made them perfect in His image.

My prayer is that we'll be able to have the opportunity to reach the 90% that are out there longing to be loved and accepted.