JCM Participant Confirmed in Christian Faith
For the past four years, Leah Wachholz had been working to be confirmed in her Christian faith.
Not only did this goal present hard work for Leah, but also for the people who supported her including parents Linda and James, her main teacher, Jennie Utke, and others in her life.
Leah, 19, has Down syndrome. Neither she nor her parents have let that stop her from doing anything. She lives with her parents on a dairy farm, loves listening to music and watching videos and will graduate high school in May. Leah attends Jesus Cares Ministries week at Camp Phillip in Wautoma, WI and was confirmed on Sunday, July 29, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montello, WI.
“When I had Leah and knew she had limited understanding, I said ‘Lord, you have got to help me. I want my children in Heaven and that’s the most important thing to me,’” said Linda.
The approach was unique, but working with Pastor Peter Zietlow of St. John’s, Linda and Jennie were able to create a schedule for Leah’s confirmation classes. Each week on Sunday or Monday, Linda and Leah would sit down to introduce the week’s Bible story. On Tuesday, Leah would meet with Jennie to cover the confirmation lesson. Linda would review the lesson with Leah on Wednesday, often completing a worksheet or puzzle. On Thursday, Jennie would reteach the lesson. Before starting the new lesson, Linda would briefly review the past week’s lesson. Sometimes Jenny would be able to spend time with Pastor Zietlow.
Each week during the Sunday school hour at church, Leah would have a one-on-one session with one of three volunteers: Lois Zellmer, Lauren Zietlow or Emily Truell. The three church members would rotate each week and would teach a lesson to Leah.
“Each of these ladies, especially Jennie Utke, had a special rapport with Leah. It was a special blessing to have so many ladies who connected with Leah. She looked forward to spending time with each one of these ladies,” Linda explained, “and she benefitted from all the teachers and was able to show that she could learn from someone besides her mother. She has grown a lot that way over the four years.”
A variety of materials were used in Leah’s instruction, including the “Building on the Rock” curriculum developed by Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Dear Christian Friend lessons, and the Simplified Catechism.Each different curriculum featured visuals designed specifically to engage individuals with special needs. This feature was helpful for Leah, who is a largely visual and hands-on learner.
“It was really neat. The first few parts talked about Confession and Absolution and then how we need to forgive because that’s what God teaches us.” Jennie said. “It was neat how it was divided up into the different parts.”
After four years of lessons, it was joy for everyone to be able to see Leah confirmed and be able to receive communion during a church service
“My heart was bursting that day, I was just so excited,” Jennie said, “I was just full of awe to see how God works.”
Both Building on the Rock and Dear Christian Friend curriculums include visuals designed
specifically to engage individuals with special needs and are available through JCM. To purchase
materials, contact Pastor Joel Gaertner at 920-517-0381 or jpgaertner@tlha.org.