Moorpark Author Writes About Religious Inclusion of People With Disabilities

Moorpark resident Dan'l Markham's new book, "The Lost Mandate," challenges Christians to do what the author says they already should be doing: reaching out to those with disabilities. 

The book (available on Amazon.com in electronic version for $3.99) is based on the premise that Luke 14:12-24 is a call by Christ to help those affected by disability.

"The book was born out of a conviction at JAF (Agoura Hills-based Joni and Friends) that the parable of the Great Banquet feast in Luke 14 was a mandate from Christ to the church to care for, include and even exalt people who are affected by disability and/or poor," Markham told writer Daniel Vance for a column appearing in the Sun Journal.

Markham said in the article that leading the way to his own focus on people he calls "marginalized" by society was the example of his parents who "had a heart for people that others didn't have time for."

Currently a consultant to Christian ministries, according to his Facebook page, Markham has followed suite. He's been a pastor, community nonprofit director, executive for Food for the Poor, managing director of field services for disability ministry Joni and Friends.