Sharing the Love of Jesus with the IDD Community

Reaching forward in FAITH, WORD and DEED by sharing the love of Jesus with people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Learn More

BLDM quick links

Learn more about donating to BLDM

Learn More

Access resources available to help bring Jesus to the IDD community

See Resources

About us

Embracing the IDD Community: Sharing the Love of Jesus with Everyone

There is a glaring need for gospel outreach to and with people who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Learn more about Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries and its efforts to bring Jesus to the IDD community.

About BLDM

BLDM: Supporting Ministry to the IDD Community

Featured Campaign

General BLDM Donation Campaign

Donations nationwide are supporting Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries in its mission to share Jesus’ love with the IDD community.

$3K+

Raised funds so far

35%

$10K

Target goals

35%

Making a Difference

Birthday cakes to celebrate Jesus’ birthday were delivered to each of the 17 AbleLight group homes and apartment complexes in Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro, Cornelius, and Forest Grove on December 23rd.

The residents had the opportunity to help decorate the cake they would later enjoy eating after praying and singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.

Make a Difference

Gallery

What people are saying about BLDM

K-8 School Grant Recipient

I mentored the “Changing Lives ” program successfully at Forest Hills Lutheran Christian School in the Spring Semester of 2024. Initially I heard feedback from teachers stating that they rapidly “noticed a change in the attitudes of their students towards everyone around them especially those on the Autism spectrum.” Later, I was told by the teachers and staff : “They felt much more thoughtful regarding whether they are meeting the needs of their students and others. They are more aware now of how they can relate more effectively to all people. Also how they can better assist others with special needs respectfully.” The last project the students created was an accessible community with Lego and hand drawn plans utilizing everything learned . It spoke “volumes” to all who had the opportunity to see it.

Lindy Tysor

Trinity Lutheran Church, Hillsboro, OR

Scholarship Recipient

This scholarship has helped me immensely in my studies. It has offset the cost of my education and has allowed me to dedicate more time to my schooling rather than having to worry about how I will feed my family. It has been a tremendous blessing and brought great comfort in my life. I recently learned that my school offers a class entitled Ministry to People with Special Needs that I will have the opportunity to take later in my schooling. I know this would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about caring for the souls of those with IDDs. I am looking forward to entering the ministry where I will be able to share the love of Christ with all people, regardless of the intellectual or developmental capacities!

Christopher Atlee

Scholarship Recipient

Previous Scholarship Recipient

I am a first year Deaconess student at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. I am grateful to Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries for their financial support. The seminary courses forming us into Christ’s servants to those in need. This month I began a bible study with a group of guys with intellectual disabilities. It is a joy to share the word with them. I have been asked to lead a weekly devotion for a group of adults with an adult daycare. I’m looking forward to joyfully praising God with them. The website has lots of valuable resources for planning my lessons and devotions for people with special needs.