Elevate Christian Disability Trust
For 50 years, Elevate Christian Disability Trust has been connecting people with disabilities, their whānau and Christian communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. What began as a small gathering in an Auckland home in 1976 has grown into a nationwide ministry. At the heart of Elevate is the belief that every person is created in God’s image, has inherent value and needs genuine connection with God and others. We want to see people with disabilities and their whānau leading, contributing, growing and belonging in Christian community and wider society. Through our CFFD and Joy Ministries groups, camps, Auckland Drop-in Centre, youth programmes and connections with churches, we bring people together to build friendships, explore faith, grow in their relationship with Jesus and encourage one another.
About Kathie Pace – Community and Connections Lead
Kathie’s involvement with Elevate began nearly 40 years ago, when a conversation with Di Willis at a Scripture Union training day, at just 16, opened the door to a lifelong involvement in disability ministry. Today, Kathie loves connecting with people, hearing their stories and encouraging them in their faith. She’s passionate about everyone having the opportunity to hear the gospel, respond to Jesus and grow as disciples. And she still loves a good conversation, preferably over coffee! Although she probably didn’t expect that first conversation to last quite this long!
Prayer Points
1. Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Please pray for our upcoming National Camp, where people from throughout New Zealand will gather for friendship, worship and growing in faith. Our theme is DECLARE, based on Psalm 71:14–16, and we would love prayer for our volunteers and cabin leaders, and especially that people will come to know Jesus and grow closer to Him. Please also pray for Kathie as she speaks at Good News Aotearoa, and for our involvement at Festival One, where Elevate provides the Soul Lounge, an accessible and welcoming place for people with disabilities to connect with others, take a break when needed and enjoy being part of the wider festival. Pray for the preparations, volunteers and opportunities to build friendships and encourage greater inclusion throughout the festival.
2. Our Programmes and Groups
Please pray for our Auckland Drop-in Centre, Elevate Youth Collective, and CFFD and Joy Ministries groups throughout Aotearoa. Pray for the people who attend, our staff, volunteers and local leaders, that these ministries will continue to be places where friendships grow, faith is encouraged and people are valued and able to contribute.
3. Building Connections with Churches
Please pray for our relationships with churches, Christian organisations and communities throughout New Zealand. Pray that God will open doors for new connections and strengthen existing relationships, helping churches grow in confidence in connecting with people with disabilities and recognising their gifts.
4. Leadership and God’s Provision
As we celebrate 50 years of ministry, we thank God for His faithfulness and the many ways He has provided over the years. Please pray for our trustees, director, staff and ministry leaders as they seek God’s wisdom and direction for the future. We are also trusting God for the finances, people, skills and resources needed to continue this work. Pray that He will continue to provide and bring alongside Elevate others who share the heart of this ministry.
5. People with Disabilities and Their Whānau
Please pray for people with disabilities and their whānau throughout Aotearoa, particularly those experiencing loneliness, isolation or barriers to community life. Pray for genuine friendships, practical support, opportunities to contribute and people who will take the time to listen and build relationships.
6. The Church in Aotearoa
Please pray for churches to recognise people with disabilities as valued members of the Body of Christ, with gifts to share and a part to play in God’s mission. Pray that people with and without disabilities will have opportunities to hear the gospel, grow in faith, worship, serve and lead together.