Able Archive

My darling husband and I were told shortly after we were married that having children would be nearly impossible. But God said otherwise. When you’re first told you’re pregnant, you experience two things immediately: immense joy and utter fear. There is joy at the prospect of creating a life full of blessings for your sweet little one. Then there’s fear that you won’t be able to fulfill that life for them.

When Bennett was born everything was wonderful. He was completely perfect and healthy. I loved this little miracle from the moment I heard his heartbeat. I knew that God had a plan for his life. I prayed God would use him to do mighty things.

By age two, Bennett knew all his letters and phonemic sounds, could count to ten forward and backward, knew all the colors and shapes. He could maintain an external beat in a syncopated rhythm on the drums. Like all young mothers, I was convinced that Bennett was brilliant. But as a teacher, I was concerned. We enrolled him in a children’s soccer class and I noticed his coordination wasn’t up to par with children his age or even those younger. When asked, he couldn’t tell me his name.

At age three, Bennett was evaluated and found to have a developmental delay. We immediately placed him in an early intervention program. At age four, he was officially diagnosed with autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Fast forward: Bennett is now six years old. His progress has been astounding to his teachers, therapists and guidance counselors at school. He is making straight As in kindergarten, reads at a second grade level and is going to first grade at grade level in all other areas. His occupational therapist recently re-evaluated him and he is at the average age level for all skills, except one, which he will continue to receive services for. His social skills are soaring and his language comprehension is growing every day.

The day before his final diagnosis, God gave me a dream and a promise which I cling to on the hard days. That promise is that God will raise him up to be a minister of the gospel to the world. Bennett’s diagnosis does not limit him and it certainly does not limit God! If you think your child has a developmental issue, don’t be ashamed. Don’t be scared. Talk with your pediatrician. I’m so glad we did it when we did.

Regardless of your situation or circumstance, God has a plan for your child. Find a promise in His Word and cling to it with all that is in you.

I’m so thankful that God chose me to be Bennett’s mommy!


Written by: Michele. She is married to Jason Cole and they have two children: Bennett and Judah. They attend Church of Pentecost (pastors Rick & Alexa Olson) in Jacksonville, Florida where they serve together as the leaders of the Hyphen ministry: The Bridge. They also serve as district coordinators for Campus Ministry International in their district. Michele is a certified teacher and speaker.

ABLE Ministry exists for individuals living with physical, emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. We strongly believe every person has the ability to make a positive impact in his or her church and community if given the opportunity.

A strong young man stood in line at the bank that morning. He wore a Veterans cap low over his eyes, with his eyes cast downward. An elderly gentleman noticed the young man and approached him. The old man smiled and asked, “Are you just coming home from the war, son?” “Yes, sir” was the young man’s quiet reply. The old soldier didn’t hesitate. He stood in front of the young man until he made eye contact. He smiled gently and said, “I want you to know that the nightmares will stop. It may take a few years, but things will get better.” The young man choked out a “thank you” and left. He held his head a little higher than before, simply because someone offered him hope.

PTSD is no longer just a veterans’ disorder but a common occurrence in children who have experienced trauma and loss. Much like the war veterans mentioned above, these kids are hypervigilant and may even experience recurring nightmares. PTSD does not only affect adopted or foster children but any child that has experienced trauma. This invisible disorder impedes the child’s ability to learn and even attend church or school.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network defines a traumatic event as a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity. This includes witnessing a traumatic event.
Whether the abuse and neglect occurred in a previous or current home, the effects are the same, impulsive, jumpy children who are unable to focus or trust anyone. They live in survival mode. I am describing my two youngest children whom we adopted a few years ago. These children have lived through and witnessed unspeakable horrific events that left them scarred and grasping for control over their young lives.

Sometimes the road may seem long and lonely, especially when it seems no one understands. A smell, a song, a location can trigger these terrible memories and cause a peaceful afternoon to spiral into chaos.
If you are in this situation or care for children affected by PTSD, I am here to stand in front of you, look you in the eye and say, “I just want you to know that the nightmares will stop. It may take a few years, but things will get better.”

