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, […]
Being Still
August 1, 2024
I have been contemplating the story in Exodus 14; God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery, crossing the desert into the chosen land of milk and honey. They had been enslaved under Pharaoh for many years. The Lord provided and protected them throughout the journey. The Israelites had seen many miracles along […]
What does my love look like?
June 27, 2024
By Kirsty Armitage ‘Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) Disability Awareness Sunday happened recently in New Zealand and our […]
Surrounded
May 30, 2024
By Ella Kirby Surrounded by God’s presence I like to remind myself that God’s presence is always with me. Life is hard and has many demands; family, health, friends, work, chores, studies, and events; I find it easy to feel overwhelmed. If I keep my eyes on my situation, my piles of laundry or work […]
Why is Forgiveness Important
March 12, 2024
By Michael Smith Kia ora, Elevate whanau. My name is Michael for those who don’t know me, and I’ve been involved in supporting people with disabilities since 2015. I hope you are all doing well. I’m talking about forgiveness. In the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus said to Peter to forgive a brother/sister 77 […]