Twice Adopted: March 2008

My Mission

I have a two reasons for starting this blog. First, I am a devoted Christian who enjoys teaching others what I have learned, especially about the Bible. I not only have a background in cross-cultural ministry, but also includes children's ministry at both preschool and grade school leaves.

I have also worked the 12 Step of recovery in a manner in which I made them subject to Biblical principles. I am a greatfully recovering adult child of multiple dysfunctional families and a co-dependent. You will note that postings that I write dealing with this subject are categorized as Biblical Discipleship- Recovery. That term is not just propaganda on my part to win over those who are skeptical of the 12 steps. It recognizes that the Bible is the key to true "self improvement." It also reminds us that such improvements should be done for the purpose of us become more effective Christians.

The second reason for me writing this blog is to confront the prejudices that many Americans have towards Arabs. The notion that all Arabs are both Muslims and Terrorist is far more prevalent then I ever realized while attending American churches. It should be noted that all of those who I have met who refuse to believe that it is possible for Arabs to choose Christianity have proven themselves to be anything but devote Christians. Pastor Jamal on the other hand will attest that there have been times when American Christians have told him that they want to support his ministry, but they are afraid that their money might be used to bomb Israelis.

It is with this in mind that I hope to present to you First Arabic Baptist Church. A church of devoted Christians - affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention - that conducts its services in Arabic and English - trying to do its part in fulfilling "The Great Commission".

Note: All view expressed in this blog are my own and are not necessarily those of Pastor Jamal Bishara, First Arabic Baptist Church of Phoenix or The Southern Baptist Convention.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Caring For the Physically, Mentally and Developmentally Disabled

I wrote the following outline in May 2000 as encouragement and some understanding to the parents of a 13 month old Ethiopian boy, Fasica, who was born in a Djibouti refugee camp with Cerebral Palsy. His parents’ limited English made it impossible for them to understand what the doctors were telling them. My “personal house call” visit enabled me to

I wrote this outline for them based on my personal experiences as an older brother to a sister, Kelly, with Downs syndrome – a volunteer for the Wyoming Special Olympics – a volunteer with the Mesa (Arizona) Public Schools’ Special Education Department – a MPS Instructional Assistant (sounds more impressive than it really was) – and a respite provider for a couple of disability provider services.

My biggest motivation for converting it into a blog was radio sports talk host, Chris Russell. He had made mention that his son was in a “Challenger League” for children with disabilities. That is when I remember that I still had this on my hard drive and that others might be able to draw encouragement from it if I made a blog out of it. So I hereby dedicate this blog to Kelly, Fasica, and the son of Chris Russell.

I Physical, Mental and Developmental Disabilities are not...

1. the same as mental illness.

2. an indication of a lack of intelligence.

3. the same as laziness.

4. the fault of the child or parent.

5. entirely untreatable.

II Do not assume that they are incapable of…

1. achieving anything.

2. understanding you.

3. understanding what is going on around them.

4. intelligence.

III The Physically, Mentally, Developmentally Disabled need to…

1. be given extra care and consideration.

2. be loved just like everybody else.

3. be motivated just like everyone else.

4. be disciplined just like everyone else.

5. communicate and to be understood just like everybody else.

6. learn just like everyone else.

IV Practical things that we can do to help

1. Learn what means of communication that the disabled individual is capable of.

2. Everyone should get as involved in the habilitation program as possible.

3. Pay attention to any growth that they may have in any area of development.

4. Realize that they may develop in growth spurts in different areas at different time.

5. Be realistic about what to expect so that you do not expect too much.

The Christian sister who could not be recorded

She requested that no one record her in any way (including pictures) as the pulpit was prepared for her to give her testimony. She had converted from Islam to Christian in 2000 and had made arrangements to fly back to Egypt where will announce this to her family. She fears that any pictures of her would endanger her and her family. This picture as well as the next two would have had her in them. I took them after she was clear of my camera and will now publishing them as the first half of an indictment against militant Islam. The second half will be a special blog dedicated to her called “The Gracious and Merciful God?”