Admin I Monday, Dec 04, 2023
LAGOS- The World Health Organization (WHO), says 1 in 6 people globally live with a significant disability, which may include dementia, blindness, loss of a limb, or paralysis.
On Dec. 3, 2023, nations around the world will observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities, instituted by the United Nations in 1992 to “promote an understanding of disability issues.”
The WHO explains that “health inequities arise from unfair conditions faced by persons with disabilities, including stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and barriers faced in the health system itself.”
“The mistreatment of the physically challenged is an age-old practice, in some cases even fueled by cultural misgivings” says Jahswill Stephen, spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“You will find stories of the disabled being mistreated in passages of the Bible but out of love, God made provisions for disadvantaged ones to be protected and even shown extraordinary kindness, even outlawing their mistreatment in any form”.
The global educational work of Jehovah’s Witnesses highlights the Bible’s message of hope for a future when disabilities will be no more.
“The idea of ‘never being sick again’ as promised in Isaiah 33:24 fills me with hope of a beautiful world to look forward to” says Elizabeth Gbenoba, who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “It is thrilling to know that even disabilities will be gone forever, according to be the book of Isaiah. I eagerly look forward to this and will continue to share this comforting hope I have with others”.
More than just preaching about a better future, Jehovah’s Witnesses also offer practical suggestions on how to endure successfully with disabilities now. On jw.org, their official website, an entire section entitled “Coping with Disabilities” contains numerous online articles and videos featuring persons who have found purpose in life despite being disabled.
All are invited to visit jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All content is free, and no registration is required.
