AutismEasterFamily

Liam the Brave!

By May 22, 2014 No Comments

Ruth and Peter Oakes are long time members of St. Matthew’s. Recently, their son and grandson were featured in a Soul Pancake video about fatherhood, an important matter no doubt. Here is a brief introduction to the video from Ruth and Peter followed by the video itself. Enjoy!

I would like to introduce you to Liam Mathew Joseph Oakes, our 3 1/2 year old grandson whom we know lovingly as Liam the Brave! Not only is Liam Autistic but he also lives with verbal Apraxia which means he is unable to speak.

The video you are about to watch is a look into Liam’s daily life where you will witness how he faces each new challenge and how he overcomes them.

Liam’s mother and father are Mathew and Courtney. They too have endured many trials yet God in His providential care graciously gives them the strength, wisdom, love, and patience which this amazing family so desperately needs. You’ll also meet Liam’s two year old sister, Molly Ruth!

We as grandparents, along with our family, friends, and church community have put the power of prayer into action. We pray also that you the viewer may be encouraged in your faith at the moving of God’s power by His Spirit in this families life and your own life.

Blessings,
Ruth & Peter Oakes

Jonathan Turtle

Jonathan Turtle

Jonathan serves as the parish assistant at St. Matthew’s and as the chaplain at Emily's House, the first paediatric palliative care hospice in Toronto. He is a graduate of Wycliffe College and a postulant in the Diocese of Toronto where he will be ordained to the diaconate in May 2015. Jonathan lives and plays in Toronto’s east-end with his wife and two daughters!