Touched By Childlike Faith
A few months ago, I attended a worship service called special gatherings. Last year I joined a board of folks who carry out this ministry. It is a gathering full of adult mentally challenged folks that all reside in the Walterboro, SC area. Over fifty of them gathered to worship as they do every Sunday afternoon. Over 160 plus of these special adults reside in the Walterboro, SC area.
Everyone of them have a different story. Most, know what it’s like to never be treated equally by the average person. Many, know what it’s like to feel rejected, abandoned, and even abused by their own families. All of them are just like you and me. They have eternal souls and a deep imbedded need for Jesus. In fact, they could actually teach us plenty about how to have a sincere relationship with Jesus.
Watching them make a joyful noise unto the Lord was moving. Seeing their sincere, heartfelt cries for Jesus was about to make me cry. Then, after a time of worshiping in song came the opportunity for prayer. One of their own dear brothers in Christ stood at the altar and invited anyone to come forward for prayer. Several made their way to this middle age saint. They would simply tell him their struggles. Then, he would pray for them out loud with great childlike faith. You could tell there was power in those prayers.
Honestly, I really wanted to go up there for prayer myself. Yet, I wasn’t sure at first if I was invited. My heart was stirring and my back was hurting. I knew at any point I could cry a river. Then, the most touching thing happened. One of the special needs residents went forward. I had not said a word to her or anyone. She says loudly, “I would like you pray for my Pastor Craig that his back would get better.”
I couldn’t believe how much it touched my heart and how God moved on my behalf. It became crystal clear that none of us are really that different. We’re all special people in need of a special savior. We’re not connected by our head knowledge, but our heart’s desires. The greatest connector of all between us is certainly Jesus. I was so blessed by a man and woman’s childlike faith. And, I want to be like both of them as I grow up.
“Then Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)
Pastor Craig Crosby 