Celebrating the Light of Christmas in 2020

This isn’t a typical Christmas photo, but wanted to share the joy of inclusion and friendship from this year!

Dear Beyond Limits Friends, Families and Supporters – 

This year has been unlike any other for most of us, and Beyond Limits has definitely experienced that.  All of us have faced the challenges of limited time with family and friends, being part of big events, or simply getting to come and go like we are used to.  It has been a year where feeling lonely, or like we are missing something is real.  With the Holidays here, this is on the minds of many.  The challenges of Covid 19 and separation are hard, and we are grateful for every moment of being part of our college experience at Bethany Global University. 

At this time of year, we hear many scripture passages that help us with looking forward to Christmas.  One in particular comes to mind this season: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV).  This verse brings hope – hope that something is coming, and has come, in Jesus.

The Advent season gives us a period to focus on the coming of Jesus to earth, becoming Emmanuel – God with us.  This is a beautiful image of inclusion like no other – that God would want to be with all people.  This is told so well in the beginning of the book of John:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-5, NIV)

And it continues:

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) 

These words give us a powerful picture of the inclusive love of God – that God came, as a human, in order to be with us.  These words are important in a time when we have been separated from each other.  It is a reminder that God is near us, with us, and loves us.  It is the best picture of inclusion there could be – that God desires to be with people.

One thing that is different for many with disabilities is that being separated from others is normal.  Many times, they are not connected in their communities or other places where they are known.  Beyond Limits is committed to being a place where inclusion happens and giving our students opportunity.  This is one of many reasons that we have taken the steps to keep students safe and on campus even with the challenges it brings.  

Students grow in independence, relationships, confidence, and in their love for God.  Students get to stand against the darkness of loneliness or exclusion along with their Bethany friends and inspire others to work towards accepting, loving, and including.  

The opportunity to be part of community like this is only possible through the help of our supporters – by people like you.  Together we get to see the darkness pushed back and the light of God’s presence through inclusion forever change people’s lives.  Partnering with Beyond Limits provides the tools we need to build skills that help students with special needs be part of their world and live in the light.   

Your gift today will change lives.  With your support Beyond Limits can:

  • Promote inclusion of people with disabilities into everyday life

  • Provide scholarships for students with disabilities who cannot afford this opportunity

  • Teach traditional college students what inclusion is really all about

  • Acquire technology for a virtual age that can help students be connected

  • Bring the light of inclusion into our world

You can support us with a tax-deductible contribution by mailing checks made to “Beyond Limits” to 
Beyond Limits, 6820 Auto Club Road, Suite P, Bloomington, MN 55438

Or by clicking here to go to our on-line donation page today.

2020 has not made it easy to be connected!  We look forward to opportunities to gather, participate, grow - and in all of this we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.  

Sincerely,  

Craig Spofford

Executive Director, 

Beyond Limits