There are a few things we can do to help along the way. A schedule offers security and a sense of control. Give the child a small notebook with bullet points and a simple plan for each day. We did this for our oldest son, and he carried his notebook like some kids carry a blanket. He has since outgrown it, but it served as comfort when he needed it.

Therapy is another essential tool. Our boys have graduated from play therapy to trauma-focused therapy. Ask your school or pediatrician for a recommendation. Some pastors are certified and licensed in counseling.

Written by: Angela Marquez. She is an adoptive, foster mom to four children. She is a passionate advocate on behalf of her children on the topics of autism, ADHD, and PTSD. She works alongside her husband, Alex, who pastors in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Are you looking for ideas to minister to individuals with specials needs and their families?  If you are like me, the answer to that question is “Always!”  Thankfully, the Lord allowed my home church to have three very different, but successful events over the last year. Our mission was to offer three separate occasions, each with their own focus. The first two events, although similar in nature, differed in their target audience.

The Church Awareness and Training was designed to provide a training for our own members and members of other local churches. The goal of this session was to raise an awareness with ministerial staff, Sunday school teachers, ushers, and other church members on the importance of supporting our special needs individuals and their families.

The Parent and Guardian Support Meeting was designed for the parents and guardians themselves. It was a time for them to gather and ask questions.

Our final event was our first Annual Special Needs Service and After Party. We invited other area churches and also spread the word throughout the community. We were very excited to have several first time visitors and the event became a great outreach!

We began the afternoon with a short service. We followed the service with an indoor after party. We provided healthy snacks, a craft table, games, and a photo area. We made sure to let each parent know that we would be happy to make adjustments to any crafts and games that were needed. Outdoors, we had a petting zoo along with a fire truck from the local fire department and a police cruiser and trooper from the state police department.

Our goal for the day was simple: to provide a service and event for individuals with special needs. It was a time for them to be themselves and just have fun. No one needed to worry about being too loud or too excited. This was their day. It was a day to hang out with their friends and meet some new ones.

God truly blessed the day. It was so rewarding to hear the different stories from the parents and to see all of the smiling faces. Not only were each of the special needs individuals thrilled with the day, but it brought a fulfillment to each and every volunteer.

To sum it all up, be encouraged!  Find the right events that fit for your church. Find those in your own congregation who can bring a different perspective to your own ABLE ministry. Start with creating an awareness by providing training for the church staff, ministry, and teachers. Second, find time to minister to the parents and siblings of special needs children and create an outlet for them to seek godly council. And most importantly, don’t forget to minister to the special needs individuals themselves.

Written by: Angela Arrand. She and her husband, Rev. Joshua Arrand, attend More Life Tabernacle in Swartz Creek, Michigan with their two children Boston (age 17) and Brooklyn (age 16). She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Excitement filled the air as I readied my three boys for church on Saturday. The service was scheduled at noon so we were able to plan and prepare all morning. It was the usual routine of questions, lost shoes, and rushing about, except this time there was something missing. The usual pleading, praying, even begging God to help my children be good in church was gone. Also missing was the burden of worry around what people would think of their sudden movements or outburst. We were on our way to a special needs service, just for kids like mine. Acceptance is so liberating! Worry had been replaced by joy just as the Scriptures promise.

Our family has a plethora of diagnoses. All three of my boys have sensory issues. Two have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), one has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the eldest has high-functioning autism. We made our way into the sanctuary, which was decorated with a safari theme. The lights were not too bright and the music was just right as puppets came out and sang two upbeat praise songs.

As the kids began to sing and participate, noises that only special needs parents are familiar with began to fill the temple, high-pitched squeals and low grunts. Our children were worshiping God in their own way. My eyes teared up.
One of our local pastors kept everyone’s attention and had my son with autism in stitches.

