The Church and People with Disabilities will be taught by Pastor Linda Baldock at both the northern and southern sites for Mission U July 2014. The study lead us to advocate to help the church become more welcoming and accessible to those of us with disabilities.

Linda Baldock grew up on a farm in Minnesota, but more importantly was born with several congenital problems, making her a one-of-a-kind, according to some specialists. 

Her hearing loss was potentially disabling, but she has learned to adapt and is presently using a Baha implant to hear.  The implant is an amazing device that increasing hearing possibilities for many. 

After graduating from Minnesota State University Moorhead she worked as social worker at Arthur, North Dakota, Good Samaritan Society, Linda also  worked with learning disabled students at schools in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. 

Linda answered God’s call to ministry.  She graduated from Saint Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, Missouri in 1997. She returned to the Dakota and  served three appointments p prior to her current appointment in  White River and Mission, South Dakota

Linda states, “I find myself using many of the skills learned along the way.  After being widowed in 2005, I am now married to Jerry Bottger who works for a charity on Pine Ridge. Together we have had several foster children, presently raising 14-year-old Savannah and 9-year-old LaQuita, as our daughters.”

Mission u, formerly School of Christian Mission, is approaching. Southern Mission U will be held July 10-13, on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University  (DWU) in Mitchell, South Dakota.  Northern Mission U will be held on July 18-21, 2014 at the University of Jamestown, in Jamestown, North Dakota. You can be enriched and blessed by experiencing Mission u.

A brochure, including a registration form, is available on the conference website.