New Possibilities for Fernando and His Whole Family
Meet Fernando and his family…
Fernando is twelve years old and lives with his family in El Salvador. Born with epilepsy and a rare neurological condition called microcephaly, Fernando was given a bleak outlook from doctors.
“He will never be able to move his arms or legs,” Fernando’s parents, Walter and Rebeca, were told by physicians.
Seeking support for their son through local agencies, Walter and Rebeca were told that Fernando would not benefit from therapies or services. In the eyes of agency staff, Fernando just didn’t have enough potential because of his physical and intellectual disabilities.
Rebeca can still feel the sting of the isolation and discrimination her family faced as they sought to provide for Fernando’s needs.
What hurt most was the feeling that they didn’t belong and had become a burden to their community.
But things changed when Fernando’s family found Joni’s House El Salvador…
“We feel the discrimination from the outside community. But here at Joni’s House, we are received with kindness. The people here are very caring,” says Walter.
At Joni’s House, Rebeca and Walter found people who saw their son for who he is—a beloved child of God.
Soon Fernando received a wheelchair and began physical therapy, occupational therapy, and swim therapy sessions. As a result, Fernando has made more progress toward greater mobility than ever before!
Both Walter and Rebeca rejoice in the new possibilities emerging for him, and their whole family.
“The treatment Fernando gets at Joni’s House is a blessing. Here we find something different than anywhere else. Joni’s House offers us a better quality of life.”
Walter
“Joni’s House is full of angels that God has sent into our lives. Joni’s House gives us the encouragement we need to keep going on. The people here have helped us believe more in God and to value each moment with our son. We have stopped questioning God. Now we thank God for Fernando.”
Rebeca
Finding Economic Empowerment
Beyond the support that Fernando receives, Joni’s House has made it possible for his family to achieve greater financial stability. Empowered and equipped by entrepreneurship classes at Joni’s House, Rebeca has launched her own business making and selling jewelry.
When Joni’s House held a market for those who participated in their classes, Rebeca put her beautiful wares on display. And Joni’s House helped Rebeca register with the local government so she operate as a licensed entrepreneur, selling products in the city market to help support her family.
Changing the Community
The new possibilities for Fernando’s family now make a life-changing difference for others in need of Christ-centered hope. Inspired to give back, Rebeca has formed a support group for families with children who have microcephaly. Now sixty families have joined the group, supporting one another and raising awareness for people with microcephaly.
You can be part of the redemptive story that God is writing for every one of his children living with disability.
When you give to Joni and Friends, you offer people in need the greatest hope of all by inviting them into God’s house, now and forever.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10
Support Joni and Friends
Your gift today will multiply God’s good work in the lives of people with disabilities, their families, and their communities!
