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About Us

Discover Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries (BLDM) and our mission to bring the love of Jesus to the IDD community.

Our Purpose

Embracing The IDD Community: Sharing the Love of Jesus

There is a glaring need for Gospel outreach to and with people who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Though this population of people are born just as sinful as anyone else and whose sins are paid for through the blood of Jesus like everyone in the world, too often they do not receive the kinds of spiritual nurture, worship, and fellowship opportunities that meet their needs and maximize their ability to hear God’s Word, serve their Lord, and serve their congregations and communities.

Together with individuals, groups, congregations and communities, we will create a new opportunity for people with disabilities to hear God’s Word, grow in faith, and receive and share Jesus’ love with others.

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impact

About BLDM

Our Mission
Reaching forward in FAITH, WORD, and DEED by sharing the love of Jesus with people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our Vision
Create greater awareness of the spiritual needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering and encouraging ALL to share Christ’s love with one another.
Supporting the IDD Community
Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries uplifts the faith of individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they have the spiritual resources needed for a dignified and fulfilling Christ-centered life.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Virginia Schweigert
Previous Scholarship Recipient