This prayer request concerns my son, Merlin. He is 20 years old and in

difficulties which are threatening to overwhelm him. At this time, I cannot be in

the US to help him, as I am teaching in China, under contract. He was always

a good son and has a loving heart, a genius IQ and strong spirit. However, he

also suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, a higher functioning form of autism.

When I left for China last year, I thought he was prepared: he went to live with

his father and step-mother, got a job and was doing OK, I thought. But he was

not prepared for my leaving, which put him under much mental and emotional

stress. He began smoking pot, and was arrested twice. Apparently, the drug

use began to affect his mind, and that, in combination with the tendency

towards autism and certain forms of schizophrenia, drove him to desperate

behavior. He broke into a school and destroyed some property and was taken

to jail. He experienced a psychotic episode there, and was put into the into the

Psych Ward.

This boy always attended church with me, and wanted to enter the ministry as a priest.

His heart is good, though his mind suffers from something he cannot help. His

sweet spirit is obvious to all who know him; he has volunteered at homeless

shelters and tried his best to help the homeless around him. I ask you to pray

for my son, whom I love so much--he is the Treasure of my Heart. He so needs

to know that God loves him, is there for him, and will help him, if he only asks.

Thank you, His mother 11:02 PM 4/6/2004

-- CB (myroseblooms@yahoo.com), April 06, 2004

Answers

Will do.

-- ZAROVE (ZAROFF3@JUNO.COM), April 06, 2004.

I am sorry to hear what happened to your son. My brother went to the half way house and did a lot of crazy things too to get there. I realize the situation is different though, because my brother does not have to suffer the physical conditions your son does. I will keep your son in my prayers too. They made mistakes, but as long as they learn from it; they can ask for His mercy.

I try to encourage my brother to go to confession and receive the sacraments when they will let him. I also encouraged him to wear a scapular and to pray the rosary. He hasn't been doing that well, but he does listen.

At the hour of mercy, the 3 o'clock hour; the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a good thing to pray for him(have you heard of it?), but do especially pray for your son at this hour. I suggest that you also go to adoration and pray for your son there. I find that this has helped my brother a lot; when I do these things, I find that my brother is improving. My brother can't go to adoration with me yet, but when he is able, I want to invite him. I know this will help him.

This is because there is a certain mother, who's story was told to me. She prayed for her son hard and did go to adoration weekly or daily to pray for him also, I am not quite sure which one; but she wrote to him and told him that she was praying for him. She invited him to go with her. He wouldn't go, but he was the kind of son that was in trouble and didn't realize that God would help Him out; if he'd only just cooperate. Finally after a while, the mother kept it up and sure enough her son finally came to adoration with her. He did finally realize that he should turn to God and He would give him the strength to change.

Also have you ever heard of Saint Augustine? He had a mother who was devout in her faith. She had to pray for him, because he was living a life that broke her heart. She cried for him, but kept praying for him. Her name is Saint Monica. Her prayers helped immensely though, and he changed his life completely. He even became a great Saint.

God bless you Cheryl.

-- Sonya (johnsonya2003@hotmail.com), April 06, 2004.

I prayed for your son. I prayed to Mother Mary, and placed him in her care for you. I also prayed for you and placed you in Our Ladys care. I asked Our Lady to pray for you and your son's health. God bless you and your family

-- Dora W (dvw28@hotmail.com), April 06, 2004.

Just wanted to let you know that I have received more bad news about my son, and I fear he is truly in danger of his physical safety and even in danger of death. PLEASE KEEP HIM ON YOUR PRAYER LIST FOR A WHILE, AS HE IS IN DESPERATE NEED. I am deeply grateful to all those who pray for my child. It breaks my heart daily to hear the continuing bad news. Please pray for my peace of mind and spirit as well.

THANKS! His mother, Cheryl

-- CB (myroseblooms@yahoo.com), April 07, 2004.

Dear Cheryl,

I will keep your son in my prayers. My heart breaks for your situation. Continue to lean on the Lord.

God bless,

-- Emily (jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), April 07, 2004.

Dear Cheryl,

I too will be praying for your son and you. At this time of great trial remember that God in His wonderful mercy never gives you what you cannot bear. He will continue to give you strength as you cling to Him and His beloved Mother and always thing happen only to strenghthen you and your son on your Spiritual Journey which will end with Him alone. Just surrender all to Him and try with all your heart to hang on to your FAITH. God Bless, Ramanie.

-- Ramanie Weerasinghe (lilanw@yahoo.com), April 09, 2004.

I will pray. Please pray for my boy too. He is also troubled.

-- Jack (jcn@yahoo.com), August 18, 2004.