My two oldest sons, Benjamin and John Isaac, were born twenty-two months apart. Benjamin was a sickly child and always had problems, but John Isaac was a healthy, happy baby. They were as different as night and day, but by the time my fourth son was born in 2007, both of them had been diagnosed with autism.
Benjamin was much more delayed and sensory defensive than John, so it took us many years to get him in a Sunday school class. Once he was able to attend, he thrived in the same class as his brother. Even though they were both nonverbal until they were around six, they loved the lessons.
They had cousins in their class who decided they wanted to be baptized. My children wanted to be baptized at the same time. I talked to them about it, but I questioned how much they really understood. During the conversation, when Benjamin thought I would not let him go, he cried and said, "but Mom, everybody gots to be baptized." That was the end of it for me. I called the pastor and told him they wanted to be baptized that night also. He talked to them and agreed.
John was very calm and his went off without a hitch. Ben's was a little more dramatic. He told the pastor he couldn't breathe when he held his nose. When the pastor started to hold him to dip him under, he struggled and said he could do it himself. Pastor finally just dunked him fast. Ben's foot went straight up in the air. When he went to exit the tank, he turned around and plopped back in, wanting to swim. The whole event brought about many chuckles from the congregation.
The pastor explained, "I know that some people might come against this, but no one expressing a desire to be baptized should ever be turned away. I know children don't understand everything, but who does. Children feel God too."
I would not trade anything for that night. I would do it over again with every little quirk. Ben passed away suddenly of a brain hemorrhage on May 29, 2015. He was fourteen years old. He was active and exuberant in church, and he loved Jesus. He did everything that his mind could understand to live a godly life. He was an excellent witness. Jesus said we should let the little children come to Him and forbid them not. I believe His call extends to all children, even those with special needs, and we should listen to His command.
Jessica Cooper Boren is married to Eric Boren. They have four sons, three with special needs. She attends First United Pentecostal Church of Booneville, Mississippi. She has a heart for people, and she ministers in every way she can; children's and youth ministry, ladies ministry, mentorship, special needs education, and cooking special things for everyone that wants to eat.