Some people say our kids don’t understand or comprehend humor, the giggles and laughs I heard on Saturday say otherwise. I found myself tearing up again as I watched our differently-abled kids participate in the various illusions. It didn’t matter how long it took them to walk to the front or if everyone understood them. This was followed by another worship song, a quick 10-minute sermon and that was it. Church was over before my son with ADHD was able to loudly proclaim that he was bored. We wrapped up the day with some fun activities.

I am so thankful for this opportunity and I pray that God blesses Sis. Angela Arrand and the More Life Tabernacle in Swartz Creek, MI. May this type of service become more common among our churches!

Glory to God!  “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory” (Ephesians 3:20-21, KJV).

Written by: Angela Marquez. She and her husband, Alex, are veteran missionaries who currently pastor Unidos en Cristo in Lake Orion, Michigan. They have three boys, ages 3, 6, and 15. Angela enjoys spending time with her boys, reading, and music.

Accessibility is more than a practical issue; it is also a theological one. Every individual is a part of the body and when we cannot or are not willing to make accommodations, the body is incomplete.

In the second chapter of Mark, we read an account of four friends who carry a man who is paralyzed to Jesus. Many obstacles stood in their way, including the crowd, the roof and the attitudes of the religious leaders. One thing we learn from this story is that we should be willing to step over any obstacles and do anything necessary to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to Jesus.

The church can provide a safe place where individuals with disabilities and their families can receive acceptance and support; a place where they are looked at with love and grace, instead of shame and embarrassment.
ABLE Ministry is asking the church to consider the barriers that prevent anyone, especially those with disabilities, from entering into Jesus’ presence. And after identifying the barriers, start breaking these barriers down.

Written by: Denise Wynn, ABLE Director


Put on your oxygen mask first! We hear it time and time again when we fly. It is vital that we take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others. Our mind can be overwhelmed with questions such as: How can I ensure they are taken care of, both now and in the future? How can they participate at church? Are they healthy? When will our next visit to the hospital be? But through it all, caregivers need to prioritize their health so they can continue to care for those around us. I am talking not only about physical health but also spiritual health. If we aren’t spiritually fed then we cannot expect to feed those around us.

First and foremost, whatever it takes for you to feel the presence of God on a consistent basis that is what you need to do. There were years when I would go to church, but was unable to attend service in the sanctuary since my husband was involved on the platform in music ministry and in speaking. I would sit with our kiddo in the nursery, far away from God’s presence and the body of Christ. Even though the nursery was right outside of the sanctuary, it is amazing what a difference those few feet make!

Eventually we hired someone, using state subsidized money, to care for our child during the service. Some churches hire professionals, similar to how schools do, to provide care for those who have special medical needs during church time. Others use people in the church on a rotational basis so they can enjoy God’s presence. Some partner with another family and take turns. Some families trade off with their spouse every week, one going to church and the other watching their medically unstable loved one. Is it ideal? Of course not, but there are many things in life that aren’t ideal. But what a difference just a few moments in His presence makes! So much strength can be gained at the altar with the body of Christ carrying your burden with you. As the song says, “Oh, the joy that floods my soul.”

Q: I am not a caregiver, what can I do?
A: I encourage you to start watching. Look around, if there are individuals with special needs in your congregation. What is their caregiver doing? Watch during worship, watch during preaching, watch during altar service. Are they able to participate? Do they head for the door and never come back? Where do they go? What are they doing? Could you volunteer to do that once a month and give them the gift of focusing on God? What a blessing it could be if you would!

It can be stressful when a mother has a child with a diagnosis that creates challenges. Emotional distress can drive a praying mother to her knees, in need of a miracle. No matter what the diagnosis I always love my Bent-Winged Angel (from the title of the book to Love a Bent-Winged Angel by LaJoyce Martin).

I have a teenage daughter who was diagnosed with a learning disability. She does not function at her grade level and attends a special school.

Although she has difficulty learning she has been taught about the Bible, repentance, water baptism in Jesus’ name and being filled with the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.

