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A Tribute to Friendship
Ministry
Friendship Ministry exists to
help churches share God’s love for people who have
disabilities. Friendship teaches about God’s Word and in return
our friends teach us about caring and compassion. There are a
number of Friendship groups that meet regularly in British
Columbia communities – Abbotsford, Vernon, Chilliwack, Ladner
and Smithers. Each chapter shares in Friendship Groups Canada`s
mission statements:
·
Advocates
for the inherent rights of people with cognitive challenges to
experience the fullness of God’s love by means of spiritual
formation, inclusion and integration
·
Encourages
individuals, churches and organizations to “live” God’s love
with people with cognitive challenges
·
Fosters
the establishment of Friendship Groups while providing
resources and training and funding for research and
development
·
Provides
training, support and resources to individuals, churches and
organizations and to mentors and volunteers of Friendship
Groups across Canada.
One
of the Friendship groups meet at Trinity Christian Reformed
Church in Abbotsford where approximately 40 – 50 people connect
every Tuesday at 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall and have done so
for the past 25 years. The evening begins with worship and
praise – lots of it!! Singing, clapping hands and playing
musical instruments all contribute to powerful worship. The
story teller leads the Bible story which involves group
participation; this might even include a drama presentation.
Students and volunteers spend one on one time together in
prayer, sharing with one another or making a craft. The kitchen
committee ensures there is plenty of coffee and cookies to go
around.
Many volunteers work together to
make Friendship ministry successful. Leaders, drivers and
kitchen help all contribute to make Friendship a vibrant and
highly anticipated weekly event. A big thank you, volunteers,
for your dedication and commitment to your friends with
disabilities.
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