Living Well with God by Jo Acharya 

'An excellent and much needed volume for those with learning/conceptual difficulties - an often neglected yet very important section of our congregations'

Living Well with God
By Jo Acharya
Valley of Springs
ISBN: 978 1 7399273 0 1
Reviewer: Moira Kleissner

 
In churches it is easy to forget about people with “hidden difficulties” - those who are within the dyslexic or autistic spectrum, those with ADHD, those with learning difficulties and memory difficulties, people who find reading hard and understanding the written word a minefield. This covers a very wide range of impediments. However it is a range of abilities that is overlooked in a great many churches. We need to listen more to people about how they experience worship and Bible study.
 
So often these needs are ignored in church services with Bible readings, often with little explanation, screens (especially the type of lettering and colour background and combinations used) become difficult to follow. There are hidden cues within worship and Bible study which many will find unintelligible. Even reading the Bible can prove impossible because of the language. I have even seen children’s studies and books used with people with cognitive difficulties and this is demeaning and inappropriate.

This book however,  seeks to overcome some of these difficulties in order to help people grow in their Christian faith. And it does so very well.  
 
The aim of the studies is to help people “Living Well with God.” And it certainly fulfils its aim. It has been written by Jo Acharya, a qualified music therapist, who has been working with people with learning disabilities for 18 years. She now leads a mixed group and prepares resources for them to use. This is a much needed book by an experienced practitioner who has trialled the material herself with groups in her church. It is an easy-read version of Jo’s book Refresh: A Wellness Devotional for the Whole Christian Life. I really enjoyed it myself as it made me think in a slightly different way, even as a dyslexic!
 
The large format has Aravis large print (very like Comic Sans), and is therefore easy to read. Pictures are clear, attractive, simple and non- confusing. At the beginning there are simple explanations on how to use the book with a glossary with easy to understand definitions at the back. Some words and concepts are printed in red so that the reader can go to the glossary to find out what the word/concept means. The Bible verses and passages are used are from the “Easy to Read” version of the Bible. It is suggested that this or a similar easy to read/limited vocabulary Bible is used.
 
Each week there is a part of the Bible to read and explanations in clear unambiguous English. There are two questions to help with understanding the passage, a prayer and some more simple relevant questions to help the reader think about during the week with space to write or draw about what they feel. There are 13 topics altogether and four weekly studies within each topic. Topics include : “Learning to Rest,” “ Loving my Body,” “Getting Along with People,” “My Part in God’s Plan,” “Understanding My Feelings,” “Who God says I am,” “Getting to Know God,” “Trusting God When Life is Hard” and so on. These are topics that are relevant to learning about how God can be part of life in a non-confusing and understandable way.
 
This book could be used in a group or by one person with a helper. As someone who has worked with children and adults with special needs and disabilities in the  past, I would use this use with teens and/or adults who find reading and grappling with abstract concepts hard. In fact I would even use it with new Christians!

It really is an excellent and much needed volume. So if you have anyone in your church who fulfils criteria for learning/conceptual difficulties do get this book and mentor them through it. They and you will enjoy it. It will help them develop a relationship with God and the church. I hope that Jo goes on to produce more material for this often neglected yet very important section of our congregations.
 

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife