My prayer for all five our children, those with and without autism, is that God would reveal himself in a way that they would understand. … Read More →
The theme of the Christian Horizons Family Retreats this summer is Nehemiah 8:10 which says, “… For the Joy of the Lord is my strength.” I find this verse particularly valuable at the intersection of faith and disability. First, how can people affected by disability live with “joy?” My joy comes from the Lord’s joy … Read More →
Wallin offers biblical encouragement to parents and caregivers in similar positions by sharing wisdom and insights found on her own journey toward forgiveness and healing. … Read More →
The awareness for the need to support families with children with disabilities is what motivated me and other members of the core team at Village Eulogia to found this organization. Over the years, we have been working to strengthen relationships between couples, parents and siblings, and parents and children with disabilities. As we work alongside the families, we began to experience disability as a gift from God. Through disability, God taught us more than we ever imagined. … Read More →
“Just come, just get here.”
Sometimes, the best first step is invitation. Who knows how many people don’t attend on any given Sunday simply because no one has asked them?
The video below, from Harvest Bible Chapel in Oakville, Ontario, is an excellent example of an invitation for families with children with special needs. It also goes beyond the invitation to say we have prepared a place for you. Not only are you welcome here, but we have anticipated your arrival and have arranged the additional support you need.
For more information on the Building Communities of Belonging conference on May 3rd at Harvest, you can download the poster, follow the facebook event, or register today! Until the end of March, buy one ticket to register and bring someone else along for free.
Attending Harvest Bible Chapel in Niagara, Ontario, Brett and Breha have experienced a transformative journey which led to their adoption of William, a child with exceptional needs. Learn more about their spiritual growth as part of Harvest Niagara from 0:00 to 3:45, or jump to the story of William’s adoption at 3:46. Many of us, I’m sure, can relate to Brett’s observation (5:04) of our own tendency to place a primary emphasis on a lot of secondary things.
Our Children’s pastor lovingly and consistently tried to accommodate Michael year after year. She said to us at one point that not only was she concerned about Michael but believed that others would benefit from him being there as well. … Read More →
I think for anything to be successful in fostering ‘belonging’ in a church setting, someone who has a child with a disability needs to be involved. They have ‘been there’ and really understand the needs of the family with a child with a disability. I haven’t heard of any other support group quite like this one. … Read More →
Our church has supported us through prayer, financial aid and food or food vouchers and occasional visits. We also have a deaconess who is totally amazing, and she is the first person we’d call for anything! But do we feel like we belong? … Read More →