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A Simple Life, a Childlike Faith

The Book of Acts tells us there are three things that the early church did.  They are pray, study the doctrines of the apostles and fellowship. At Special Gathering, which is a ministry within the intellectually disabled community, we try to do all three.  The first two are a given.  We have times of prayer…

Some time ago, I received an e-mail from a young friend whose life is being spent in China carefully sharing the Gospel with the people in that nation.  She had just returned back from her home in the US.  I’d like to share part of her e-mail with you. I got off the plane craving…

I am often surprised by the ability of the members of Special Gathering who are developmentally and intellectually disabled to “turn lemons into lemonade.” The other day I had a conversation with one of our SpG members. When he was 18 years old, this young man was in an automobile accident which left his body…

Perhaps the most important thing I have learned from the computer age is the wonderful power of forgiveness.  I remember that one of the first things I was told about my computer was “don’t worry they are very forgiving.” Interestingly, this is also one of the great lessons I’ve seen in action within the mentally challenged community. My first…

Often my neighbors and I talk about the varmints that live in our attics.  We have tons of squirrels.  Then there are the raccoons and opossum which ravage our insulation with their nests and filth. Putting out traps and carrying the rascals away only means that new animals take their place.  They rip open our soffets…

You know you are old when: A review of history for the past century is the story of your life. You look in the mirror and wonder when your mother got so old. Your grandchildren start having children. You would rather sit at home for the day rather than go for a walk, go shopping,…

Prayer is such a great mystery and marvel in the life of Christians.  It is fascinating how the Lord answers prayer.  Yet, when prayer is answered suddenly and completely, I can’t help but wonder, does the Lord have us ask for things that are about to happen? Several years ago we had the honor to have…

by Michelle Demeree Shelly is a deacon and member at Special Gathering with is a ministry within the mentally challenged community.  She is also a writer.  She loves to share God’s love with others. When my grandmother died, I came to know that there is a different kind of love.  We have boyfriends and girlfriends;…

About 1400 years ago, the Roman Catholic Church and the Byzantine (Greek Orthodox) Church unofficially adopted a fun celebration the day before All Saints’ Feast Day.  The day became known as All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween. The purpose  of this time was to mock evil.  Dressing up like skeletons and wearing death masks, people–young and…

Yesterday, I found a doll that I received at Christmas when I was in the fourth or fifth grade.  It was a “walking doll,” stuck back in a closet, I barely use.  These specialty dolls would walk if you held their hand and moved them in exactly the right way. Walking dolls were the rage…
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