The ministry of Jerry & Sarah Garcia is quite unique. They not only have a ministry in music, but also a ministry of adoption. But their calling to this distinctive ministry is in adopting special needs children.
Back in the 1980’s when state children’s institutions where just beginning their phase out, Jerry worked as a residential aid caring for the everyday needs of severely mentally handicapped children and adults. It was then that God had placed a special love and burden in his heart for these disadvantaged individuals. As these institutions began to close down and place residents in foster homes, Jerry moved on to another career. But the burden for these children was still in his heart when he married his wife Sarah in 1998. It was two years later they to began to open their home to these angels from heaven. Sarah, having a history in the medical field had the experience and heart to take on the challenges that come with these special individuals.
The youngest and the third child adopted is Andrew Chance Garcia. Andrew was born in Ft. Worth, Texas in the spring of 2009 with a terminal brain disorder called
Hydranencephaly. Andrew was adopted just one month after he was born.
His biological mother was strongly advised to abort Andrew. Prenatal care indicated his quality of life would be extremely limited and was only expected to live a few short months.
She declined to do so saying, “I want to give him a chance at life”. Thus naming him Chance. The Garcia’s admired her courage so much that they kept his name.
When they flew to Ft. Worth to pick him up they were advised to celebrate Christmas in October because he was not expected to live that long.
Long story short, they all celebrated Christmas together as a family and Andrew continues to strive today well over one year later! By the way, he is a momma’s boy!
The second child adopted is Emmilee Inez Garcia born in 2007 in Adrian, Michigan. Emmilee has a rare brain disorder called
Severe Bilateral Open Schizencephaly. She was placed with the Garcia’s just one day after she was born.
As you can see she was born with a beautiful smile and the Garcia’s call her their “Happy girl” because she always has a smile on her face and she just loves everybody!
Emmilee was given the middle name “Inez” after Sarah’s childhood nanny. She was a very loving woman and had a profound effect on Sarah’s life. Emmilee’s biological family had the
courage to place her for adoption and they continue to have an open relationship with the Garcia’s.
The oldest and first child adopted is Kathryn Elise Garcia born in 2000 in Adrian, Michigan. Her challenges include Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Hydrocephalous just to name a few. Katie came to the Garcia home when she was 18 months old and only weighed 13lbs. Severely neglected and after numerous hospital admissions, the Garcia’s took her into their home. After several years of therapy, treatment, and love she is a thriving little girl who loves to go to school and listen to daddy sing!
As a family they travel sharing their testimony with audiences all across the country. Although they each have unique challenges, God is able. They let everyone know that their trust is in God fully, and if you do the same He will amaze you in what He can do in you and through you by the power of His Holy Spirit. What God has done in the Garcia family, He CAN do for you!
Encore Management
717 823 1958
JERRY GARCIA MINISTRIES
3688 Treat Highway
Adrian, MI 49221
Telephone: +1 517 266 9492
CELL: +1 517 902 2672
E-mail: Jerry Garcia