Jesus, Down Syndrome, and The Least of These Project

See a need. Fill a need.

Michele Thomas did just that recently after she was appalled at dialogue on a post about abortion rates in Iceland, which specifically pointed to early screening for Down syndrome as one of the reasons for high rates.

“One particular morning I got on FB and clicked on a link to one of the stories. As I scrolled down I came to the comments section. I was shocked and heartbroken reading the things people were saying: “Children with Down syndrome don’t deserve to live.” “They are a money pit for our tax dollars.”

This lit a fire inside Michele and she knew she had to do something to advocate for all of the beautiful people in the world with Down syndrome.

Together with Ashley Mathews, Mandy Williams, Mattie Geist, and Garett Garcia, Michele created The Least of These Project to depict the type of relationship that each of these special children has with the Savior.

Ashley Mathews expressed that their “hope is that this project will open the world’s eyes to how beautiful and wonderful these kids really are. To Christ these kids are perfect, just like all other kids.”

When Michele, Ashley, and Mandy were brainstorming the name for this project, Matthew 25:40 kept coming to Mandy’s mind.

“As ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Mandy said, “I reflected on those with Down syndrome. In our modern world, they are often treated as less. But I can tell you from spending time with each one of these beautiful children and their families that they are truly precious.”

Mandy Williams was the photographer and had the wonderful opportunity of trying to capture on film the loving relationship between Christ and these children.

Garett Garcia played the role of Christ and was humbled and grateful for the chance to meet all of the children. “Words can’t explain the joy I felt while working with these amazing children. Their kind and loving spirits made the experience unforgettable.”

Several families and a total of twenty-one children with Down syndrome were photographed, filmed, and interviewed for The Least of These Project so be sure to follow their Facebook page to see all of the amazing content they will be releasing.

For a sneak peak of the video that Mattie Geist filmed as part of The Least of These Project, watch the trailer below.