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In this episode, host Adrian Crum is joined by Mike and Naomi Schout, whose perspective on special needs was shaped by Mike’s brother, Stephen, who lived with an uncontrolled seizure disorder; Eddie and Hillary Mercado, whose eleven-year-old son Calvin is non-speaking autistic; and Nicki Gotch, whose son is on the autism spectrum and whose experience led her to serve as a teacher in the “Wonderfully Made” Sunday school class at Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan. This episode pairs with the April 2026 issue of New Horizons, featuring the article “Special Needs Families in the Life of Christ’s Church” by Rev. Adrian Crum. Be sure to check it out.

Referenced in this episode (full list):

• Books:
  • A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God's Sovereignty by Joni Eareckson Tada
  • Same Lake Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability by Stephanie O. Hubach
  • It Has Not Yet Appeared What We Shall Be: A Reconsideration of the Imago Dei in Light of Those with Severe Cognitive Disabilities by George Hammond (Reformed Academic Dissertation)
  • Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families by Sandra Peoples 
  • The Life We Never Expected: Hopeful Reflections on the Challenges of Parenting Children with Special Needs by Andrew Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Russell Moore
• Other:
  • Harvest OPC From the Pastor's Desk: Disability in the Church - “To and With” Ministry
  • Accessible Church Website: https://www.accessible-church.com
  • Make Room at Church for Special-Needs Families by Sandra Peoples

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