And a Child Shall Lead Them....

WHY does God allow “special needs” in children? Why do some children “suffer” from their special need? Or DO they?

I’m becoming more convinced daily that God has great and wonderful Purpose behind all He allows. And most (all?) that He allows that first seems bad to we mere humans, is meant for our good on the eternal scale.

Down Syndrome children are becoming an endangered species now. I raise my hand high as one of those who used to be prejudiced against them. But God let me get to know three very special ‘Downies’ in our church. And Randy Alcorn’s book “Deadline” was an eye opener. These kids tend to be so forever child-like, and yet also so wise spiritually. It was because of God’s opening my eyes that I then had the courage to say “Yes, Lord” to adopting our Robert, even when “they” were predicting his IQ might never be higher than 50. No, Robert is not Downs, nor is Yan, and I’ve often wondered why God taught us so much about Downies if He wasn’t going to call us to adopt one? His ultimate Plan remains to be fully revealed in our lives!

But an experience with a sweet, Godly Downs woman in our church deeply touched my heart. She recently learned about Yan’s adoption-in-progress. She clapped her hands in joy, and said “Oh Goodie! HE will be my next tithing project!”. Since she has a low-income job, we appreciated her joy, but hoped she’d forget the offer, since she surely could use the money herself. But no. Two weeks later, she tracked us down, and handed us a wadded up $20, and assured us she’s praying for the adoption. What a Blessing to us! What an encouragement and support just when we needed it that day! God used that young lady, I’m certain.

We have encountered so much negativity over this adoption (you’re too old, you’re too busy, you know nothing about Yan, you should be saving the money for your other children/retirement, “someone else” should adopt him, why him when there’s soooo many who need homes [so why bother seems to be the message], why can’t China help their own, that one has too many potential problems, etc, etc). The amazing thing is, though we DO have many others praying for the adoption, which we greatly need and treasure, she was among the very few to offer such pure, unquestioning, excited joy and support for this adoption. As she left us that day, with tears in our eyes, Phil whispered “And a child shall lead them”. She taught us a valuable lesson that day. Actions DO speak very loudly. Her physical support as well as her words greatly encouraged us. And we will try to “pass it forward” to others even more so now.

You, too, can greatly encourage families involved with saving Downs Syndrome orphans! They ARE wanted children! Please see http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=9b08ab7214bb71b4b33e33&skin_id=1602&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url
about Reece’s Rainbow, which is a nonprofit trying to help Downs orphans of the world find their forever families. Please consider helping? Or maybe handing $20 and a word of encouragement to a family God brings to your attention that is trying to adopt a special Downie. Thank you!