Growing up, my son, Zachary, had delayed speech, was violent, would zone out for hours on end, and do just one thing all day. Sometimes, he was also uncooperative. Feeding time could not be delayed—if we were late by even just 5 minutes, he would just move on to play and there would be no getting him back to the table for the meal.

We could not communicate with him effectively and we were not sure if he understood what we were saying. At times, he would just repeat one statement the whole day. He was later diagnosed with a condition called Echolalia, which is a condition where the patient would repeatedly imitate the vocalizations of others. We never managed to potty train him and had to put him in a diaper when we were going out. In the end, we moved him to a school for children with special needs.

One time during a sermon by Pastor Prince, I heard this verse—As Jesus is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). In that sermon, Pastor Prince mentioned that when faced with any situation—be it illness or lack—all we needed to do was just to declare that as our Lord is in heaven, so are we in this world. When I was unwell, all I declared was this and the illness went away.

I have even declared it over my son, who was diagnosed with autism. I told the Lord that since He did not have autism, neither did my son. And I am glad to announce that the symptoms which we first saw in him have all disappeared. He can now speak, dress himself, use the potty, and is even doing well in school.

In fact, he is now so loving and not violent. There has also been less Echolalia symptoms and more hugs and kisses from him. He is even now mummy’s body guard. Zachary pays me compliments like, “Mummy, I like your smile.” Praise God that he now speaks!

His change has been so significant that the new caregiver at the centre where Zachary goes asked me why Zachary was in a school for children with special needs since he is quite different from the other children. On this account, we now plan to take him out of the school and place him in a school without specialized education.

I praise God because Zachary is healed and the Lord has done it for me without the need for drugs or supplements. Indeed, as the Lord is, so is Zachary in this world. Although he still has a little difficulty answering questions and his hands are still building a firm grip, I am confident that the Lord is working in his life and all will be well.

Thank you, Pastor Prince, for preaching the good news. That verse certainly empowered me in Christ. I praise God for His goodness and I know that the Lord lives and is my salvation. I will praise Him forever and forever. Amen.