The Reimers

Justin and Tamara Reimer have a deep affection for seeing the gospel of Christ transform the lives of people impacted by disability. Before having children, the Reimers were preparing to be missionaries in Russia. Their first child, Elisha, was born with Down Syndrome, and they began to invest in the disability community that they became a part of, ultimately founding Guidelight (formerly The Elisha Foundation). God then brought the calling to cross-cultural missions together with their passion for disability outreach by advancing their family to Ukraine. 

There, they built a team to serve in special needs orphanages, as well as the Imago Dei Center for People with Disabilities, where they hosted many church-based outreaches and services for those affected by disability. The war necessitated a move back to Portland, where they continue to partner with the church in Ukraine as well as the stateside disability community through Guidelight, hosting retreats for families impacted by disability as well as providing church-based training.

Over the past year we have seen our friends and church community in Ukraine continue to serve the special needs community through outreaches that have endured the war. We continue to make trips to Ukraine to encourage and continue ministry.

We have been able to partner with churches and missionaries in other Eastern European and Central Asian countries, with a concentrated focus on equipping churches and missionaries in Albania. This Spring we will be partnering with a local church to host a retreat for families impacted by disability.

The work of the ministry in North America has continued to grow as we've been able to equip more churches and serve more families through retreat ministry. We are grateful for the Lord's provision of opportunities to help the Body of Christ evangelize, disciple, and care for people and families experiencing disability.

Pray for protection, endurance, and for the continued work of the gospel in the midst of devastation. Pray for the efforts of Albanian believers in serving impoverished communities impacted by disability and for the upcoming retreat. Pray for strength and wisdom for our team as we have a full schedule of church training and outreach both here in America and overseas.

Our desire is to see the Lord continue to faithfully work through the churches and missionaries we are partnered with to the effect that more people living with disability would know the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That more churches would find their members with disabilities to be indispensable parts of the Body.