Category Archives: Stories

Casseroles, church, and the stigma of kids with mental illness

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Dr. G

We, as church, also have a remarkable opportunity to share the love of Christ with many families who, because of stigma, may be too embarrassed to let us know when they are in need. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

One family’s Christmas at the movies…and our culture?

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Dr. G

I would hope and pray God would see fit to use the Colson’s experience to open the eyes and hearts of many in our culture to the needs of families impacted by autism and other disabilities. I’m sure Emily and Max would be honored if everyone who hears of their story would demonstrate Christ’s love to someone experiencing the effects of disability at their next opportunity. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Inclusion, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Growing up with a sibling with special needs…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Dr. G

Colleen Swindoll-Thompson asked her adult children to speak on the challenges siblings experience when a brother or sister experiences a disability. Siblings are often forgotten, judged, misunderstood, and suffer many challenges. Colleen’s children (Ashley, Austin and Cody) shared their experiences growing up with a brother with significant special needs. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Broken Needs Fixed”: John and Ann Holmes…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Dr. G

The mentality of being success driven or image driven just doesn’t exist at A Restoration Church. When the people you spend most of your time with and who are your closest friends have special needs, there isn’t the same level of expectations/demands that we have encountered in more “typical” ministry venues.
Continue reading →

Posted in Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Ministry Environments, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why Your Church Should Want Families Like Mine: John Knight…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Dr. G

John argues that through serving families impacted by disability, we pursue our own joy in God! Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Leadership, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Mom, I feel like Cinderella”-Cindi and Joe Ferrini…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Dr. G

I became keenly aware of the fact that she needed to be a kid. I know I didn’t expect her to “take over” my job of caring for our son with special needs, but I was happy for her help, and at that moment I could see I’d lost the ability to see that I was asking too much. Continue reading →

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Sun Shine Down…An interview with Gillian Marchenko

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Dr. G

What I’ve learned through parenting kids with Down syndrome, what I think I probably knew cerebrally as a believer but now relay on concretely, is my daily need for God. There’s just no way I can parent without him. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Loss and Grief in Parenting Children with Special Needs…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Dr. G

We’ll start our series with a video from a well-known author…and our guest blogger for this weekend-Gillian Marchenko. Gillian spoke on the topic Loss and Grief in Parenting Children with Special Needs for Inclusion Fusion 2012. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion Fusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How do you measure a “God thing?”

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Dr. G

While there is merit to many of our outcome measures, the most reliable measures of God at work are the stories of what God accomplishes through the service of His people. Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Leadership, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Weekend reading

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Dr. G

I’d like to share some suggested reading in the event you missed these posts the first time around… Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Adoption, Advocacy, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment