The Ministry to Persons with Disabilities (MPWDs) of The Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with Joni and Friends, a multinational non-governmental organisation, has launched the ‘Beyond Suffering Training’ for Église de Pentecôte Internationale du Togo. This initiative aims to train individuals on ethical methods to support Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The ‘Beyond Suffering’ course, organised by Joni & Friends, is a comprehensive programme that provides an overview of the theological and practical underpinnings of disability ministry. It aims to equip participants to think critically, compassionately, and clearly about the complex issues impacting people with disabilities and their families, enabling them to confidently bring the love of Christ to these individuals.
The training commenced on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the CIAP – Yokoe in Lomé, Togo, and is scheduled to conclude on Friday.
In his opening address, Apostle Lare Banimpo, Executive Council Member of The Church of Pentecost who doubles as the National Head of the church in Togo, emphasised the importance of embracing and ministering to individuals living with disabilities. Citing 2 Samuel 9:3, he highlighted the biblical narrative where King David sought to show God’s kindness to Mephibosheth, who was disabled.
Apostle Banimpo urged Christians to recognise that, despite physical impairments, individuals with disabilities share the same hearts and humanity. He reminded the church of its mandate to reach out to all, including those with disabilities, underscoring that the Lord desires their salvation as well.
Complementing this message, Mr Ronald Ngisha of Joni & Friends, introduced the ‘Beyond Suffering Training,’ a comprehensive training programme designed to equip individuals and churches to effectively minister to PWDs. He emphasised the necessity of engaging with PWDs, sharing the message of Christ, and actively reaching out within communities.
Dr Ashley Ngisha, also associated with Joni & Friends, elaborated on the concept of disability, defining it as any impairment—psychological or physiological—that can occur due to injury or birth. She pointed out that disabilities often result in barriers that hinder individuals from full societal participation, many of which are inadvertently created by non-disabled individuals and systemic structures in education, healthcare, and recreation.
Dr Ngisha advocated for respectful communication, urging people to address individuals with disabilities by their given names and to learn appropriate ways to refer to and interact with them.
Also present were Pastor Alexander Nyame (National Coordinator, MPWDs); Pastor Joel Quansah (Ghana Country Director, Joni & Friends); and several pastors from Église de Pentecôte Internationale du Togo.
The initiative aligns with The Church of Pentecost’s Vision 2028, which includes a focus on the Ministry to Persons with Disabilities. The MPWDs seeks to build a strong ministry to PWDs through effective evangelism and discipleship, as well as create an enabling environment to promote their spiritual, emotional, and personal growth in order to impact the church, their communities, and nations.
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