Jeremiah stepped into the pool, was
immersed as a public display of obedience, after accepting the
Messiah as his Savior. An angelic glow came over his countenance.
He jumped for joy at the decision he had just made. My husband and I
watched his baptism, an answer to many years of praying. Tears of
joy poured down my face as I saw my autistic son make a major change
in his life.
Changes in his mannerisms, his
language, and the light of Christ in his eyes, affirmed the work that
was taking place in his heart. As a child of God, he began listening
to the quiet voice in his soul. He focused on learning about his
Redeemer, so he could become a blessing to others in need.
Jeremiah was all too familiar with that
feeling. His past was filled with many hardships, bullying, month
long stretches in mental health hospitals, hours of therapy, a
plethora of medications, and multiple threats of suicide. He was
defined by autism and all that it encompasses. His biggest desire
was to be accepted for who he was, not by his disability. Now he had
his blessed Deliverer to turn to and was in-tune with the inaudible
whisperings.
As was his custom, Jeremiah walked
around his neighborhood and ministered to the homeless. It was not
unusual for him to spend his last cent to feed the hungry. As they
ate he shared what God was doing in his life and offered them the
chance to experience the same joy. Some did and others had questions
for this new babe in Christ. He didn't have all the answers, so he
devoutly immersed himself in the Bible. The more he absorbed about
his faith, the more he became in tune with the murmurings of the Holy
Trinity.
On one special day, as he was walking,
he heard God speaking to him. The message was to share the Good News
with the next person he saw. Almost immediately he met a young
couple. As any of those on the spectrum would do, he took the
message to literally mean one person, not two. He passed them by and
continued walking and praying. Within minutes he saw a young man
approaching and knew this was the one. He stopped the man and
introduced himself. It was evident that this man was heart broken,
depressed, and in need. Regardless of what his need was, Jeremiah
knew that Jesus was the answer. He began to share Jesus with him.
On the sidewalk, of a busy street, the young man listened intently to
Jeremiah. He accepted Christ that day and the cloud of despair
lifted from him. He was experiencing a new joy for life. Jeremiah
gave him his phone number and told him to call if he needed anything,
had questions, or wanted to pray. Little did Jeremiah know, that was
the last time he would see him.
Unexpectedly, three days later he
received a call from the young man's father. He had found Jeremiah's
name and number in his son's pocket and wondered the part he had
played in his life. Jeremiah shared what had transpired. Curtis,
the man's father, had bad news to share. His son had been found dead
the day before before. Jeremiah was able to share that this man's
son was in heaven, at the foot of his Savior's feet. Blessed, Curtis
invited Jeremiah to his home. Once there, he learned more about
Curtis's son and became friends with the family. Not having a way
home he called us for a ride. We went to Curtis's home and were
immediately invited inside. Curtis shared with us about his son and
how glad he was that Jeremiah listened to his heart. We have all
become friends and talk frequently.
My son had reminded me, by his
obedience to the quiet voice inside of him, that I too could become a
bold witness. I have rededicated my life to Christ and to sharing
how Jesus has saved this sinners life.
