Testimonies

Glori & Matt – Your son has changed my life! He’s encouraged my husband’s faith too. My son who’s 24, in ministry, and hoping to interview Joe for his podcast in the future, has also been touched and my other son is going to read the book, too. I’ve sent one to my cousin and a friend. I gave my copy away, getting my hair done. I feel like this is such marvelous revelations, in a time of real spiritual battle and evil. What felt so profound to me, is to be reminded, God is always working behind the scenes in perfect harmony and in accordance with His plan. Whatever evil that causes the oppression of Humanity, God knows! Sometimes we feel He doesn’t care or He’s distant. It’s such a blessing to see the spiritual Kingdom thru your son’s eyes, to glean clarification and encouragement and hear how the Word comes to life, for these precious individuals. The Lord is ever present and involved in the details of His children’s lives. He makes provisions. We know this, but we need reminders, in these difficult days. The gift of being able to see into spiritual realms and interact with Jesus. How amazing is that! People who were discounted in the past have a deeper wisdom of God than most any of us. I love that, they are teaching us! This makes me so happy. My sons teach me things too. I never expected that, as a mom. They bring me comfort and spiritual strength, especially since we lost my first born son, just over a year ago. He was hit by a car. I would like to share a bit of personal testimony. It’s hard for me, because it feels selfish, to talk about myself. But I think it will help you understand why this means so much to me, personally. I know in my spirit so many will be profoundly touched, all for their own unique reasons. We are healed by the word of our testimony and I’ve been feeling convicted about that. I really relate to these kids. I grew up feeling like an outcast. Lord please give me the words. l really struggled with, “could God love me”, for years. Which is funny if you know me, because I have no problem believing Jesus loves absolutely, everyone else! It stems from a difficult childhood, where I was told no one who really knew me, would ever love me. That I was a god awful child. I never felt safe or lovable, yet the Lord has greatly blessed my life. I guess sometimes I have guilt that I rose above, when most don’t. I have felt responsible for my living relatives, not many because people die young in my family. So much oppression, addiction, mental illness. Strongholds that I took years to unload. Suicidal ideation returned with the loss of my son. I knew I was demonically oppressed, I just couldn’t break free. Sanctification is lifelong, from glory to glory. I love your name. . False beliefs are hard to overcome. I don’t blame my family. I just want people to be free and saved. I worked hard to overcome it. Christian and non Christian based therapies, lots of books and Bible studies. I even went through the Koinonia Institute. My mind needed renewing! I got a lot better. I was motivated by being a mom and wanting to give my children a safe, strong foundation. And I found I could mentor other young women who struggled in these ways, so God redeems things, we know this! I worked with an orphanage in Mexico for several years, but COVID put them out of business, after 35 years. Government corruption. Covid changed my life, rather abruptly and I realized a lot of my self-worth was in being productive. Also, I have some serious health issues. One is Lyme disease and I can’t do as much as I think I should. I feel like a burden sometimes. I relate to your boy’s frustration with his body, which is a much greater level than mine, I have so much compassion for and feel inspired by him. I was often in pain and never wanted meds, with my family history. Back when they were handing them out like candy, God protected me. I would burn myself and get hurt a lot, clutzy, because I was disconnecting from my body, without realizing. Doing it to myself! I’m much better but my son’s death brought my Lyme out of remission for the third time. I also got a severe case of Covid, that led to long Covid, before that which weakened my already sensitive immune system. I just got over an intestinal infection/virus and flu. I have people coming for Christmas and I couldn’t eat or drink for days. I was throwing up everything and running a high fever. My husband finally insisted last night, you are going to the ER! I only share because, then my son prayed over me and I thanked God in faith, not belief, a choice, for my healing. I didn’t really expect it to work. Within 30 min, I was a normal human being again! I know you see miracles all the time but this for me was so powerful and I wanted to give God the glory! I have prayed before\been prayed for with more belief and not had this type of outcome. What Cody did for me, what I’ve been trying so hard to accomplish since Covid really, and especially since losing my boy, is God used Him to miraculously restore hope in my heart, which I’d lost. With no hope, there can be no joy. Thank you, Glori, for your obedient heart, for being a rock star, mama bear, and for co-creating a masterpiece, you and your husband, with The Most High as the designer of course. Still, isn’t it something, He lets women bring life into this world! He lets us participate, because He delights in us. Pretty special and humbling.

Candace first learned about Hidden Gifts Ministry on the Blurry Creatures podcast and wanted to send these words of encouragement to us: First of all, I wanted to thank you for this ministry!  What a beautiful way to honor the genuine gifts the Lord’s given to so many and allowing us the opportunity to not only understand them better but to see and experience Jesus along the way!  I recently listened to the Blurry Creatures podcast with Joe and Matt.  My heart was overwhelmed.  And I can’t even tell you why I’m reaching out other than I knew I needed to.  And God would do the rest.   Ever since I was young, I’ve had a strong connection with those that I believe, as Matt said, have “special gifts” – not needs.  And two years ago, I took a job where my kids attended school and worked in the special education department.  One of my students was autistic.  I saw and believed there was more to this precious boy than the IEP’s would report or even aspire for. The day in and day out interactions with him grew our relationship, and I know it was because I would pray with him and over him when he would escalate.  But in the public school, their rules for handling that were very disappointing and in my opinion, squelched his spirit.  I could share more interactions and stories of our time together, but I wanted to just reach out and connect with you, as my heart is still to communicate with these special souls! When I heard Matt talking about Cody, all I wanted to do was embrace him!  And then I saw his picture.  And then came through tears.  To see someone so attuned to the Holy Spirit and to know things beyond our understanding inspires me to get to know our Creator more!   Again, I am unsure exactly why I am reaching out.  But I know I was deeply moved by this podcast episode and hearing about your ministry!  Please know I am praying for Hidden Gifts Ministry and what God is doing in and through your obedience.  Thank you for your faithfulness.
In HIm,
Candace

The special needs ministry has given my family more than I ever thought possible. My children are loved, poured into, and spoken to with dignity. They’ve grown in ways I never imagined and have formed meaningful relationships through this ministry. Because of the care provided, our family has experienced respite, retreats, support, and restored joy. I’ve gained Godly friendships and mentors, while my husband and I have found community and encouragement. This ministry doesn’t just teach the Gospel, it lives it, and we are forever grateful

The special needs ministry at our church has been a true blessing and gift from God. It has not only helped us through the special needs journey, but it has also turned mourning to joy. Because of the ministry and God’s grace, we can be truly thankful for all things. This walk is hard, but because of the ministry, we have a community of support that is beyond wonderful. The special needs journey has brought us closer to the Lord and given us a glimpse of heaven. It isn’t easy, but God promises to never leave us and to give us all we need to not only survive the challenges but to thrive as Christians because of them.