By Amanda Ang

During an enrichment program run by Preteens Ministry earlier this year, I led a small group and spent time with a 12-year-old boy with mild autism. He was gentle and quiet, and preferred to draw or read. He would withdraw from mass activities as loud noises easily overwhelmed him.

At first, I was unsure and tried different ways to engage him, such as sitting quietly next to him, sometimes asking questions softly or just being present without expecting a response. We covered topics on family, friendship and communication. I wanted so much for him to feel safe enough to open up, even if it was just a little bit, to me. When nothing changed, I felt like giving up. But God kept reminding me that He is patient and kind, and to love not because of the outcome but because He first loved us.

After four sessions, God gave a breakthrough. During an activity, he started telling me about his favourite movies, the books he liked and the exciting characters in those stories. That small moment was a huge reminder of God’s hand at work.

It was not my effort or strategies that opened his young heart — God closed the distance between us at His perfect timing. My part was to persevere faithfully and lovingly, trusting that God would do a deep work in him in His own tender way even when I could not see it immediately.

Through this boy, God taught me His love does not give up and it is this love that kept me going and believing in His unseen work. Serving others is not about getting fast results, it is about demonstrating Christ’s relentless and tender love. God used this journey to increase my patience, emotional awareness, and sensitivity to the quiet needs of these young ones. Love is not flashy; it is steadfast, intentional and being willing to walk at someone else’s pace, just as God does with me.

Through this experience, God gave me a deeper glimpse into His heart: He stays close to me even when I am slow to respond; He listens, carries and patiently invites me into His love.