Seminar registration is open, coupon code, and a special blessing to come!

Registration is open for the NANCY THOMAS seminar “How to Build a Winning Team to Heal a Challenging Child” to be held on March 1^st and 2^nd, 2012, at the First Baptist Church of Blairsville (Georgia). Due to a lower facility rental fee and the fact that we are not providing lunches this year, the ticket cost for all persons not needing CE credits has been REDUCED.

Unfortunately, the staggering cost of providing the CE credits has resulted in a slight increase for professionals requiring those credits. However, for a limited time, the first 25 professionals who register at http://respiteretreat.eventbrite.com and use code MINUS10 will receive 10% of their registration fee. This offer expires on 01/20/2012 and is not available to individuals and married couples because your fees have already been reduced across the board by 8-20%, without limitation.

This year, seminar attendees will be blessed by a brief but very special message of encouragement and hope presented by 19-year old Brandon, whom the “experts” once insisted that we institutionalize because he was “too sick” to live in a family unit and would “never function in society” (and his younger sister) on Thursday.

CD available — and Brandon is available to share his testimony via concert

Our son Brandon is now 19 years old and embarking on his own journeys in life. (This is the child the “experts” insisted we institutionalize at age two because he would “never function in society.) If you know our story, then you know that God healed him completely several years later. If not, please take time to read the “about us” section. Remember that although he was diagnosed “autistic”, we can  look back and see clear evidence of severe attachment disorder through his intense rages when touched, and other behaviors (which we will expound on to anyone who wants to ask).

God continues to use Brandon as a source of great comfort and encouragement to the families we minister to.  We  just completed his first official “release” of praise and are awaiting its duplication (you can hear one of his songs on our website homepage — www.respiteretreat.org).  We’re really pleased with the proofs and are praying that God will bless these efforts and use them for His glory.  Brandon’s story is such a powerful encouragement to families who are parenting violent and malicious children.  It is both amazing and sad to see these moms and dads reach out to shake his hand, peer deep into his eyes for a few long seconds, then grasp onto him in a desperate hug, unwilling to let go.  Many of them latch onto Brandon and his story for hope that their son or daughter will heal, too.

Brandon is interested in presenting his music and testimony to church and civic groups.  He will travel anywhere he is invited, as long as his expenses are covered and a love offering is taken up.  His CD is also available for a donation of at least $10 to our ministry (plus $5 shipping if it needs to be mailed).  We are non-profit charitable organization so you will receive a tax receipt for any financial gift greater than the value of the CD.  The CDs are shrink-wrapped and will make great Christmas gifts, especially since his testimony is briefly outlined in the insert.  This is not a money-making venture … it is an extension of our ministry and an outpouring of praise and exaltation to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Remember: my wife and I were both saved as a direct result of the desperation and brokenness we suffered from Brandon’s illness!  May He continue to be glorified in all that we say and do!!!