Summer in the Forest

Back in the late 70s when I was new to disability ministry, someone gave me Jean Vanier’s classic Community & Growth. I had heard about Jean Vanier and his love for people with disabilities, but this special book opened my eyes to making “disability ministry” a lifestyle. In 1964, Vanier founded L’Arche, a collection of communities comprised of people with developmental disabilities and their friends — what I mean by friends is, typical men and women who come and join L’Arche to serve disabled people in a loving, warm, home-like setting.

The collection of communities has spread to 37 countries around the world, helping to change people’s perceptions about strength and weakness. Because when it comes to living in a L’Arche community, everyone claims their weakness as a strength. See this amazing dynamic up-close and personal in the new movie Summer in the Forest. It’s inspiring, heart-warming, and it will give you a fresh outlook on what disability ministry can and should be! This remarkable film, Summer in the Forest will show in the Los Angeles area April 6-12; other showings will be scheduled throughout the year in select cities across America. So, for more info on screenings near you or to watch a preview of the film, visit the Summer in the Forest website.