By Sarah Stubbs
Kristin Barnes, a senior at North Greenville University, spent seven weeks of her summer vacation as an intern with the Cause 4 Life Ministry and Missions Academy, West Coast. Cause 4 Life is a ministry of Joni and Friends which was founded by Joni Eareckson Tada who was involved in a diving accident in 1967 at the age of 17. The accident left Joni a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. She founded the Christian ministry to provide outreach to families around the world affected by a disability.
Kristin developed a heart for people affected by disability during a mission trip to Nicaragua. She noticed the alienation of children with special needs in a developing country. Kristin learned about the Cause 4 Life intern program and decided to apply. She was one of six chosen for the West Coast Academy.
Kristin’s journey as an intern began June 28 as she flew to the Joni and Friends International Disability Center in Agoura Hills, CA. She began the internship by receiving intensive training on disability ministry which included biblical Christian leadership, biblical justice, and global missions. Upon the completion of the training, Kristin ministered in local churches by working with special needs children, adults with intellectual disabilities, and families of those with disabilities. She then served as a short term missionary at the Family Retreat at Bison Ranch, Arizona which ministers to children and families affected by a disability. The internship ended with a ten day mission trip to Haiti. Kristin served in a local church working with special needs orphans. She also worked with caregivers to those with special needs to help them become better equipped in providing care to these special people. Upon completion of the seven week intern program with Cause 4 Life, Kristin returned home August 14.
Kristin said, “This summer I gained so much understanding about Disability ministry in that the main purpose is to love and integrate.” She learned: Disability ministry is not one-sided – one can learn from those with disabilities; not all disabilities are visible; we should approach everyone with love and acceptance; no degree is necessary to work with individuals affected by a disability – it only takes love.
Kristin is the daughter of Donna and Ken Barnes and a graduate of Latta High School. She plans to attend a graduate school next fall to receive a Master’s Degree in Social Work and to continue to be an advocate for those with a disability.