Ministering to Children with Special Needs: The Journey from Ignorance to Dependence on God Paperback – August 6, 2020

Because of a more enlightened view of children with special needs, each of us may know a special-needs child, a parent with a special needs child, or see a special needs child. Although this book is focused on church ministry for these children, and adults, Pastor Adam and Dianne Riveiro have written a book that will help anyone learn how to best befriend and encourage.Written because of their own specials needs son, the Riveiros lay bare the emotions, frustrations, failures, and victories that they have experienced. Pastor Riveiro has written the majority of the book, and Dianne ends each chapter with a mother's perspective. Both of them have laid open their hearts, and I was emotionally touched by their stories.This is NOT just the story of one family, however, Riveiro includes information and terms that one may encounter--and gives personal stories to enhance them. I appreciate the glossary of terms with simple definitions. The book contains resources and was written with the over site of a professional who works with special needs children. These things give this book more authority, in my opinion.From a believer's view, Pastor Riveiro gives scriptures that are a reminder of God's greater plan for each person. For a parent, friend, or relative, there are scriptures that will encourage. For church leaders, he gives practical steps to welcome a special needs family to your church or to begin a ministry for them.However, if you're not a Christian or spiritual person, I would still recommend this book for the information it contains. Seeing the journey from inside is touching, funny, and inspirational!Because of this book, I will know how better to interact with a special needs child. I am a retired high school teacher, but that didn't prepare me to know just how to reach out.For me, the apex of this journey is when Pastor Riveiro realizes that he stopped "looking at what AJ wasn't and started to look at what he was."I heartily recommend this book!

Definitely something to read when you are interacting with a special needs child or just to read when you're wanting a different prospective.

Such a well written book about a very important topic for today. Really helpful tool for anyone working special needs children. Gives many ideas and helps with understanding of how to be effective.

This book was a help to me in understanding how I can be a help to someone, or a family, dealing with special needs youth.

My husband (and pastor of our church) purchased this book for me as I have been trying to implement a special needs ministry in our church. It was exactly what I needed to finally bring all my thoughts together! We have a special needs daughter and can relate to everything he wrote. Thanks to this book we were able to create a special needs training seminar and had over 30 people attend. I highly recommend this book for church leadership as well as church members...it will open up the world of special needs to you. For those families with children with special needs, you will enjoy the read because you will be able to relate to the the joys and struggles shared. It will be an encouragement to you. I thank the LORD for this book and what a help it was to me.

Very interesting & written in personal AND medical viewpointsz