Sunday, March 13, 2011
Questions for 201 Students
For Saturday's 201 students, please answer the following 3 questions:
1. What did you find most helpful in our discussion on Saturday?
2. What "tool" are you most looking forward to focusing on (Communication, Bullies, Siblings & Classmates, Support, Loneliness, etc)?
3. Are there any questions that have come up since the class?
We are looking forward to your responses!
Peace and Love,
Andrew
1. What did you find most helpful in our discussion on Saturday?
2. What "tool" are you most looking forward to focusing on (Communication, Bullies, Siblings & Classmates, Support, Loneliness, etc)?
3. Are there any questions that have come up since the class?
We are looking forward to your responses!
Peace and Love,
Andrew
201 Class
the 201 (Introduction for Disability Ministry Volunteers) was a great success. Thank you Chris ,Christina, and 1st Baptist Longwood for hosting the event. There were 10 FBLC volunteers and 3 DLBC volunteers. We can't wait to meet again with this group!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Classes
3 more days until the 201 class at Longwood Baptist. This is the introductory class for new disability ministry volunteers. We are introducing new material as a solid foundation for the rest of the training. We are giving them "tools" for their trade...foundational elements like communication, dealing with bullies, environmental needs, family impact and the like will all be discussed. We are so excited to empower these volunteers to help children and families!
Peace and Love,
Andrew
Peace and Love,
Andrew
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monthly Gathering
Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
Matthew 10:40
The gathering for parents and caregivers of children and/ or adults with disabilities was a great success. Thank you Chris, Christina, and Longwood Baptist church for hosting the event. We meet on the third Monday of every month. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
I have been part of a number of support groups and there are a number of aspects about them that I like.
The one aspect I like the most is when a new person joins a "parents of children with disability support group". Often the parent has not had anyone to talk to. Parents coping with disability issues often can only relate to other parents in the same situation. It's inspiring to hear the parents story. Often he/she appears to be shedding the weight of thousand trials as his story is pored out in conversation. The look of relief on a persons face when someone listens and hears about her life illistrates God's love in the world.
Listening actively says to the speaker: You matter, your child matters, your family matters. The world may not think so but we are not the world. We are the Church. Each and every one of us have been created in God's image and he loves each and every one of us.
One of the most loving things we can do is listen. By listening we can affirm God's love.
Peace and Love,
Andrew
Matthew 10:40
The gathering for parents and caregivers of children and/ or adults with disabilities was a great success. Thank you Chris, Christina, and Longwood Baptist church for hosting the event. We meet on the third Monday of every month. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
I have been part of a number of support groups and there are a number of aspects about them that I like.
The one aspect I like the most is when a new person joins a "parents of children with disability support group". Often the parent has not had anyone to talk to. Parents coping with disability issues often can only relate to other parents in the same situation. It's inspiring to hear the parents story. Often he/she appears to be shedding the weight of thousand trials as his story is pored out in conversation. The look of relief on a persons face when someone listens and hears about her life illistrates God's love in the world.
Listening actively says to the speaker: You matter, your child matters, your family matters. The world may not think so but we are not the world. We are the Church. Each and every one of us have been created in God's image and he loves each and every one of us.
One of the most loving things we can do is listen. By listening we can affirm God's love.
Peace and Love,
Andrew
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Advice to Parents Part 6 and 7: Fight and Pray
I will finish off my 7 part "Advice to Parents" by combining the last two parts. In the Bible fighting and praying were one and the same or closely linked among God's people.
"Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13,14
God delivered his people that day and if you are in need go to your Holy Father for deliverence. Parents with a newly diagnosed child will face many challenges, obsticles, and roadblocks. Fight for your child with everything you have. Keep in mind that the world is strong like the Egyption army. You will need a miracle from God for victory. For me and others I know the road was/ is hard. The ones who come through intact, in most cases, were carried through by faith. Don't give up. Fight and pray. Jesus taught us:
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9,10
This will not happen in our time but in God's time. You are never alone. Stay strong in your faith. Keep fighting and praying.
Peace and Love,
Andrew
"Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:13,14
God delivered his people that day and if you are in need go to your Holy Father for deliverence. Parents with a newly diagnosed child will face many challenges, obsticles, and roadblocks. Fight for your child with everything you have. Keep in mind that the world is strong like the Egyption army. You will need a miracle from God for victory. For me and others I know the road was/ is hard. The ones who come through intact, in most cases, were carried through by faith. Don't give up. Fight and pray. Jesus taught us:
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9,10
This will not happen in our time but in God's time. You are never alone. Stay strong in your faith. Keep fighting and praying.
Peace and Love,
Andrew
Monday, January 17, 2011
Advice to Parents Part 5: Geography
I'm going to repeat myself on this point. Different states, counties, cities, and towns offer different levels of support for children and families with autism. In short: Do your research and find the best place with the best support. It is important to understand that some states and localities offer lots of support and some offer little or nothing. If you are in Florida and can move, leave now (If you can). Kids with autism in Connecticut (and other northern states) get most of their therapy and education at little or no cost to the parent. The quality of the product is much better. Minnesota, California, Arizona, and most other states are also known for good support. If you must stay in Florida there are ways to get what your child needs but prepare to spend lots of money. The poor and wealthy tend get or buy more services. Middle class people tend to go broke fast. Resourceful people can always find ways but it takes a lot of time and effort. In short: Do your research and make the best geographic choices for you and your family.
Peace and Love,
Andrew
Peace and Love,
Andrew
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