happy ending. The earlier we can help people with autism and families get the support they need, the better. I often wonder how many people in the Black community have not been afforded a psychiatric or psychological evaluation until it is too late, (e.g., before or during a trial related to a criminal offense, or when they are failing in school, or are disruptive)? Is this because no one dared raise the possibility of a mental disorder? But it also makes me ask the age-old question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” As we move into this time of new beginnings, let us continue to break the bonds of ignorance and use the venues that we have to support the people in the community. That venue for me, an African American Pastor, is the pulpit. We have to light the way by using the words, dispelling the myths with knowledge, and helping people get good information and support, both from our congregations, and also from service systems that are sometimes unresponsive, difficult to understand, and hard to access. These are also barriers that we can, and shall, overcome.
The Rev. Dr. John H. Harris is Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church, Trenton, New Jersey.
Our journey is through the path less traveled. Yet it is the path with the greatest discoveries about ourselves, and our relationship with the maker. We believe that each one of our children is “fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14).
…My church family started praying with us and for us.
…Our church community was ever supportive. We spoke about the diagnosis at every opportunity we could with different individuals. We asked people to pray for us as we went through the various avenues to seek help for Nicholas. We have left no stone unturned. We have changed his diet, sought biomedical and educational interventions and all have allowed us to see how “awesome” this journey has been. Sharing our story with the church community has allowed us to advocate for many parents who feel “cheated,” desolate, and sad about what do with a special needs child. Nicholas is loved by each person, as they get to know him and realize how special he is. He is part of the youth of the church and does not receive any less attention than any other child. While Nicholas is non-verbal, he is the most adorable and engaging child. We praise God as he promised in Malachi 4:2 that “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.”
We praise God for all his benefits, especially for being to chosen to parent a child who is “awe-tistic,” fearfully and wonderfully made.
Robert and Genevieve Kumapley, parents of Nicholas, age 5, Protestant, Ghana.
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Autism and Faith
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