She looked me in the eye and said, “God is going to provide you with a supportive community first, Allison!” I had just finished explaining to her that if my active-duty husband gets orders to go halfway around the world again, this would leave me, our daughter, and our son who is affected by special needs behind. She said this with what I can only describe as a “God-fearing-promise-like-determination.”
“Can you come inside with me?” she then asked. We both left the warm outdoor fire where we'd been standing with our friends. We were gathered there to send a family off to their new job and calling in another state. I followed her as she led me to a side living room inside her beautiful, large home. Without hesitation, she grabbed my hands and began to pray.
But this was not just any prayer. She prayed—no—she pleaded with God to provide a new community for me and my family. I took a breath to try to hold back my tears. But then it happened. She asked the Lord to continue to equip my son who is nonverbal to accept Christ. “Nonverbal doesn’t matter; give him the tools and the people to surround him and encourage him to make that decision.”
Photo credit: Ben White on Unsplash.com.
What!? She was praying for my son’s salvation!? I was blown away. No one outside my family had ever prayed with me for this. I was in shock, but somewhere amid my surprise, I realized THIS was church. This was what we read about the Bible. People noticing the needs of others and stopping (or in this case stepping away from a social engagement) and praying because they sense a need.
Church buildings are filled with people who are learning about Jesus. But are they learning about Jesus or being with Jesus? How are they welcoming people who are different? How are they presenting the Gospel in ways that speak to not only various learning styles, but also are meaningful to the blind, the mute, and the nonverbal?
It's easy to state claims like, “We creatively reveal Jesus to everyone.” But what are the action steps? The good news is The Banquet Network is here to help. We can assist you with every step of your church’s journey towards special needs Inclusion. Click the links below to reach out and say hi!
I want to end this story with a challenge: Who needs your prayers? Who needs your phone call or your text message of encouragement today? Do you know someone who has a child who is affected by special needs? Let them know today that they are seen by you. Pray with them. They need you. I promise.
Allison Fournier is the Coaching and Programs Manager for The Banquet Network. Click for more stories like these, to connect, or learn more. Follow Allison and The Banquet Network on Instagram @Thebanquetnetwork and @hellokaiden.
