Ministering to Children with Autism and their families.

Two by Two is the name of our Special Needs Ministry. This is a reference to Noah’s Ark and Gods plan that included all, and none went alone. Deltona Lakes Baptist Church embraces the two greatest commandments: Love God and Love People. Mathew 22:37-40 We want to affirm with your child the love of Jesus Christ.

Our Ministry began in September 2006 and is unique in that we place your child in an age appropriate Sunday school class with typical peers. A volunteer or “Bible Buddy” will assist your child to focus on the lesson and learn of Jesus’ love for them. While your child is in a safe and comfortable environment you will have the opportunity to fellowship with other adults in the worship and study of God’s word.

Bible Buddies are trained by members of our Church that come from special needs educational backgrounds, medical backgrounds, and are parents of autistic and special needs children. We give them knowledge and understanding of some of the struggles, difficulties and fears your child faces everyday, as well as you the parents. You the parents can help train the Bible Buddies until you and they are comfortable. No one knows your child like you do. We need your expertise to help us better serve your child.

Our Prayer is that your entire family can find a home here at Deltona Lakes Baptist Church.

Our team approach has been the key to our success. Jesus Christ as our example is the head of our team. Meet a few of our other leaders:

Kent and Kay Mattern were married in1997 and have 5 children. They moved their family from North Carolina to Florida in 2002 to be near family. Kent has a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. Together Kay and Kent are the directors of our children’s ministry. Kay also home schools their children while serving our Lord and Savior by ministering to the children and families of DLBC.

Andrew Palmisano is a father to a child with autism. They moved here from Connecticut in 2005 and have been members of DLBC ever since. Andrew has been teaching children with Autism since 1999. Andrew heads up the ministry’s continuing education for our 2x2 volunteers and is endeavoring to grow the ministry into other Churches in our community.

Tim and Sheila Downs were married in 1996 and have two children, one with autism. They have been members of DLBC since 2001. Tim was raised in Oklahoma and moved to Central Florida in 1995. Sheila was born and raised in Miami and moved to central Florida in 1993. Both are Registered Nurses. Sheila currently is a stay at home mom and home schools their two children. Tim and Sheila head up the 2x2 ministry.

1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”

Mark 9:37 "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

1 Corinthians 12 The body of Christ is made up of many parts, those parts that at times seem to be the weaker, are indispensable.

For more information please call:

Tim and Sheila Downs
Phone: 386-532-5214
E-mail: testdowns@cfl.rr.com

Sunday School begins at 9:45
Worship Service begins at 11:00