'Miracle child' following in his family's footsteps

The Rev. Rudy Allen Sr. was in the church sanctuary getting ready for a Sunday morning service when he turned and saw his young grandson sitting in a chair behind the pulpit.

Smiling, he told the boy, "You can't sit there. Nobody but the preacher sits there."

Rudy Allen III responded, "I am a preacher."

Many of his family members have followed in the footsteps of Allen Sr. as a preacher, but he never expected Allen III to do the same.

Allen III was born with Down syndrome.

"My wife calls him a miracle child," Allen Sr. said. "He is an inspiration to this family."

Allen III is not a pastor, but leads prayers, preaches and conducts a Bible study at Turning Point Christian Ministries in Columbus, where his father, Rudy Allen Jr., is pastor.

Now, 33 years old, he also accompanies his father to visit the sick.

"People love it when he prays for them," Allen Jr. said.

Allen Sr., who began a career as a pastor in 1962, retired in 2013, the same year Turning Point Christian Ministries was born.

A daughter, Valerie Thompson, is pastor at the Columbus church he founded, Revelation Missionary Baptist Church, and another daughter, Denitra Hardnett, is lead minister for the children's church at New Destiny Church International in Columbus.

A son, Vince Allen, is pastor at The Bridge Church in Columbus and another son, Marlon Allen, is pastor at Victorius Living Church in Dacula Ga.

Allen Jr. said his father didn't push any of his children in that direction.

He recalled that Jesus was the first word that Allen III spoke after mommy and daddy.

"He understands well who is his Lord and Savior," Allen Jr. said. "He has a special connection with God."

He said his son has had many developmental challenges through the years.

"There is not one he has not overcome," said the proud father.

Allen Sr. said it is amazing how his grandson has developed physically and mentally.

"I never thought he would be a reader," he said. "He always prepares himself logically, writing down what points he wants to make in a sermon."

"It is just amazing the way he can recall Scripture," Allen Jr. said.

According to Allen Jr., more than 20 years ago his son began preaching to his cousins when they would gather for dinner at their grandfather's house.

"This is my church," the boy would tell them.

On occasion through the years, Allen Jr. has heard something in his home and upon investigation discovered it is his son preaching in another room.

"I don't know to whom," he said, laughing.

"I love my Savior Jesus Christ," Allen III said. "I have always wanted to be a minister. I love to preach. It is fun."

He also enjoys participating in Special Olympics bowling and swimming, as well as driving a cart for his grandfather on the golf course.

Allen Jr. said when he watches his son preach, he is reminded of Allen Sr., that Allen III has all the same mannerisms.

"As a boy, he used to walk like my father with his hands behind his back," Allen Jr. remarked.

"My granddaddy has been blessing. He is a mentor and friend," Allen III said.

Asked his favorite Bible verse, he replied, John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his life and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 10:00 PM with the headline "'Miracle child' following in his family's footsteps."