About Miracle 139
Miracle 139 began in 2007 as a ministry at the Rock Church in San Diego, CA. Despite an average weekly attendance of 8,000 people at that time, there were no supports in place for children with special needs. As a result, families that had children with more significant needs were not attending. However, because they were not attending, it appeared to most people that there was not a need.
Having worked professionally with children with special needs, Linda Martin, founder of Miracle 139, realized that because the church was not equipped to support children with special needs, these families weren't coming. Thus began Miracle 139. With a mission to ensure all children have the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ and the commitment to ensure parents with children with special needs are able to attend church service uninterrupted, Miracle 139 grew quickly and more and more families began making the Rock Church their home. Soon Miracle 139 ministries were also offered at Rock Church multi-sites. A parent Bible study and support group were formed, community outreaches drew families from throughout Southern California, and special events including parent date nights and special baptism services made families feel connected and part of a loving, Christ-centered family.
As the Miracle 139 ministry at the Rock Church grew, it became apparent many more churches throughout the US were recognizing the importance of supporting families that have children with special needs. Understanding all that starting a special needs ministry entails, the Miracle 139 team desires to share its knowledge, experiences and resources with other churches recognizing that each and every child is uniquely and specifically created by God. Together, we can impact the lives of children with special needs and their families for eternity!
Having worked professionally with children with special needs, Linda Martin, founder of Miracle 139, realized that because the church was not equipped to support children with special needs, these families weren't coming. Thus began Miracle 139. With a mission to ensure all children have the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ and the commitment to ensure parents with children with special needs are able to attend church service uninterrupted, Miracle 139 grew quickly and more and more families began making the Rock Church their home. Soon Miracle 139 ministries were also offered at Rock Church multi-sites. A parent Bible study and support group were formed, community outreaches drew families from throughout Southern California, and special events including parent date nights and special baptism services made families feel connected and part of a loving, Christ-centered family.
As the Miracle 139 ministry at the Rock Church grew, it became apparent many more churches throughout the US were recognizing the importance of supporting families that have children with special needs. Understanding all that starting a special needs ministry entails, the Miracle 139 team desires to share its knowledge, experiences and resources with other churches recognizing that each and every child is uniquely and specifically created by God. Together, we can impact the lives of children with special needs and their families for eternity!
About the Founder
Linda Martin, MME, MT-BC, has been working with children with special needs in a variety of capacities since 1997. As a certified neurologic music therapist, Linda provides music therapy services and assessments in the public and non-public schools in San Diego, CA, and enjoys collaborating with the other specialists on each student's IEP (Individualized Education Plan) team. She has also provided in-home behavioral therapy services for children with autism and spent three years as the Autism Program Coordinator at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, CA. She continues to provide training and consultation within the Speech and Hearing Department at Rady Children's Hospital.
Linda enjoys presenting internationally on the use of music-assisted curriculum and the development of special needs ministries within churches. Linda authored "Applied Behavior Analysis: Introduction and Practical Application in Music Therapy for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" and co-authored "Assessment and Goals: Determining Eligibility, Gathering Information, and Generating Treatment Goals for Music Therapy Services", chapters within the 2012 book, Early Childhood Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorders, edited by Petra Kern and Marcia Humpal.
As the founder of Miracle 139 special needs ministries, Linda's passion is to see children learn about Jesus as more and more churches develop programs that equip and support children with special needs and their families. She is also passionate about providing training, resources and support to countries in Central and South America where there is very little access to education on best practices in working with children with special needs. Miracle 139 International was formed from this passion and now has active special education training projects in Latin America.
Linda enjoys presenting internationally on the use of music-assisted curriculum and the development of special needs ministries within churches. Linda authored "Applied Behavior Analysis: Introduction and Practical Application in Music Therapy for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders" and co-authored "Assessment and Goals: Determining Eligibility, Gathering Information, and Generating Treatment Goals for Music Therapy Services", chapters within the 2012 book, Early Childhood Music Therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorders, edited by Petra Kern and Marcia Humpal.
As the founder of Miracle 139 special needs ministries, Linda's passion is to see children learn about Jesus as more and more churches develop programs that equip and support children with special needs and their families. She is also passionate about providing training, resources and support to countries in Central and South America where there is very little access to education on best practices in working with children with special needs. Miracle 139 International was formed from this passion and now has active special education training projects in Latin America.