Four years ago she wanted to be baptized and afterwards, prayed to receive the Holy Ghost. Because of her disability it had been a struggle. She prayed many times but never received it. When she was told the Holy Ghost is a gift she would ask, “So where is the gift?” My assessment was that she lacked an understanding. I prayed, fasted, cried, and begged God for his help. There were many times I was discouraged.

At our house we frequently read the Bible and pray. Last summer, as I prayed and cried out to God, I felt like Hannah in I Samuel 1:15. I was a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I told God that I felt like He had given everyone an ice cream sundae that was padded with all the extras. Others were given nuts, whipped cream, fruits of all sorts, candies, chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, and a variety of flavors of ice-cream. I then said, “God, it seems that all you gave me is just a bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup.” I continued, “God, it’s OK. I thank you for my portion, but will you put a spark of light, of hope, of joy in my heart; can you just put a cherry on top?”

When I was finished praying, I heard my daughter praying and crying out for Jesus. As I opened my eyes I saw that she had her hands raised. I immediately thought,
She always starts out this way and then nothing. After a few minutes the Holy Ghost got me up and I went over and began to coach her. Before long she had stammering lips.

I am not the brightest person when it comes to technology but as she began to have stammering lips I knew that God was visiting. I ran downstairs to get my cell phone and I continued to encourage her at the top of my voice. I got back in her room and prayed for God’s help to videotape this event. I wanted to have evidence of her being filled with the Spirit. Well, Jesus never fails! Just as I figured out how to turn on the video camera on my phone, my daughter began to speak in tongues as the spirit of the Lord gave her the utterance.

“Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” I shouted. She had no idea that I was recording the event. She spoke in tongues for a long time, stopped, and started again. When I share the video with others, they can feel the presence of God as well.

My child has been like a rose since then. She has blossomed into a beautiful flower. The teachers at her school have noticed the difference. The saints in our church can see the difference. She is not healed from her disability but I am trusting that He who began a good work in her can do even greater things with her. God does answer our prayers! To God be all the glory.

The author of this article wishes to remain anonymous but wanted to add that a lyric from her daughter’s favorite song is “There is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain.” When she got the Holy Ghost, her mother sang that song. Her favorite line that day was “I can see the chains falling.” There is POWER in the name of Jesus to break through the chains of disability.

We have one child, named Aaron. He is fourteen years old and was diagnosed with autism, a muscular disorder, frontal brain damage, and a seizure disorder. When Aaron decided that he wanted the Holy Ghost, he prayed many times over a few years but after a while he got discouraged.

It was difficult for me to see him struggle. Privately, I had moments of doubt, but we told him that God knew the day that he would be filled, and we just had to wait for that day.
My friend Jennifer was such an encouragement to me. She spoke faith when she said, “The Bible says the Holy Ghost is for whosoever will and that the promise is for our children.” She has two boys on the autism spectrum. The eldest had received the Holy Ghost when he was younger. We agreed in prayer that we would see the day when our boys would speak in tongues.

This past April, we were at family prayer when the miraculous happened. We gathered in prayer around our pastor and his wife when my friend’s youngest son walked up to my pastor’s wife and placed his hand on her head. He began to pray for her. She immediately started praying with him. Everyone gathered around and began to pray. When he received the Holy Ghost it was like a current of electricity was released around him.
My son, Aaron, was watching and trying to understand what just happened. I told him that his friend had received the Holy Ghost. Aaron looked at me and said, “Mom, I can get the Holy Ghost too, can’t I?”  Of course I said, “Yes!” He lifted his hands and started to talk to the Lord. People noticed that he was praying and began to gather around him. As we prayed, Aaron began speaking in tongues!  After a while, both boys began praying together and Aaron began to speak in tongues all over again.

That night God gave us confirmation that He will keep every one of his promises. If there is ever a day that I am struggling, I remember that night when God miraculously filled two autistic boys with the Holy Ghost!

