Over the last couple months my faithful dog Jake and I have brought a message to chapels from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The message is that for some students school causes anxiety, loneliness and difficulty. Nothing about their day is easy. Often times these things go unnoticed.

When you first see Jake, you see an old dog .. he is 15. But what the students don’t know is that Jake is blind and deaf. I know his disabilities and help him because I know and I care about him. Sometimes disabilities are more obvious … Jake also has a tumor on his side that is about the size of a tennis ball. He has cancer. When you look at him, you know he is different. Together Jake and I have brought the message from K-8 that students with special needs are a part of our community.

Sometimes we notice them easily and sometimes their needs are more hidden. God used Jake’s story to help all of us be more aware of students who are fearful, lonely and struggle just to make it through the school day. Praise God that we are building a program here at LC where these students can be identified, loved, supported and made to feel safe.