A MEMBER of the congregation at St Peter’s, Normanby-le-Wold, in Lincolnshire, who has been non-verbal all his life, has indicated that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to put in writing a joyful poem for his confirmation service on 27 April.
Charles Blake is 29, and has autism. He has written: “The proven fact that I cannot speak implies that I don’t all the time have the opportunities that others do. That I can attend church services has meant a lot to me.”
He had wanted to precise his thoughts and feelings about his Christian journey, and to make known how God’s compassion and faithfulness had brought him “peace, purpose and acceptance”. The poem speaks of a baby’s lonely nights, of fear, of times when “bad news takes away all the nice in life And it’s hard to see in cloudy skies.”
It goes on to explain the moment when all the things modified: the “rearrangement of hopes” and time to permit self-belief, when “Most of my life became latest.” Now, he stands as “an adult that actually sees The many blessings I’m grateful for And following Jesus is the way in which that heals Because in his love persons are free In his love persons are free.”
Mr Blake was confirmed by the Bishop of Grimsby, the Rt Revd David Court, supported by the Revd Elaine Turner, Associate Priest within the Walesby Group. “I discovered it very humbling that somebody whose voice had been locked in until very recently had such a really deep faith that had obviously sustained him over a few years,” she said.
It is barely previously few years that Mr Blake has been able to put in writing, through the rapid prompting method (RPM), which uses a system of pointing to letters on an alphabet board. He has indicated: “Being completely accepted in order that I could learn more about Christianity and what it means to me has been good.
“I actually have been supported by the Revd Elaine and others in order that I actually have come to the realisation that I actually have a special place within the universe within the eyes of God. My faith gives me strength to hold on having positive feelings about my predicament. I now not feel anger, realising that God has a purpose for me. I actually have come to simply accept that my autism is just not a punishment.
“I actually have as an alternative recognised that I actually have got a task, to essentially help others understand that we will have fulfilling lives. My day of confirmation was probably the most implausible day. Not only were there people from my family, but many others who’ve supported me in my community and residential attended the special service. I felt so calm and God was right there with me.
“It was a really proud moment for me, walking down the aisle with my confirmation candle, knowing that God was with me without end. I now have faith in my future.”
Two local musicians, Karen Beer and her husband, David, turned Mr Blake’s poem right into a hymn, which was played on the service. To hear the musical version visit: walesbychurches.org
