Spiritual Development

Defined by Trauma or Defined by Christ?

Defined by Trauma or Defined by Christ?

I have PTSD from a very traumatic childhood. I have a testimony that shocks people. But we have all experienced traumas. We must stop using other people’s trauma to define ourselves. Here’s why.

Author Interview: Parenting and Disabilities - Abiding in God's Presence

Author Interview: Parenting and Disabilities - Abiding in God's Presence

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Steph Hubach’s new book “Parenting & Disabilities: Abiding in God’s Presence,” which was released yesterday. Read more of the story behind the book, and where to get your copy.

The Importance of Confronting Abusive Behavior 

The Importance of Confronting Abusive Behavior 

This post is shared as part of our series on sexual abuse trauma, but also addresses the importance of confronting and correcting abusive behavior of any kind. Repentance and transformation to the mind and actions of Christ must always be the goals.

Equipped by God: A Missionary with Autism and Bipolar Disorder - Part 1

Equipped by God: A Missionary with Autism and Bipolar Disorder - Part 1

Guest blogger Linda Bunk lives with both high functioning autism and bipolar disorder. Linda is a gifted photographer, and now serves with SALT as a missionary to Ukraine. This is the first of three posts showing how God has uniquely equipped Linda for ministry in Ukraine and beyond.

Lord, How Can My Child Know You?

Lord, How Can My Child Know You?

On this particular morning, several years ago, my Bible reading for the day took me to Romans 10:9-10, the Scriptures that lay out God’s path to salvation. What wasn’t so clear to me was how my son, who suffered with cognitive disabilities, would be able to meet these requirements. “How, LORD,” I asked, “is Myles gonna be able to receive salvation?”

Five Ways to use AAC for Spiritual Development

Five Ways to use AAC for Spiritual Development

Some individuals with limited speech may use AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) speech-generating devices. For roughly 7 years, my own daughter with special needs used a speech-generating device to communicate when she was nonverbal. Here are five ways I used my daughter’s device to aid her spiritual development and increase her participation in our faith.

Four Reasons Why Working Together Wins!

Four Reasons Why Working Together Wins!

We are always stronger, better, more focused and more successful when we’re working together than when we are working apart. That includes when families, our children’s and youth work—indeed our whole church ministry and mission—has a shared passion and vision. Here are four reasons why.

The Antidote to a Culture of Anger: Bearing Fruit

The Antidote to a Culture of Anger: Bearing Fruit

We have become incredibly angry. We are spiteful and hateful and bored. Jesus, what do we do with this? How do we fix it, Lord? The answer to most of my questions included a simple, time honored truth: we are to bear fruit.

How God Multiplies Ministry from within the Special Needs Community

How God Multiplies Ministry from within the Special Needs Community

God uses the Church in important ways to come alongside people He eventually calls to leadership. God often places people in positions of receiving essential encouragement, prayer, support and equipping. In the process, He’s revealing their potential, as well as opportunities to move them into areas of ministry with other families impacted by disability.

What Does A Successful Life Look Like?

What Does A Successful Life Look Like?

My dear friend Philip died in January, aged 63. I had the privilege of saying a few words at his funeral. It was easy, I knew exactly what to say about him. It made me think about what we celebrate in life. What do we think a successful life looks like?