Our Faith
Our Hope In Christ
I have been a Christian since I was in middle school. I attended a Christian school and never missed church. I have a loving, supportive family and friends. I also have two precious little boys with autism. I will never forget hearing those words "Ms. Face, we're sorry, but your son has autism." My master's degree in education, my years as a paramedic and instructor, my faith-- nothing-- absolutely nothing-- prepared me to hear those words once-- or twice. I am now a single mother-- my marriage became one of the nearly 95% that end in divorce within the first two years of diagnosis.
During those first few years of our struggle with autism, I often found myself feeling completely overwhelmed and without any hope at all. I relied heavily on friends and family to "lend me" their hope, to encourage me and lift me up in prayer when I needed it the most. I still rely on those around me for encouragement and prayer support.
One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" You know my favorite thing about that verse? He doesn't say that He knows the plans for typical children or typical families. He doesn't exclude children or families that are different, that have special needs. That YOU in there means ALL of us!
Our board of directors and I believe that every man, woman, and child is born with a special purpose that only he or she can fulfill. We believe that the Lord has plans to prosper and not to harm, and plans to give every single one of us hope and a future. We are humbled and grateful that He has given us the vision and the opportunity to share this hope and compassion with all of the children and families that come through our doors.
No child or family deserves to live life without hope. No parent or caregiver should have to face life so overwhelmed with their circumstances that they forget to celebrate and enjoy their special children for who God created them to be. Please, come and see. Feeling too tired, too stressed, hopeless? Let us lend you some of ours!
God bless you!
Leslie Face, Executive Director
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may overflow with hope.” Romans 15:13