20 January 2026| London, UK [David Neal]
Leaders, members, and friends of the Adventist Special Needs Association (ASNA) gathered together recently to recognise more than two decades of compassionate ministry. Dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, their families, and local congregations across the United Kingdom and Ireland — and increasingly beyond — is ASNA’s specialised ministry.
The occasion held in the heart of the City of London, at St. Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace on 1 December 2025, served as both a celebration and a moment of heartfelt gratitude for ASNA’s pioneering role in shaping a more inclusive church community. Under the leadership of Sophia Nicholls, alongside long-time advocate Nigel Nicholls and a committed network of volunteers, ASNA has consistently modelled the conviction that every person is created in the image of God and belongs fully within the life of the church.
Speakers highlighted that ASNA’s influence has gone far beyond providing services or programmes. Instead, the ministry has helped reframe inclusion as a core expression of Christian discipleship — not an optional extra, but central to following Jesus. Through advocacy, training, pastoral support, and practical guidance, ASNA has encouraged churches to recognise the dignity, giftedness, and spiritual contribution of people with disabilities.
A ministry of presence
Particular appreciation was expressed for ASNA’s support of families and carers, many of whom carry unseen emotional and physical burdens. Over the years, ASNA has provided respite retreats, training weekends, family gatherings, and safe spaces where carers can rest, learn, worship, and share their experiences with others who understand their journey. The ministry’s emphasis on presence — simply standing alongside families in their everyday realities — was repeatedly described as life-giving.
Local congregations across the British Union Conference and Irish Mission have also benefited from ASNA’s disability awareness training, inclusive worship resources, guidance on accessibility, and advice in pastoral care. As a result, many churches have moved beyond offering a welcome toward cultivating genuine belonging, lowering not only architectural barriers but also attitudinal ones. ASNA’s work has helped congregations become places where all can serve and thrive.
Retreats, camps and respite care
ASNA’s long-standing commitment to spiritual nurture has been another defining feature. Camps, retreats, and family events have provided environments where individuals with additional needs and their families can worship freely, without fear of misunderstanding or judgement. Hymns, prayer, friendship, laughter, and shared faith have marked gatherings that many participants describe as deeply transformative encounters with God.
Reflecting on ASNA’s history, reference was made to a 2003 report in the British Advent Messenger, which described a respite and training weekend at the Frontier Centre in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire. More than 90 participants attended, including individuals with disabilities supported by volunteer respite carers, while their primary carers participated in workshops and worship without worry. Specialist training sessions, counselling support groups, and a Saturday evening concert featuring music and poetry by members with disabilities made the weekend a standout event of that year — a pattern that has continued through ASNA’s ministry ever since.
Challenging the Church toward deeper inclusion
ASNA has consistently served as a prophetic voice for compassion, justice, and advocacy. Its work challenges the wider church to ask difficult but necessary questions: Who still feels excluded? Who remains unheard? Where must the church adapt further to reflect Christ’s inclusive love? In doing so, ASNA has not only supported individuals and families but has helped reshape the culture of the church itself.
Expressions of gratitude were extended to ASNA’s leadership team, volunteers, carers, families, donors, and supporters whose combined efforts have sustained the ministry. Every retreat organised, every resource developed, every barrier lowered, and every relationship formed has contributed to revealing the face of Christ through shared community life.
As the celebration concluded, the message was clear: the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the UK and Ireland is stronger, kinder, and more Christlike because of ASNA’s faithful ministry. Prayers were offered for God’s continued blessing on ASNA’s leadership and for the spirit of inclusion, compassion, and hope to keep shaping the church in the years ahead.
David Neal, Trans-European Division Possibility Ministries Director, shared his reflection during the celebration: “ASNA’s legacy stands as a powerful reminder that when every person is valued, and every voice is heard, the church more fully reflects the kingdom of God. I look forward to ASNA’s continued ministry — supporting families and guiding the church into a deeper understanding of inclusion in the name of Christ.”
Featured image: Leaders, members and friends of the Adventist Special Needs Association at the 25th anniversary celebration at St. Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, London.
Photos: Ireen Mtwali, Sophia Nicholls and David Neal
Sophia Nicholls tells the story and history of ASNA
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