Participants in the Mephibosheth project, Welly and Dame Maharaja, with their parents. Photo: GKPPD
A holistic approach to disability transforms lives and empowers people in Pakpak Dairi Christian Protestant Church
(LWI) - From successful duck and pig farming to a growing handicrafts business, 10 people with disabilities in Indonesia’s Pakpak Dairi Christian Protestant Church (GKPPD) share remarkable stories of economic empowerment, inclusion and acceptance by families, friends, neighbors and whole communities. Using resources from a small project, supported by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), they have acquired skills and confidence to become independent and valued members of their local congregations and communities in two districts of North Sumatra province.
Rev. Muliathy Briany is coordinating the Mephibosheth project, named after a grandson of King Saul, as recounted in the Old Testament book of Samuel. “The inspiration came from my personal experience of seeing people with disabilities being left out or overlooked in church activities,” she said. “I noticed that many of them felt they did not truly belong and that moved me deeply. I believe the church should be a place for everyone, without exception, and I want our church to become a truly inclusive space where every person, regardless of their ability, feels welcomed, valued and loved,” she added.
The project began with the selection of the 10 men and women living with various types of disability who received home visits and counseling sessions from professional mentors offering personalized support for emotional, spiritual and practical challenges. Family members were included in the sessions in order to break down stigma and increase awareness of the rights and potential of people with disabilities. “I wanted to show how these people have so much to offer – their faith, their strength and their perspectives which enrich our community in so many ways,” Briany explained.
Skills training and start-up capital
Building on those conversations, participants were then offered skills training in pig and duck farming, including nutrition, vaccinations, product management and marketing to enable them to establish small businesses. Start-up capital was provided in the form of a few pigs and ducks for each participant, bearing in mind the background of the families, many of whom already had experience in animal farming. One participant, Samuel Anakampun, received a set of craft tools instead, as he was already skilled in the production of handicrafts and wanted to set up his own business.
Yundia Boangmanalu, who previously spent her days being cared for by her family, is one of the participants who received 20 ducks, alongside guidance for their care and training on how to sell the eggs they produce. Today, she and her parents are growing their small but flourishing business by reinvesting the income from daily egg sales to buy more ducks and expand the farm. “She is the one taking care of the ducks now,” Boangmanalu’s mother explained during a follow-up visit, “and we are so proud of her.”
Despite difficulties related to some remote locations and harsh weather conditions, the organizers reported significant increases in self-confidence among all participants, as well as improved understanding, acceptance and participation by family members in these new ventures. At Easter 2025, all participants and families came together with other congregation members for an outing which included worship, shared meals, artwork and outdoor activities designed to increase the sense of inclusion and wellbeing.
Yundia Boangmanalu receives some ducks as start-up capital to begin her business selling eggs. Photo: GKPPD
Participants in the inclusive outing to celebrate Easter 2025. Photo: GKPPD
Group photo of participants in the inclusive Easter outing. Photo: GKPPD
Alongside accompaniment to participants, a second goal of the project was to launch an inclusivity campaign to reach a wider audience. Stories, photos and videos were posted on social media, while a training was designed for pastors and other church leaders, and local government representatives. A seminar attended by 60 people focused both on national disability rights and ways of building more inclusive churches. New Sunday school books are in the process of translation into the Pakpak language for distribution among children and youth, including those attending confirmation classes. Alongside suggestions for practical activities, the books provide theological foundations for inclusion of people with disabilities into the life of the church and local community.
I have received hope, encouragement, and the confidence to live my life better.
Supriadi Nababan, a participant in the Mephibosheth project for people living with disabilities
Following on from the success of the Easter outing, the project managers organized an inclusive Christmas celebration bringing together participants, families and other church members for worship, festive food and sharing of powerful personal testimonies about the transformation of lives. Also in December, a six-day sign language training was held to equip church workers, pastors and community volunteers with skills to better communicate and serve those living with hearing loss. A disability inclusion guidebook has been written to ensure sustainability and to serve as a reference manual for other churches and organizations interested in implementing similar disability inclusion programs.
Supriadi Nababan, who received two pigs and training at the start of the project, summed up the sentiments of other participants in the project, explaining that his business has enabled him to feel “accepted, valued and recognized” as part of his community. “Through the opportunities provided by LWF and GKPPD, I have gained more than just material assistance,” he said. “I have received hope, encouragement, and the confidence to live my life better. I hope this project continues to grow, not only for me but also for many other people with disabilities who might feel marginalized or neglected by society.”
Supriadi Nababan, a participant in the Mephibosheth project’s inclusivity campaign, holds a sign reading “Every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, is an inseparable part of the church and society.” Photo: GKPPD
Participants at an inclusion seminar organized as part of the Mephibosheth project. Photo: GKPPD
Group photo of participants at an inclusion seminar organized as part of the Mephibosheth project Photo: GKPPD
