Interview Featuring Yung Chen, Artist, and Ella Lander, Elevate Christian Disability Trust Staff Ella: When did you start doing your artwork? Yung: I was drawing my art by hand, and I was able to hold the pen and then my hand got more and more sore. I can still use my hands, and it is […]
Devotional by Cherry Lewis: If it is of concern to me, it is of concern to him
July 2, 2025
Written by Cherry Lewis “Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) The thought came to me a while back that I should make a record of all the […]
Bonus Article: Who would have thought?
June 30, 2025
We have an exciting bonus website-only ‘The Encourager’ article. Read on for bonus ‘The Encourager’ 180th Issue content written by Jillian Leather, regarding the exciting story of the Pyle family, of whom, Jeremy and Anna Pyle have helped to lead at Northland CFFD, and Jeremy has helped at numerous Elevate camps. Who would have thought? […]
Armed with a Canvas: Interview with Artist, Yung Chen
June 30, 2025
Interview Featuring Yung Chen, Artist, and Ella Lander, Elevate Christian Disability Trust Staff Ella: When did you start doing your artwork? Yung: I was drawing my art by hand, and I was able to hold the pen and then my hand got more and more sore. I can still use my hands, and it is […]
Creating a Place for Everyone: Mark’s Story of Belonging and Advocacy
June 30, 2025
The first time I attended the Drop-in Centre program, I felt a bit out of place. Walking into a new environment, not knowing anyone, and unsure of what to expect made me feel nervous and vulnerable. It’s always awkward trying to find your footing in a new space. But then I met Mark. He was […]
Bold Living with Ruth Beale: Celebrating Her 30 Years of Ministry
June 30, 2025
One of my first impressions of Ruth, was that she speaks with such confidence and boldness. I have learned her boldness and deep trust comes from navigating the windy road of life, by God’s lamp to her feet. You may know Ruth from her work with Wellington Christian Fellowship for the Disabled (CFFD), Manuwatū CFFD, […]
The Potter and the Clay in all Seasons of Life
June 25, 2025
The Potter and the Clay in all Seasons of Life (God in Every Season Devotion Series) Written by Faye Angelo, Volunteer at Drop-In Centre Yet, Oh Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay; you are the potter. We are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8 The bible often refers to […]
Hiding in the Baggage
June 4, 2025
Hiding in the Baggage (God in Every Season Devotion Series) Reflection on 1 Samuel 22:10 “So they inquired further of the Lord, “Has the man come here yet?” And the Lord said, “Yes, he has hidden himself among the supplies.” 1 Samuel 22:10 (NIV) I have always been the champion at playing hide and seek; […]
God in Every Season
May 21, 2025
God in Every Season Reflection on Acts 1:1–11 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” – Acts 1:8 (NIV) Life moves in seasons. Some feel like the warmth of summer—bright, joyful, and full of momentum. It’s easy to find clarity, energy, and purpose. Others […]
Compassion without Agenda
March 27, 2025
Compassion Without an Agenda: Loving People as They Are Written By Jacqui Sua, Elevate Christian Disability Trust Staff How we should focus on relationship over “fixing”—meeting people where they are rather than seeing disability as something that always needs to be healed. March 2025 We often associate compassion with helping or fixing someone’s problems, but […]