A Hidden Jewel Exposed

By Connie Drumm

“You’re sitting here with a hidden jewel!”

That was the comment made recently by Pam Hill, NILD Instructional Team, who came to do an on-site evaluation of TEMPLE CHRISTIAN’s Discovery Program.

“You would have to travel up near Chicago before you could find another program similar to this.”

So what is this “Discovery Program” that is so unique to TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL?  Why have families come from distant places just to be a part of it? 

Temple Christian’s program is an accredited member of the internationally acclaimed program NILD (National Institute for Learning Development).  The founder of the NILD program chose for a motto, Expect God to Act.  And we have found that He faithfully does JUST THAT when His people come with expectancy, a mind to work, and a heart of faith.

Recently our Coordinator, Kathy Burns, received the following letter of testimony from one of our NILD moms.  (I have changed the name for the sake of privacy.)

“Your son will never read for pleasure.  He will never go to college, law school or medical school.  He will be in the LD classes at school.”  That was the grim diagnoses I heard from the psychologist.  Just remembering it brings tears to my eyes.

John was 6 years old.  I was not prepared to give up on his future.  Do we put him in the traditional therapies that teach him to compensate for his weaknesses?  Or do we do everything we can to improve those weaknesses?  If my left leg is weak do I work on strengthening my left leg or do I learn to hop around on my right leg?  NILD gave us a shot at genuinely changing his brain, permanently improving his deficits.  Even if NILD couldn’t fix everything, wouldn’t he be better off doing that first?  Yes.

The advantage of hindsight makes it all clear.  Discovery is a very demanding program for the student, for the parent and for the whole family.  We had doubts throughout the whole process though.  Should we continue?  Is it working?  Is it worth it?  I am very grateful that we stuck it out.  Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.

I have always known that John would find his path in the world.  I knew that God had a plan for him.  Clearly his future is brighter now.  He has so many more opportunities at his disposal.  I can tell you now that Discovery has been nothing short of miraculous for John.  Now I have tears of joy watching my son succeed at things I was told were out of his reach. 

Like our program, John himself was a “diamond unexposed.” 

Diamonds begin as common matter buried 75 to 120 miles beneath the surface of the earth.  Heat and pressure eventually form them into valuable gems.

As the pressures of his learning disability became more and more intense, it could be tolerated no more.  Finally, he sought help with Temple Christian’s unique program.  Over time, John’s problem was solved.  With the teamwork of Temple Christian staff, NILD Coordinator Kathy Burns, his praying parents, and countless hours of practice, study, and PRESSURE, John has become a “diamond” in the crown of all those who have prayed so long for and worked so diligently with him.  And now John has hope.  Now John has a future. 

A hidden jewel exposed.

A life restored.   

For more information about the Discovery Program for those with Learning Disabilities, please contact TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL at 309-764-1302.