Church Programs

Church Programs

Break Through Inc.
PO Box 284
Amery, WI 54001

715-554-1179
EMAIL US

Need a website for your business? check out Website Designs by
Dee Anderson at

Read Bens Statement of Faith (pdf download)

Ben D. Anderson speaks from the heart as he describes his own journey of faith and his awareness from a young age that all persons are made in the image of God. He reminds us that everyone has limitations, whether or not they have a documented disability, and he encourages us to serve God in spite of and even through our weaknesses. Ben speaks openly about his experiences as a person with a disability. His experiences that have included misdiagnosis and discrimination as well as support and affirmation of his gifts. He also offers helpful advice to parents of children with disabilities, drawing from his own insights and offering referrals to books, web sites, and support groups. Ben is a good communicator, promoting discussion and breaking down stereotypes, and his message of hope in Christ will be especially welcome to Christians in the evangelical tradition.

"What is life like for her?" "Should I feel sorry for him?"
"What could I do to help?"
"Should I ignore her so as not to embarrass her?".

Sometimes embarrassment makes it difficult for a person with a disability to escape the protective "box" they've built around themselves to join effectively with others.

Ben's presentation helps people to learn to respond constructively to such challenges and to come away with a more positive attitude toward each other. He also helps those who have been struggling with their disability to feel more effective and hopeful. In a creative, sometimes humorous, highly anecdotal presentation, Ben describes what life is like growing up with cerebral palsy, where he found his strength and hope, and gives tips on how to relate effectively to a person with a disability.

Hear Ben speak at Northern Lakes Community Church.

Ben D. Anderson is from Kenmare, North Dakota. Ben, born with cerebral palsy, candidly shares his life story of being misdiagnosed as mentally retarded. Eight years of his life were spent at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, North Dakota (formerly the Crippled Children School). Ben is equipped to minister to persons regarding the issues associated with disabilities.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with an emphasis on community-based rehabilitation from the University of Wisconsin-Stout at Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Ben co-authored a book entitled "Breaking Through" in 1981 with Rev. Dick Beckmen. This book relates to his faith as he struggles to become the person that he is. Breaking Through can be used in study groups and retreats. In 2007 he published his book entitled "IQ of 63, So What!" Going Beyond Everybody Else's Expectations.

Ben travels extensively to minister in homes, congregations, youth conventions, and institutions. He is director and chief trainer of Break Through, Inc., a non-profit organization which he founded in 1978.

For more information on having Ben speak with your group or an individual consultation, please contact us or phone 715-554-2739.

The mission of Break Through, Incorporated is to expand awareness of and sensitivity towards people with disabilities. Break Through, Inc. offers sensitivity training to help corporations and organizations more effectively serve clients, employees, and members who have disabilities.

Ben conducts workshops throughout the United States and Canada. Break Through, Inc. helps others become sensitive to the needs and desires of persons with disabilities.

The needs of persons with disabilities are not only architectural. They can include the types of language and expressions used to relate to 52 million Americans who may have a disability.

Learn to:

Identify those with disabilities within the congregation and community.
Discover how your congregation can become more "user friendly" to people with disabilities.
Help educate people about disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). ADA requires barrier-free facilities in buildings, transportation, and communication.
Provide recommendations to disability related resources.
Unite opportunities for service within the congregation and the community.
Equip youth and adults to care for, counsel, and be supportive of their family, friends, and people with disabilities worldwide.

When "Ben Presents Ben".

He tells it like it is (and was) from the perspective of a real kid growing into adulthood.
He shares how embracing a personal Christian faith changed his life.
He helps build self-esteem, self-confidence, and hope.
He shows how important it is to "Never Give Up!"
He helps those who have "been there" to see how they can "get out of their boxes."
He helps those who haven't "been there" to learn how to relate more helpfully to those who have.
His purpose is to enlighten in Biblical concepts, that all people are the same in God's family.
Ben has a heart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He offers encouragement with Biblical concepts to motivate individuals in meeting the needs of people with disabilities.

