"If God has given you a story to tell, do you know how to tell it in a way that gets results?"

This is the question we are going to answer today as I tell the story of how I was called into ministry, and then share what I have learned over the past few years about how to tell a story in a way that motivates people to take action. So join us and find out what the cub scouts have to do with disability ministry at my church, why the words you use aren't the most important thing you communicate, and in a Wonderful Works Talks first- find out what moved me to tears (and yes, you will have to wait to the end to hear that part of the story - but it's worth it.) Excited for this one because your story matters and so does how you tell it!

Show Notes: Tips for Telling Your Story

Barb Stanley bio:

Barb Stanley is the Founder and President of Wonderful Works Ministry, an online disability ministry resource center that specializes in creating tools that churches need to support families impacted by disability through free training videos, classroom tools, and adapted kids' Bible stories. She has a background in graphic design, church leadership, and ministry mobilization, and started her church's disability ministry. Barb grew up with a brother who has autism and an intellectual disability and she is a passionate advocate for disability ministry. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Brandon, and they have two grown sons. She is also the host of the Wonderful Works Talks podcast.

A quick note on disability terms:

Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!

One more quick note:

The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

"Do you think how communities are portrayed in the media impacts how they are accepted? And what if a community is portrayed in a way that is meant to be helpful, but is actually harmful?"

In this episode, we dive head-first into these two thought-provoking questions as we talk to disability advocate and radio host, Cam Wells. Cam is a childhood stroke survivor, the host of the syndicated radio program Handi-Link, and passionate about how disability is portrayed in the media. He is also a man of faith and we get real about what is helpful and what is hurtful regarding disability and church too. Let me tell you, this interview is chocked full of things that will make you think more deeply and change your perspective.

Cam Wells Bio:

Cam Wells is a stroke survivor and a four-time graduate of St. Clair College with a strong passion for disability rights and inclusive storytelling in the media. He started the show over 18 years ago to change how disability stories are typically portrayed, advocating for a middle ground perspective rather than only portraying people with disabilities as either "bitter or really inspirational". His work has been recognized at both local and national levels in Canada.

More From Cam -

Listen to Handi-Link on CJAM 99.1 in one of these ways:

• Live Broadcast: It broadcasts on CJAM 99.1 FM in Windsor, Ontario, every Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:30 am (GMT-5/EST)
• Syndication: The show is syndicated and available on various community radio stations and platforms across Canada.
• Online: Episodes and links to specific interviews can be found here.

If you think your story would be a great feature for Handi-Link please email Cam at wellscameron@hotmail.com and put "Interview Request" in the subject line.

A quick note on disability terms:

Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!

One more quick note:

The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

"When you think about advocacy, do you think about representing Christ?"

This is the soul-searching question that we tackle today as we talk about disability advocacy with the co-founder of Raising Autistic Disciples, Larah Roberts. Larah is the mother of a son with Level 2 autism, and she helps us navigate where to start before an advocacy meeting, how to know whether you should stay or go at church, and why creating accessible churches is world changing. Plus, find out what statement made me stop cold in my tracks. This is an important conversation every parent and church leader shoudl listen to.

Larah Roberts Bio:

Larah Roberts is the Director of Operations for Key Ministry. As a mother of three, including a son with autism, Larah’s passion for disability ministry is deeply personal. Along with her husband Collin, Larah co-authored the book “How to Advocate and Stay Christian,” offering support and guidance to parents of special needs children. Larah also encourages parents on her podcast and Instagram at @RaisingAutisticDisciples. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, road trips, thrifting finds, enjoying coffee with friends, and being a WNBA fan.

More From Larah -

Follow her on Instagram at Raisingautisticdisciples.

Get her books on Amazon today: How to Advocate and Stay Christian and Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child's Autism Diagnosis Through A Gospel Lens

Learn more about Key Ministry here.

A quick note on disability terms:

Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!

One more quick note:

The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.