Anne and Jurgen Eichmann have been a valuable part of the Centre Street Church Special Needs Ministry since 2015. They have two boys, Jordan (18) and Nicholas (12). Anne and Jurgen adopted Jordan when he was 4 years old. He has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and is very high-functioning. Jordan recently graduated from high school and is working at a glass installation business. They adopted Nicholas when he was an infant. He is also high-functioning and has a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome (ASD).
When Anne and Jurgen first decided to have a family, they had problems with infertility. However, God led them to build their family in a unique way. Each time they questioned why they could not have children, God affirmed to them that He had a plan. They felt it was God’s plan to adopt their first child, Jordan. In subsequent conversations with the social worker, she validated that if they had not adopted him, his life would be so different.
Later, just as they were becoming more settled as a family of three, Nicholas’ birth mother told them that she needed to look for either a foster care or adoption placement for her son. The couple felt God moving so powerfully, they decided to go ahead with a second adoption. Nicholas’ birth mother was a Christian and she had prayed fervently for a wonderful family for her child.
Anne feels that, “Each step of the way God has proven Himself loyal and trustworthy. When I have my doubts, God reminds me that He chose these children for us to parent and that He will help us on our journey. He has never let me down”.
Anne and Jurgen first came to Centre Street Church in 2015, looking for a church home that would accommodate the needs of their boys. As Nicholas was unable to tolerate a lot of noise and commotion, they were grateful that the Special Needs Ministry provided a specialized children’s class that was a suitable setting for him to learn and grow in Christ at the church. The couple stated, “We absolutely feel blessed that God has sent such wonderful people to minister to us as a family and to my son. He has learned so much about Jesus.”
Nicholas continued to grow in his Christian walk and accepted Christ at VBS Camp in 2017. Nicholas’ parents say, “He wouldn’t have been able to participate [in VBS] without the support of the Special Needs Ministry and the teamwork that goes on within CSC”. He was baptized soon after by Pastor Corinne Thomas and with the assistance of a faithful volunteer and valued mentor from the children’s weekend class, Nathanael Eckstein. Nicholas confidently presented his testimony and began his new life in Christ during a Special Needs Ministry Outpouring event at the church, amidst much rejoicing from the community.
God’s hand of blessing is so evident in the lives of Jordan and Nicholas. Not only did they receive the love and stability of a Christian family, but they also benefitted from the encouragement and guidance of a Spiritual Family at CSC. As a result, Nicholas has a strong desire to know more about God and a passion to grow in his spiritual life and Jordan volunteers with the tech team at the Airdrie Campus. Both boys and their parents are doing well and enjoying life and living on mission together. For that, they are grateful and they each give God all the glory, honour and praise!
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11