October 27, 2025

https://www.secsda.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Hurricane-Melissa-Relief-Efforts-Press-Release-10.29.2025.pdf

I’m Involved – Disability Inclusion Retreat:  

 Transforming Lives by Equipping and Empowering Leaders and Members Transforming Lives by Equipping and Empowering Leaders and Members

Written by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles

Disability inclusion is a must in ministry. As the Body of Christ, everyone deserves the same opportunity to participate in worship services and social activities. At the 3rd Annual I’m Involved Disability and Health Retreat, held on October 17-19, 2025, at the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida, sponsored by the Southeastern Conference of Seventh Day Adventists (SEC) and the Versacare Foundation, the practice of equality was realized.  Over 55 participants attended, leaving with a renewed focus on the importance of advocating for disability inclusion in worship and social activities.

The Purpose

The four-fold purpose of the retreat is to educate, engage, empower, and equip church leaders and members for evangelism by training them how to:

• advocate by facilitating access and accommodation for individuals with disabilities, and
• increase the visibility of individuals with disabilities in worship services and social activities

The one-of-a-kind retreat modeled after the concepts Body of Christ found in 1 Corinthians 12 and the total member involvement endorsed by the Seventh-Day Adventist church, which provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities, as their abilities allow, to get involved in ministry starting from the parking lot, pew, pulpit, potluck, and parting from church.  

Equipping

On Friday afternoon, participants with and without disabilities from various religious backgrounds across the United States arrived with excitement and anticipation to be involved in all aspects of the programs. Guests with varying types of disabilities were warmly and enthusiastically greeted by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Director of Health and Disability Ministry for SEC, and assisted by Arthur Battles, Fred and Marissa Pierre, program and logistics coordinators. Present were distinguished guests and representatives from the North American Division and various conferences. They were:

• Charlotte Thoms, Disability Coordinator for the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventists,
• Shaun Brooks, Director of Disabilities for the Georgia Cumberland Conference, Keynote speaker
• Colin Brathwaite, Disability Director of the Alleghany East Conference,
• Deborah Whitfield, Assistant Disability Coordinator of the Alleghany East Conference, and
• Lewis Edwards, former SEC Health Director

Each morning interested participants joined in the fitness fun led by Waly Elifrance, a fitness trainer who described workouts as worship. People using wheelchairs, canes, rollators, and no assistive devices took part in the exercises, enjoying the fresh air and watching the beautiful sunrise over the lake. Rose Elifrance took pictures, prayed, and led out in the singing during exercise. The workout energized participants.

The learning sessions on creating a disability inclusive worship and social experience, organizing a disability team, making disability ministry personal, resources from Christian Records, autism, American Sign Language, and fitness, were informative, interactive with simulation, and inspiring, giving participants a greater understanding of their role in getting involved with being an advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Throughout the weekend, the renowned pianist Neville Peter rendered special music and held a lively concert on Saturday night at the I’m Involved Gala. At the Gala, he serenaded us with melodious and upbeat music, followed by special veteran recognition, and a “Walk the Runway” where each participant, dressed in festive attire, had the opportunity to strut while coming to receive their certificate of attendance and appreciation. There was laughter and fun. After the Gala, some dressed down and played Uno, while others went for a night stroll or participated in other activities of their choosing. 

Empowering

At the closing session, Dr. Sankey-Battles thanked participants. They encouraged them to run with the vision (Habakkuk 2:2) to promote a disability inclusive worship and social environment and to give a believable report (Isaiah 53:1) about their experience at the retreat and Jesus’ soon return.  From the testimonials, individuals expressed being equipped and empowered to advance the mission of disability ministry. Several participants shared their heartwarming and transforming experiences from the weekend activities. Julie McClellan described the weekend as “an inspiration to do the right thing for people with disabilities.” Gary Keys shared his desire to rebuild their disabilities ministry using a new approach. Stanley Smith indicated that he had “an eye-opening experience and learned a lot about what true disability inclusion means.” Rosie Glasford gave thanks for the information about disability inclusion, stating that “I was blind and now I see how to better care for individuals with disabilities.” Following the testimonies was a fitness finale and a circle of prayer to thank God for the blessed success of the retreat. Afterwards, the guests parted with hugs and salutations, indicating that they looked forward to seeing their new friends again next year at the retreat.

The disability ministry spans across all ministries within the church, providing opportunities for all to be involved in worship and social activities. You are encouraged to get involved by starting a disability ministry or reviving your current ministry.  For assistance, contact Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Disability Ministry Leader, 352-720-5206