Disability & Special Needs Ministry
November 2020
All are gifted, needed, and treasured!
MONTHLY BIBLE VERSE
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient [a] in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given [b] to hospitality.”
Romans 12:10-13 NKJV
“Welcome to the Seventeenth (17th) edition of the Gulf States Conference (GSC) “Disability, Special Needs, & Possibilities Ministry Newsletter”. The format of remaining issues will focus not only on “secular” disability matters, but endeavor to provide “Spiritual” input to endure these turbulent times. Future editions will be published on a monthly basis.
Because the COVID-19 virus continues to rage, we will cover a variety of subjects on coping with the stress and strain of quarantine mandates. If there is a specific topic you’d like to see addressed, please contact our office at your convenience.
Biblical Quotations
A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and sadness. Mental depression is terrible.... Air, air, the precious boon of heaven which all may have, will bless you with its invigorating influence if you will not refuse it entrance. Welcome it, cultivate a love for it, and it will prove a precious soother of the nerves. Air must be in constant circulation to be kept pure. The influence of pure, fresh air is to cause the blood to circulate healthfully through the system. It refreshes the body and tends to render it strong and healthy, while at the same time its influence is decidedly felt upon the mind, imparting a degree of composure and serenity. It excites the appetite, and renders the digestion of food more perfect, and induces sound and sweet sleep. The effects produced by living in close, ill-ventilated rooms are these: The system becomes weak and unhealthy, the circulation is depressed, the blood moves sluggishly through the system because it is not purified and vitalized by the pure, invigorating air of heaven.... Do you believe that the end of all things is at hand, that the scenes of this earth's history are fast closing? If so, show your faith by your works.... “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Few have that genuine faith which works by love and purifies the soul. But all who are accounted worthy of everlasting life must obtain a moral fitness for the same. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” This is the work before you, and you have none too much time if you engage in the work with all your soul.—Testimonies for the Church 1:702-705.
TOPICS OF INTEREST
HERD IMMUNITY AND COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (2)
HOW CAN YOU SLOW THE TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19?
Until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed, it's crucial to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect individuals at increased risk of severe illness, including older adults and people of any age with underlying health conditions. To reduce the risk of infection:
Avoid large events and mass gatherings.
Avoid close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
Stay home as much as possible and keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, especially if you have a higher risk of serious illness. Keep in mind some people may have the COVID-19 virus and spread it to others, even if they don't have symptoms or don't know they have COVID-19.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a cloth face covering in public spaces, such as the grocery store, where it's difficult to avoid close contact with others, especially if you're in an area with ongoing community spread. Only use nonmedical cloth masks — surgical masks and N95 respirators should be reserved for health care providers.
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you're sick.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters, daily.
Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick, unless you're going to get medical care. Avoid public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing if you're sick.
A Female Northern Cardinal
Want to attract more species of birds to your yard? We’ll help you create the ideal conditions. New research shows that blood pressure levels that we’ve generally considered “normal” may be high enough to foster the development of atherosclerotic heart disease. Jane E. Brody took a look at the latest study.
And if you’re trying to begin a mindfulness practice, why not start with a silent breakfast?
How to Pass the Time
Feeling election stress? Modern Love’s podcast tells the tale of a dog who helped his two-legged companion through hard times. If that didn’t hook you, consider that the dog’s name was Dusty-Danger and he had pointy ears and mismatched eyes. Did you think escape rooms would be killed off by the pandemic? Nope. They’ve reinvented themselves online. That was no surprise to an industry expert, who said “These folks are deeply creative, and they’re scrappy.”
Our critics and writers rounded up seven things you should do this weekend.
CREDITS:
Published by
George Hamilton
Assistant Disability Ministry Director
Gulf States Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
H. 256-883-7751
C. 850-543-1398
Disabilities & Special Needs Ministry Goals
Email: gsc-disability@gscsda.org
Website: https://gscsda.org/disability-ministries
Location: 10633 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL, USA
Phone: 3342727493