This issue of the Standard Bearer is very special as it focuses on special needs members of the Protestant Reformed Churches. I am confident that you will relish it from cover to cover, and as you hear the testimony of true faith, you will stand amazed at the power of God’s grace.

We are indebted to all the contributors who put their heart and soul into each article submitted. As one of you wrote in an email, “This was a labor of love and lots of tears were shed yet again while we reminisced….” Thank you! Your superb efforts will help us grow in our understanding of all the members of Christ’s body.

Thanks also to all the individuals and families featured in these articles. You opened your heart and life for our learning and we are grateful. To the many families and individuals who have faced challenges because of disabilities, but were not mentioned or photographed, we are thankful for you also.

Thanks to Erika Kiel for the cover design and Cori Peterson from Hudsonville PRC for the cover photos, taken at the “Serve One Another Day” during the 2025 Protestant Reformed Young People’s Convention.

To God be many thanks for music and singing, and for the truth of the gospel so that we have something to sing about. Several months ago, a Christian Fellowship group here in West Michigan held a “Hearts’ United Day” at a Covenant Christian High School basketball game. In connection with that event, the school devoted a huge section of wall in a main hallway to profiles and pictures of all the special needs participants. Those who read through those profiles were probably struck by the one thing everyone mentioned: love for music and singing, and especially having different groups come to perform and sing along with them at special events. How could we live without music!

One more thing before you keep reading. If anyone sees Joshua Griess (Loveland, CO), please give him a high-five on behalf of the Standard Bearer. We sent out our masterplan and request to writers on January 15, giving writers three months to produce an article by the due date of April 15. Josh finished his article in 3 days, 12 hours, 52 minutes, and 53 seconds (see his article for the time stamp). Nice work, Josh! You must have smashed the record for the fastest an article has ever been submitted!

B. Huizinga