[Faith-Talk] getting involved in church

[Linda Mentink]

Hi Ana,

Don't be afraid to politely educate those who give you rides, and 
with those whom you interact while there.  You can show them that 
you are a competent blind person who just needs a ride, and maybe 
a little help here and there.  Offer them money for gas.  They're 
probably overly helpful because you haven't told them you don't 
need it, but appreciate their offer.  Engage them in 
conversation, and let them ask questions.  Our Independence 
Market has a sheet about how to treat us, and you might ask them 
to send you some copies.  Just do what you can to help people to 
be comfortable around you.  Talk to the pastor and other leaders, 
either in person or by phone, and express your concerns.  And, as 
Ericka suggested, maybe you can give a short presentation during 
a Sunday School class or church service.  If you're interested in 
being involved in a certain area of the church's ministry, let 
that be known to the person in charge of that ministry, or the 
pastor's wife.  Also, Tom Anderson is available to talk to anyone 
in any church about these things.

Over the years, I have been involved in the music ministry, 
missions committee, board of deaconesses, AWANA, been prayer 
chain chairman, folded and stuffed the bulletins, and currently 
teach music at our school.

I pray you'll be allowed to serve as well as worship there.

Blessings,

Linda ----- Original Message -----
From: Ana Martinez via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org
To: faith-talk at nfbnet.org
Date sent: Tue, 4 Sep 2018 07:39:52 -0500
Subject: [Faith-Talk] getting involved in church

hi all, I have a question about getting involved in church.  so, 
because my church is far from my college and the bus doesn't run 
on Sundays in my city, I have to depend on rides and other people 
to go to church.  the thing is, whenever I go with people the 
people I go with do not have a positive view on blindness.  they 
are overly helpful, and they try to do everything for me.  I feel 
that because of this, other members of the church also see me as 
the blind girl, and I feel that because of this is harder to get 
involed in the church.  has anyone else had simillar experiences?

Sent from my iPhone
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