Growing in Faith

Josie Luna loves the story of David and Goliath. She’s read it countless times and enjoys reenacting the story with her family. But three years ago, thirteen-year-old Josie and her family were facing their own Goliath. Attending service at another church had become more of a frustration than a blessing because Josie, a special needs child with Down syndrome, could not be left in mainstream child care. Too often, her parents, Mike and Vanessa, were paged to leave the service before it ended in order to retrieve Josie. Still they were not willing to admit defeat.

When the Lunas received an invitation from Amy Kendall, the director of Super Kids/Super Teens (Saddleback’s special needs ministry), they decided to give this new church a try.

“We were hopeful about trying out the special needs ministry for Josie,” says Vanessa. “We wanted to find a ministry where she would be successfully integrated into the body of Christ and fulfill her potential. We were also looking for a community of other parents who, like us, have children with special needs — a community where we could pray for one another and support each other.”

Josie’s involvement in Super Teens marked a new beginning for her and her family. Three years later Josie and her entire family are now thriving at Saddleback. The personalized care she receives each week has had the most profound impact on the family. Super Teens volunteers took the time to get to know Josie on an individual level. They found out what she likes and they understand how to motivate her and successfully redirect her, which allows Josie to stay under their care for the entire service.

Super Teens helped the Luna’s defeat their Goliath - the family is now able to enjoy the adult services, causing their own spiritual development to blossom. Her parents feel part of a larger community that encourages and empowers families with special needs children. 

“Josie gets excited and looks forward to going to church each week. She’s the first one to put her shoes on and get in the car. Josie and her brother, Makena, love the weekly church routine. We are so grateful,” says Mike. “Josie has met several friends through the special needs ministry. She loves to pray for other people and is our perfect blessing. She even reminds me,  when I've had a busy day and want to rush through the nightly routine, that we need to read the Word together every night!”

Just recently, Josie and her brother took a new step of faith . . . they were both baptized. On the day Josie was baptized, she stood by the pool watching and waiting. She contemplated whether or not she was ready. But, in God’s perfect timing, she realized she was prepared, so she took her next step forward. As Pastor Rick guided Josie into the pool, she stepped in, and was submerged under the water. When she came up from submersion, her smile was profound. Her family and friends experienced joy knowing that following Jesus does not mean we have to be perfect. It is about accepting his love.

Learn more about Super Kids and Super Teens here.