A School Note
Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Blessed day to you. Here is today’s Lutheran School message.

Director Wendy Neuschafer
Open Arms, Holy Cross, Clayton NC

Miracles do happen everyday.  Here at Open Arms in Clayton, NC we have a miracle child and his name is Colten. Colten was born premature but just over two years ago he was able to join our center when he was just   12-weeks-old and weighed  a little over 6 pounds.  His parents knew that he would have some health issues, because he was born with a Hemi-vertebrae.  He was not expected walk and would eventually need surgery. At 15-months, Colten was walking and getting around like the other children in his class. His doctors were amazed at how well he was getting around but he still needed to have surgery before he turned three years old.

Colten was scheduled to have surgery at the Shrinners hospital in Philadelphia last summer.  We named Colten as our first ever Grand Marshall for the annual 4th of July celebration.  After the parade we presented his family with some special gifts for him to share with the friends that he would make while he was at the hospital. We also gave the family a gift to help them with expenses while they were in Philadelphia.  On the day of Colten’s surgery we held a prayer vigil with our parents and staff.  Colten under went an 8-hour surgery and was expected to be at the hospital and in the city for three weeks. After 10 days, he returned home.

Today, Colten still has a back cast but gets around very well.  He has such a great fighting spirit and we are blessed to witness the miracle of God working in the life of Colten, his family, the medical team, and, yes, even in the school and congregation. We know that Colten is a Miracle from God and a Miracle of God.

Indeed, we see miracles being shaped every day when we look at the children who fill our classrooms.  Each child is an incredible promise and blessing, for each one has been chosen by God and is dearly loved by Him. It is why we pray so fervently for every desk to be filled. There are so many who do not realize the grace and love that God wants to shower upon them and we have the space. And in Lutheran schools, God provides the place for them to learn.

Gracious Father, open the doors of our congregations and schools to the children and families of our communities that they may come to know your great love for them. Be with our children who have special needs and through the power of your Holy Spirit, help each child discover just how special they are to You. In your mighty name. Amen.

Contact Information
Sally J. Hiller
email: sjhiller@se.lcms.org
800.637.5723 ext. 205