Disability inclusion is a must in ministry. As the body of Christ, everyone deserves the same opportunity to participate in worship services and social activities. At the 3rd annual I’m Involved Disability and Health Retreat, October 17-19, 2025, at Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida, the practice of equality was realized. More than 55 participants attended the retreat sponsored by the Southeastern Conference and the Versacare Foundation. They leaf with a renewed focus on the importance of advocating for disability inclusion in worship and social activities.
Participating churches included Charlotte Berean, Sharon, Northeast, Trinity Worship Center, Village Church, Iglesia Adventista Central de Charlotte, Park Church, and Macedonia Baptist. Organizers adopted the theme “Love is Serving,” underscoring the clinic’s goal of meeting community needs through practical and spiritual support.
The purpose of the retreat is to educate, engage, empower, and equip church leaders and members for evangelism by training them how to accommodate individuals with disabilities, as well as increase the visibility of individuals with disabilities in worship services and social activities.
The retreat was modeled after the “Body of Christ” concept found in 1 Corinthians 12, and the total member involvement endorsed by the Seventh-day Adventist Church — which provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities, as their abilities allow, to get involved in ministry.
Participants with and without disabilities, and from various religious backgrounds, traveled from across the United States to attend the retreat. They all seemed to be filled with excitement and anticipation. Guests with varying types of disabilities were warmly and enthusiastically greeted by Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D., director of health and disability ministries for Southeastern Conference, and assisted by Arthur Battles, and Fred and Marissa Pierre, program and logistics coordinators. Present were guests and representatives from the North American Division and various conferences: Charlotte Thoms, disability coordinator for the North American Division; Shaun Brooks, D.Min., director of disabilities for Georgia-Cumberland Conference and the keynote speaker for the event; Colin Brathwaite, disability director for Alleghany East Conference; Deborah Whitfield, assistant disability coordinator for Alleghany East Conference; and Lewis Edwards, former Southeastern Conference health director.
Each morning, interested participants joined in the fitness fun led by Waly Elifrance, a fitness trainer who described workouts as worship. People using wheelchairs, canes, rollators, and no assistive devices took part in the exercises, enjoying the fresh air, and watching the beautiful sunrise over the lake. Rose Elifrance took pictures, prayed, and led out in the singing during the exercises. The workout energized participants.
The learning sessions — which included creating a disability-inclusive worship and social experience, organizing a disability team, and discussions about autism, sign language, and fitness — were informative and interactive and helped participants better understand how to be advocates for individuals with disabilities.
Throughout the weekend, Brooks shared powerful thought-provoking messages from the Word of God about the importance of disability inclusion. He used examples of Jacob, a blind man, and the four friends of the lame man who were advocates and worked in ministry to connect people to Christ. At each meeting, the renowned pianist Neville Peter rendered special music, and also held a lively concert on Saturday night at the I’m Involved Gala. He serenaded all with melodious and upbeat music, followed by special veteran recognition, and a “Walk the Runway” where each participant, dressed in festive attire, had the opportunity to parade forward to receive their certificate of attendance and appreciation.
At the closing session, Sankey-Battles thanked the participants. They were encouraged to run with the vision (Habakkuk 2:2) to promote a disability inclusive worship and social environment, and to give a believable report (Isaiah 53:1) about their experience at the retreat and Jesus’ soon return.
For more information about disabilities ministries, contact Jennifer Sankey-Battles at 352-720-5206.
South Atlantic | January 2026
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