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Meet the Germann Family
How did you first get involved with the Barnabas Disability Ministry?
I (Bonnie) was invited to the Special Moms bible study several years ago by Lanae Doiron. It was nice to get to know other mothers of children with disabilities. They were encouraging and accepting. And I liked the biblical focus.
Tell us a little about your family and the kids' disabilities.
Dan and I have been married for eighteen years. Dan is a software engineer and I am a stay-at-home mom. Our daughter, Gretchen, is fifteen and has Down Syndrome and Autism. She has been part of an adaptive dance group for ten years, and she also loves to sing. Our son, Jonathan, is almost fourteen and has Autism. He enjoys swimming, and is a story-teller.
Why did you decide to start attending Grace?
Our children were in Sunday School classes at our former church, and for awhile we had helpers who would go with them to class and help them participate. But once they got into the upper grade classes, we noticed two things. It was harder for them to comprehend the material being discussed, and it was difficult for them to make and maintain friendships with their typical peers. We saw a real need for them to have good, ongoing friendships with Christian friends their age. We knew of the Barnabas Ministry through the bible study, and thought this might be a good place for that to happen. Dan and I visited Grace and it was immediately clear that the biblical teaching on Sunday mornings was spot-on. That was something that was very important to us. We came back the next week with Gretchen and Jonathan.
What changes have you seen in your children since they've been involved in Barnabas?
They have friends they look forward to seeing every week. And they really enjoy going to church. The teen and young adult class is a great fit for them. They're surrounded by young men and women who love Jesus and by teachers who love them right where they're at. The teachers follow the same schedule every week, and our kids know what to expect. Having consistency from week to week really helps them. Jonathan has also developed a special friendship with Officer Josh Nelson, one of Grace's security team members. Josh has gone out of his way to befriend Jonathan, even showing him his office and telling him about his job.
What do you like most about Barnabas?
There is a place for our kids to belong at church. I don't dread going to church anymore and worrying about how Gretchen and Jonathan are going to do. They are accepted where they're at. I like the fellowship of the other Barnabas families. It's been nice to get to know the other parents and consider them dear friends. We know they understand. And Dan and I also have the opportunity to grow spiritually because we are freed up to attend the church service. Dan also enjoys the monthly men's bible study for the Barnabas dads.
Both Gretchen and Jonathan were in the performance Saturday night following Joni's talk. How did they prepare for that?
Josiah's (one of their classmates) mother taught the class the sign language for the song "As It Is In Heaven" (the Lord's Prayer). They practiced in class each week. Gretchen liked to practice at home, too, even without the music! We also heard that she had been doing it at school -- and they enjoyed it.
Joni drew a picture for Jonathan's class when she visited on Sunday. What was Jonathan's reaction to watching Joni draw?
Jonathan's answer: It was kind of entertaining. I did not know people could do that (draw a picture with a pen in their mouth). She did a good job. A very good job.
Anything else you'd like to add?
We are very thankful that God led us to Grace. We felt very welcomed and included by everyone we met. God is very good to us.
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