Meet our Special Needs Director
Rachel Martin has been involved in ministry at FCC since 2000.
She met her husband Kent at FCC back in 1999 and they were married in 2001. They were volunteer youth leaders from the beginning of 2000 to the fall of 2023. She has been part time staff in different capacities at Faith since 2009.
They have 3 homemade neurotypical children and 3 adopted neurodiverse children.
Rachel has a degree in Early Childhood Developmental Education.
As well as continuing education in the following…
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder,
Interoceptive Under Responsivity Disorder, Childhood Brain Development, Selective Mutism,
FosterCare and Adoption Trauma in Children and Adolescents.
She is currently enrolled in continuing education courses for Autism Spectrum Disorder training
and Neurodiversity - Affirming.
A message from our Special Needs Director
As a family living with special needs, it has brought to light many things
- It has exposed weaknesses we didn't realize we had
- It has strengthened us in ways we never imagined
- God will give you the Wisdom and Discernment to know who are the safe people to allow close access to your family
- We have had to let go of what we thought our life was going to look like and embrace this new season of life God has given us
- We have recognized that...
1) Those who do not live this unique life we do, will not fully be able to grasp why we parent the way we do
2) Others may have Goodwill intentions for us, but do not grasp the appropriate ways to connect or carry them out
When we come to terms with those, we can accept it for what it is and nothing more.
But really isn’t that what being a Christian is?
We think we know what our life should look like and we are humbly reminded that we only see the trailer but God knows the whole picture. We must be Faithful and Trust Him.
We recognize that as parents of children with special needs, it is a sensitive balance.
Holding onto our children with open palms, instead of tightly clenched fists...we must completely surrender them to Christ, while also advocating for them appropriately.