Ashton Seaman

We are John and Jennifer Seaman and we have two great children, Madeline and Ashton. Ashton, age 7, has been a unique child since he was born.He was born premature and has had some medical issues. Most recently, he was diagnosed with apraxia and a stutter. It has posed some problems for him.  Even if you know him, it can still be hard to understand him sometimes. And he knows that, and you can see his frustration. As a parent, you’d do anything to make them successful. And it’s sad when you are the parent and you can’t make them better. 

In the past, Ashton has not wanted to go to children’s service at the church. However, Mountain Park seemed a little bit different. The first two times there was a small bribe to get him to go in, then it was like a lightbulb went off and he started really enjoying going. 

One morning, Ms. Kimberly (the Children’s Ministry Director) stopped me in the hallway and said, “Ashton led worship today!” and I just stared at her.  I said, “Are you sure you have the right kid?” 

You have to understand that, to have a kid that didn't want to go, and who struggles to communicate, and fears human interaction…to hear the words, “Your child led worship…” I didn’t know how to react.  I cried. 

At school, he is still quiet and shy.  But at church, it is very, very different. He is gaining confidence. He is shining. The Mountain Park children's team and volunteers take the extra time to tell the children how important they are, how special they are, how much they are loved.  And that makes the difference.

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