Written by: Kristy Waldo. She and her husband, Stacy, attend The Pentecostal Church in Memphis, Tennessee. She enjoys reading, drawing, painting, and writing.

I had been laid off from my job and I’d just had my third daughter after a difficult pregnancy. Depression came on gradually and before I knew it, apathy had settled in. There were many days I couldn’t even get dressed.

According to Wikipedia, “Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity or apathy that can affect a person’s thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. People with a depressed mood can feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, angry, ashamed, or restless.”

The second time I struggled was six years later. This time, every area of my life was touched: my marriage, my health, our finances, and my daughter was diagnosed with a learning disability. Normally a confident career woman, I didn’t feel like I added any value to my family. I wondered, “How did I get here? How could a loving God do this to me?” I thought, “God loves everyone else, but not me.”

My husband and I attended a small church and we were involved in all aspects of ministry. I never missed a service, I ministered to others, I prayed, I read my Bible—and I smiled. I felt broken and no one knew.

The song “I Held On” by Shara McKee (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzA7LLGh3RY) ministered to me. I held on to the things I’d been taught. I didn’t have a secret formula, nor did I consider myself great, or even strong. I held on until the storm was over. Life is a journey. I put one foot in front of another, only worrying about that step, until eventually the landscape around me changed.

God is faithful. Even during those difficult times, God’s protection and blessings were apparent: my unemployment benefits were extended, we met our bills and house payments, I was able to be home with my baby, we moved to a better school district to help my daughter, got the help of a godly counselor, and my health slowly recovered.

Sometime later while in prayer, God reminded me of that moment in my office and reassured me that He had been there and that He loved me. I don’t know why this happened to me. I do know that God causes the rain to fall on both the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). As the Bible says, He did love me, He does love me, and He does love you, regardless of any hopelessness you may feel.

Depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), are all things that many Christians do not talk about readily.  According to medicine.net, “Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with depression cannot merely ‘pull themselves together’ and get better.” It is a medical condition.

As with any medical issue where healing is needed, “call for the elders of the church” and ask to be prayed for (James 5:14). If you are not healed instantly:

1. Seek help of a godly counselor and your physician.
2. Hold on—pray, read your Bible, memorize Scripture verses that minister to you, fast, and go to church, even when you don’t feel like it.
3. Encourage yourself in the Lord by listening to godly music. My Hope Radio is an excellent resource:  http://www.myhoperadio.com/. Watch or listen to UPCI preaching on YouTube or the Revival Radio app.

“The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2).

Written by: Carolyn Barcus. She grew up in Pennsylvania in a home mission church as a pastor’s daughter. She is a graduate of Apostolic Bible Institute. She attends Calvary Church in Savage, Minnesota, with her husband and three daughters.

Early in 2016, something happened in Sarah’s life that inspired many people on the ABLE Ministry UPCI Facebook page. Her mom tells the following story:

This picture captured a beautiful moment in God’s presence. Sarah was at the emergency room until 4:00 am with respiratory issues, an accelerated heart rate, and a fever. The entire time she was at the hospital, she kept giving the sign for church. She was worried about missing church.

During our worship service the next day, I came off the platform and began praying and crying over Sarah. We were immediately surrounded and prayed for by others in our church. After a few minutes, Sarah pointed to a microphone. She wanted to sing. She had never done this before.

Our pastor began singing “How Great Is Our God.” He didn’t know it was Sarah’s favorite song. She held the microphone, tilted her head back and “sang” the whole chorus. I am sure the joyful noise that was made in that moment stopped Heaven. Oh, to have the pure, innocent praise of my girl. I am so thankful for my pastor, Reverend Adam Mach, and his sensitivity to God and to our daughter’s needs.

Just as I have been inspired by others’ testimonies of faith, I pray our lives can also be an inspiration. I pray that our journey with Sarah will inspire someone to continue their own journey. Without God, I am and can do nothing.

Written by Julie Bowen. She and Albert Bowen attend West Monroe Apostolic Church with their daughter, Sarah Odum.