The other post about foster care got me to realize that I needed to share this with my AlDeer brothers:
Last Sunday, my 15 year old autistic, non-verbal son let us know during invitation in the morning worship service that he wanted to go speak with the pastor. He has done this a time or two before to some degree but this time he was adamant about it. My wife got him to wait until after church was dismissed then we asked the pastor to speak with us. We explained what we thought and he confirmed that he could tell what was going on during invitation. As I mentioned, Tyler is non-verbal but he can answer questions with hand signals or limited speech. The pastor is very familiar with Tyler and really enjoys watching Tyler worship because Tyler is not like most of us. He has the freedom to sing and worship that we don't have. He is a blessing to all that watch him during service, so much so that we try to sit in the back so he is not a distraction to everyone behind him. Anyway, the pastor asked him if he understood that Jesus died for his sins and whether he wanted to make Him Lord of his life and ask him into his heart. He responded with a "yes" through his usual hand signals.
Afterward, the pastor posted this on Facebook:
"There have been times when people have told me "Jesus is the Lord of my life" and I have questioned if it was so....
That being said, when Tyler Ryan said Jesus is the Lord of my life....
I have no doubt
Welcome to the family"
I am going to get the honor of baptizing Tyler in the not-too-distant future. I am blessed.
