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Raising up a generation

From March 3-4 Messiah College was pleased to host Joni Eareckson Tada for a two-day visit that included a chapel message, personal interaction with students, and a public lecture.

Tada, a disabilities advocate, Christian radio host, artist, and author, encouraged Messiah students to enroll in the College’s new general education course, “Disability and Society,” applauded the Collaboratory’s efforts to provide mobility solutions to disabled individuals in Mali, and challenged students and members of the community alike to find ways to serve in the midst of their suffering.

Watch to a three-question video interview with Tada.

March 3 chapel
In her chapel message, Tada called herself a “cheerleader for people like you to get energized to help the world’s most needy—people with disability.”  She then shared how Jesus changed her own heart as he called her to life of serving people suffering with disabilities. It’s a passion for God, she said, that results in a passion for people.

Listen to Tada’s entire chapel message.

March 3 meeting with Collaboratory students and students with disability
When planning her visit to Messiah, Tada specifically requested the opportunity to hear more about the work of the College’s Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research. During an evening meeting, students involved in the Collaboratory’s development of assistive technologies to increase the mobility of persons with disability shared their work with Tada.

Watch video of the Collaboratory’s mobility work.

March 4 public lecture
Tada concluded her visit with a public lecture to a crowd of more than 600 people at the Grantham Church. Her message, “Serving in the Midst of Suffering: Partnering to Make a Difference,” included personal accounts of how the Lord has answered pleas for peace and closeness during times of physical suffering. 

Watch a portion of Tada’s public lecture.

Read Tada’s blog about her experiences at Messiah.

Top photo by Walter Calahan. Bottom photo by Scott Markley `12.

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