A video of a Sunbeam’s first prayer in church is bringing light to thousands. Jude Gower, who has Down Syndrome, signed the opening prayer for Primary with help from his mom. His parents later shared a video of the prayer on Instagram.
Jude and his family are members of the Omaha Nebraska Stake. He was the first Sunbeam in the ward that year to say a prayer in front of the Primary.
“The best thing about courage is it’s contagious!” Jude’s mom, Ashley Gower, tells LDS Living. “Maybe the other Sunbeams will think, ‘Wow, Jude gave a prayer! I can do that too!’”
Jude’s prayer was a special moment for both his parents.
“Jude saying his first prayer in Primary was especially meaningful to me because Jude signs and says lots of prayers at home (before meals, bedtime, etc.), but I wasn’t sure how he would feel standing in front of Primary to say a prayer,” Ashley says. “He did amazing! It was another (there’s been many) testimony to me of not keeping Jude in a box of what he’s capable of.”
Jude’s dad, Scott, adds, “What I saw in Primary … was a boy who learned to pray and was enthusiastically happy to share it with his peers.”
Many people on Instagram were touched by Jude’s enthusiasm. “I could feel the Spirit through this sweet video,” wrote one Instagram user. “He signs Jesus Christ with such joy!! What a precious thing to witness!” wrote another.
The Church’s official Instagram account even left a comment: “Thank you for sharing Jude’s first prayer in Primary. Moments like these remind us of the love, faith, and joy children bring to the Church.”
Creating an Inclusive Atmosphere
Ashley communicated with Primary leaders over text, letting them know that Jude said prayers at home and that she’d be open to trying to let him pray during Primary opening exercises.
“Our Primary leaders and teachers are incredible! They are very supportive and inclusive with Jude. They are excited to have him participate,” Ashley says.
To create an inclusive atmosphere at church for children with disabilities, Ashley suggests reaching out to the parents for ideas and guidance. Building a relationship with both the parents and the child will help you know how to include the child in meaningful ways.
“Sometimes assumptions are made about what a child is capable of doing or even what a child is willing to do,” Scott says. “Light expels darkness, and conversations with parents can be very enlightening.”
Ashley adds another idea: “Pray to see that child as God sees them—100 percent capable!”
While it is appropriate to turn to parents for advice on young children, the older a child gets, the more appropriate it becomes to center the child’s voice in conversations about inclusion.
Jude’s Bright Light
Jude is the youngest of five siblings. His parents both testify that Jude is a child of God with a life of purpose and growth ahead of him. Ashley says,
“God loves our family perfectly. This does not mean our life is free of trials and challenges, but it does mean God gives us opportunities to learn and grow and become more Christlike. I’ve had experiences with Jude I don’t think I would have in any other way. I’ve seen how Jude makes people smile and lights up a room just for being HIM. The beauty of God is intelligence, and I see that in Jude. What a gift it is to have a child that makes life slow down and [helps me] appreciate all the little things! I am forever grateful Jude landed in our nest and [that] I get to be his mom.”
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