Presentations/workshops can include:

Family Nights.
Adult Forums.
Worship Time.
Youth Gatherings.
Adult/Youth Retreats.
Bible Studies
Council/Committee Meetings Pastors/Church Staff Workshops.
Area Schools/Clubs.
Bible Camps.
Staff development
Home Visits.

Counseling.

" (Ben's) insight, as a person with a disability, has been invaluable to us in helping to understand our daughter.

His compassionate counseling has been more helpful to us than any professional in the field of working with the parents of a child with disabilities."

Tom and Harriet Rose
Kansas City, Kansas.
(Harriet is the author of the book -
Something's Wrong with My Child.

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See Church places we've been

"You've Been Chosen" by Ben D. Anderson is a faith-based 23 page booklet on author's life interpreted in a Christian context regarding faith and disabilities.
Cost $5.00 each w/free S/H

Your purchase helps us with funding to support our mission to provide education, support and awareness regarding people with disabilities
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November 9th 2011

Dear Andersons,

It was such a pleasure to meet both of you and to hear your message Ben! Many of us have enjoyed your uplifting book and wish you Godspeed in
gettng the word to as many as possible.
Best wishes in your ministry and your lives.--
Delta UCC Church

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February 2010

“Early this past week Ben and Dee Anderson passed through Manhattan for a brief visit. Ben (www.bendanderson.com) has cerebal palsy and the ex-perts once (mistakenly) credited him with having an IQ of 63. But this is a fellow who refused to be defined by the limitations placed upon him by others. Today he is a college graduate, and for the past 32 years he has been advocating for the disabled.

He spoke to our Healthy Relationships group last Monday, and the thing that has stuck with me is the sense of power he has gained from his acceptance of the biblical claim that each of us is special, just because God loves us. God loves you. God loves me. God loves us. God loves “them,” too. Man, that’s good news!!! “David Jones-ECM at K-State.

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A letter to Ben: January 28, 2010

"Dear Ben and Dee: Your Christmas letter gave me a big lift and blessing. The picture of you was most attractive. I only wish that I could meet you in person. Thank you for your book "You've Been Chosen". Your first book and this tells me that you should keep writing and blessing many with your message.
I am enclosing a check for $25. for your Break Through Inc. ministry.

Let us keep looking up to claim Divine Power that keeps coming down, sufficient for every need. Psalm 121.--Sincerely Pastor William E. Berg.

(Dr. Berg was a 100 years old in May of 2010 and his 8th book will be published on his 100th birthday. He was Ben's mentor and supervisor when Ben was on Team in summer of 1976)

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Increase Awareness
Ben has a heart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He offers encouragement with Biblical concepts to motivate individuals and congregations in meeting the needs of people with disabilities.

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" Ben,

Your presentation was very inspiring and uplifting. I find it absolutely amazing that your CP doesn't slow you down one bit, you are an amazing man. It was also great to hear a little about your faith. I am a Christian and enjoy seeing God brought into every aspect of life, no matter your ability or disability. Thanks a million for the great presentation!
You are an inspiration to many!--

Sincerely, Sara M.
( a student from St. Cloud State).

Ben at Youth Gathering.

A letter from a parent--.

Dear Mr. Anderson:

Our two daughters just got home from summer camp at Lutherhaven in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Our oldest (who is 12) had learned a new word during her week away at camp - "disability."

It's not that she was unfamiliar with the term, of course, but more that she'd never given it much thought. We have a close friend confined to a wheelchair, but as is the nature of children, our daughter always just sort of "accepted" the fact that our friend can't walk, and never looked further.

But then she heard you speak at camp, and was deeply impressed by whatever it was you said. She's been talking about you ever since. Your topic was reinforced by the fact that her camp counselor uses a walker despite her young age. Our daughter came home with a much more mature understanding of human nature and the ability to see limitations as gifts and opportunities, as you've done with your ministry.

I don't know what specifically you talked about at Lutherhaven, but I thank you very much for speaking. You certainly made a lasting impression on our pre-teen!

Best wishes,
(a parent)--2008.

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