MONROVIA – Reverend Francis Saa Dauda, the Pastor and General Overseer of God’s Lamb Ministries International Church, has expressed dismay over what he describes as the religious community’s failure to cater to the basic needs of people living with physical disabilities.
Reverend Dauda stated that for too long, the blame has been directed at the government, but the Church, in particular, has overlooked its role. He reminded the congregation that Jesus did not wait for government intervention to address people’s suffering—He personally cared for everyone and restored lost hope.
Referencing Matthew 5:16 in the Bible, the prelate told his audience, “The Bible says, ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ We must understand that persons with disabilities are among us, and Christ Jesus recognized them. It is frustrating that the majority of our churches today do not recognize persons with disabilities.”
According to him, it is not enough to evangelize and win souls to Christ. Christians must also lead by example, demonstrating positive qualities such as selfless generosity with the sole intent of improving the lives of those in need.
Dauda made these remarks recently at his church in Johnsonville, where his ministry honored 16 persons living with disabilities, including those with visual impairments and paralysis, at a special program.
He referred to the honorees as “honorable people who are often unnecessarily dishonored by those who should be honoring them.”
The ceremony, held at God’s Lamb Ministries International Church, was themed “Night to Shine: Kings and Queens.”
“Disability is any abnormal condition or situation that can affect a person at any given time. This means that while you may be well now, within an hour, you could become disabled. You could go to bed seeing perfectly and wake up blind. You could be walking normally, then suddenly fall and never walk again,” Dauda explained.
He lamented the many misconceptions surrounding disability, particularly the belief that people are disabled because of past sins or criminal actions.
He reminded his audience that one of the greatest men of God in the Bible, Isaac, was blind. “God still used him, and he became the father of a great nation. Isaac, the son of Abraham, was visually impaired, yet he was chosen by God,” Dauda said, emphasizing that it is wrong to judge people based on their disabilities. “No one wishes to be deformed or disabled in any way.”
He challenged the congregation, asking, “What if you woke up one day and found yourself blind or disabled for another reason? If you are not a critical thinker or do not understand what the Bible says, you might assume I was being punished by God for some demonic dealings. Some of you would stop associating with me. But the truth is, we must learn to be compassionate, loving, and caring for one another as we serve God. No one is perfect, but that does not give anyone the right to demonize another human being.”
Using an analogy of light and darkness, he pointed out how people often associate darkness with negativity.
“Whenever people mention the color black, they misinterpret it. Some say black is bad. Some say black means bad luck. But in academics, black represents authority and the power of knowledge. The light of the body is the eye, and once someone loses sight, they cannot fully imagine the beauty of their own life,” he asserted.
Dauda also admitted that society as a whole is guilty of neglecting persons with disabilities. “We are all guilty of failing to care for people with disabilities. Every single person in this church, in one way or another, is guilty. If you are not guilty, I am.”
He extended gratitude to Tim Tebow, a former professional athlete living abroad, for supporting the church’s initiative in caring for persons with disabilities.
Dauda clarified that his work is not linked to politics and that his goal is simply to inspire more people to contribute to the welfare of the disabled community.
“We are currently supporting over 3,000 children. The next thing people do is attach these kinds of gestures to politics. I do not want to be a Senator, Representative, or anything else. This is God’s blessing, and we are glad to share it,” he said.
For her part, Rev. Mother Priscilla Mason referenced Romans 13:7, which states, “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
She emphasized that God’s people include both the able-bodied and those with disabilities. She urged religious institutions and organizations to play a more active role in helping the poor, the needy, and those who cannot work for themselves.
Rev. Mason led the ceremonial crowning of the 16 honored individuals, a symbolic act meant to assure them of their value and dignity in society.
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