Raising Two Kids with Special Needs in India ^Featured

Rekha became a disciple a couple of years ago in the Delhi church.  Her husband also studied the Bible but he decided not to get baptized.  He has been very supportive of her commitment though.  Rekha was part of my family group.  She would faithfully attend the meetings of the body with her two year old son.

As the weeks went by the sisters in the group started being concerned about Rekha’s son. Something was not quite right. Tejus did not seem to connect to people. After some encouragement Rekha got her son tested and it turned out Tejus was autistic.

Rekha was saddened but she had a positive attitude, even though those kinds of situations are challenging in India.  People do not like to admit there is anything the matter with their child so most people would rather keep quiet and live in denial.  Getting proper care and therapy is very difficult.

Rekha decided to leave her job (she had a well paying job as an executive for a non profit organization) so she could take care of her son full time. Rekha and her husband Jitender learned to raise their son with his special challenges with very few resources.

About a year later Rekha found out she was pregnant. The family were elated if a little apprehensive.  As Rekha went through prenatal testing she was told her new baby had Down’s Syndrome.  Of course it was quite a shock.  When the doctors break these news to parents here in India they also tell them (usually forcefully) to abort the child. In fact one hardly ever sees children with Down’s Syndrome on the streets of India.

Jitender and Rekha had to face a lot of opposition as they decided to trust in God and carry on with the pregnancy.  In fact it never even crossed their mind to end the life of their child!  Little Yohan was born a few months later. He did indeed have Down’s Syndrome.

His parents love him with all their heart.  Indeed they are a happy family. Both their boys have unique challenges.  Raising their two sons would be a faith testing task anywhere in the world, but it is even more so in a country when special needs are misunderstood and where even the medical community is hostile for the most part.

Rekha is always smiling. She is always calm. Her faith in God is amazing for such a young Christian. She is a godly woman whose demeanor has inspired the whole New Delhi church.  Everyone always turn to Rekha when they need to be reminded that God is in control. Many of us who have lesser challenges in our life are convicted by her inner peace.

If you have stories of faith, courage, and perseverance, please send them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.