Headline Prayer LIVE is streaming live
I Prayed have prayed
Lord, we pray that You would protect each and every unborn child, especially those who will be born with special needs. Help the Church and the culture to see those with special needs as You do, God.
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Let’s pray, speak, and act to save special-needs children from abortion.

From The Christian Post. On the surface, Sam behaves like a typical teenager. He loves music, junk food, baseball, and hanging out with friends. He stays up late on the weekends, watches videos on his iPad, and loves to attend his high school sporting events, clubs, and functions. The only difference between Sam and his typical peers is that Sam has Down syndrome.

This content is supported by your donations.
Give today.

 

Tragically, between 60%-90% of women in the United States who learn they are pregnant with a baby with Down syndrome choose abortion as the solution to their “problem.” But Sam’s parents don’t view him as a problem — they consider him an abundant blessing. Eighteen years ago when doctors advocated for abortion as the “best answer” to his genetic condition, Sam’s parents heroically chose life for him.

Furthermore, Sam’s family is not at all rare in their thinking.  A family I know from Kansas joyfully pursued the adoption of their two girls living with Down syndrome. Many families I know personally who are raising their children or young adults with Down syndrome, love and cherish their sons and daughters deeply. Seeing them as the true gifts they are, they value and celebrate their differences.

This week we observe World Down Syndrome Day.  Let us celebrate the 200,000 people living with this genetic condition in our country as image bearers of God. Tragically, the lives of too many people with Down syndrome have been extinguished through the grievous act of abortion. This occurs even while we have families lined up domestically and internationally hoping to adopt children living with Down Syndrome.

All life is precious, no matter the label or syndrome attached. We must speak up and defend life because all life bears the image of God.

People living with Down syndrome — or people with any special need, for that matter — are created with unique talents, gifts, and abilities, just like everyone else. Sam’s unique ability is that he can remember most people’s names, making his fellow peers feel special and seen — it’s a gift that’s needed in the oftentimes-lonely world of Gen Z.

As image bearers, those living with Down Syndrome or other special needs are uniquely created by God for exceptional works as they glorify our Father in Heaven, just as Matthew 5 implores. We are not the author of life — God is.  And therefore, we don’t get to determine another human’s value or whether or not a person is worthy of life.

As a society, we have lost our way when we fail to see the dignity and value of every single human being, no matter what condition, syndrome, or disorder they bear. When we classify others and deem their inherent worth according to their IQ or productivity rather than their God-given intrinsic value, we diminish the humanity of every individual placed on this planet.

It’s fair to say that spiritually each of us has special needs. We are all spiritually disabled and in desperate need of a Savior to redeem us. Physically caring for someone with special needs is a tangible reminder of how Jesus cares for us spiritually.

This is why we can’t just be pro-birth; we must also be life-affirming — and that translates into wrapping ongoing care around people with special needs and their families. As a Church, we are called to serve the broken, the poor, and yes, those with special needs. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 25 that we are serving Him when we do so.

Growing up in Uganda, Angela was deaf and unable to speak. Her mother, believing she was worthless due to her deafness, was determined to sell Angela to the highest bidder even as a young child. Through a set of miraculous circumstances, Angela was brought to the Uganda School for the Deaf and Blind, operated by one of Lifeline’s strategic partners, King Jesus Church. Once Angela had joined the school, she learned to read and write. Connected to a community of other deaf students, she became a member of a local church. Through discipleship, love, and mentoring from the body of Christ, Angela became a Christ follower and an influential leader in her local church.

Tragically, Angela passed away earlier this year from diabetes, but over 250 people attended her funeral. The impact of Angela’s life was felt far and wide. The body of Christ had become Angela’s family — they cared for her, and, in turn, she blessed them through her life, her gifts, and her love. This is the kind of faith Jesus desires us to walk out.

When the Church steps in and embraces people living with special needs — through adoption, providing respite to families caring for a special needs child, or teaching people with unique needs about Jesus, we are fulfilling Christ’s vision and mission. In return, we are drawn close to the heart of the Father, and we are blessed.

This World Down Syndrome Day, let us remember the value of every person. Let us remember our calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus to all people. Let us open our homes and hearts to people with special needs. Let us come alongside moms and dads currently caring for a loved one with special needs and offer respite, a meal, and our presence.

In serving those deemed vulnerable, we are creating a world where every person is celebrated, honored, and valued — just the way God made them.

How are you praying for those with special needs? Share this article to encourage others to pray.

(Used with permission. From The Christian Post. Photo Credit: Canva)

Comments (5) Print

Comments

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Bernadine
March 28, 2023

All life is a gift of GOD. Let us see through the deformities physical and mentally of every child, every adult and see the beauty of GOD’s creation!

1
Susan CC
March 27, 2023

I keep seeing this tiny face and just want to ask the Lord to bless this child pictured. Please Abba Father, give every child the lives ordained for them. For all who intend harm to ANY child, born or in the womb, have Your way. You need no direction from me. I trust in You. Do Your best for these little ones and the older ones who have been confused by ungodly agendas. I ask this and so much more in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen

3
Peg B
March 26, 2023

Heavenly Father, we ask forgiveness if we have looked upon these precious individuals as outcasts or someone to be discarded, nothing could be farther from the truth. Thank You, that You have placed within each individual with special needs also special gifts from above. Open our eyes and our hearts to receive them, just as You have received us. Let their special ways invade our common lives, thereby growing each of us. Please pour out a special blessing upon these relationships, the individuals, their families, caregivers/helpers and the community to welcome and come alongside. You Father, have created no one in error or by mistake, but rather with Kingdom Authority and with exceptional design! We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

8
Bill Johnson
March 26, 2023

My pastor has a precious young lady that is dealing with Down Syndrome! She is a sweet and caring young lady! Another one of our pastors has adopted several “special needs” children and they are all thriving! I have “special needs” grandchildren also! Each and every one is a delight! I love all my grandkids the same just as Jesus loves us all the same! Treat everyone with His Love!!😇☝️❤️

12
Rebecca
March 26, 2023

Some of the best times in my life was working with a NARHA certified group. These children are sooo much fun and God worked miracles (horseback riding, therapeutic riding). Some have gone to Heaven at young age of 20.

7

Partner with Us

Intercessors for America is the trusted resource for millions of people across the United States committed to praying for our nation. If you have benefited from IFA's resources and community, please consider joining us as a monthly support partner. As a 501(c)3 organization, it's through your support that all this possible.

Dave Kubal
IFA President
Become a Monthly Partner

Share

Click below to share this with others

Log in to Join the Conversation

Log in to your IFA account to start a discussion, comment, pray, and interact with our community.