Families Are Finding New Hope Because of Your Love and Support

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 1:5

Every day, families living with disability and medically fragile children are defined by isolation, anxiety, unyielding regimens, doctor visits, therapies, and more. Elyse, along with her husband, Kevin, and their children experience the limitations and complications of managing everyday life, every day. After all, of their three biological and two adopted children, several live with disabilities and medical challenges.

Their story is one of sacrificial love, dependance on the Lord, and life choices that will capture your heart.

God began to write their family’s story while Elyse and Kevin served on mission in Uganda. While they already had one-year-old Judah, the Lord stirred their hearts to foster and adopt another child. God’s prompting led them to Sandrina, an adorable three-year-old who suffered from lack of proper care and nutrition. Although she struggles with cerebral palsy and cognitive delays, Sandrina has a big personality and is very social.

Elyse and Kevin returned to the United States where they had Jones and then Boaz, their miracle baby who wasn’t expected to live due to harrowing complications. Preparation for palliative care after his birth was heart-wrenching, but the Lord had another plan, and Boaz is now five years old! While he is medically fragile with issues that require constant attention, he is an active little boy.

Then came Davi who is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. One look at his photo inspired Kevin and Elyse to pray for the Lord’s guidance and peace as they embarked on the long journey to adopt him from Haiti. Three years later, seven-year-old Davi brings unbridled energy and joy to the family.

Imagine these young parents with five children, ages ten to five, managing multiple disabilities, diverse cultural backgrounds, and distinct personalities. This is a household overflowing with complex therapies, medications, nutritional needs, and more. Their lives are riddled with challenges, but Elyse has seen the Lord’s hand at work every step of the way.

God was clearly at work when Elyse found herself sobbing in the arms of a woman she had just met—a woman who approached her as she played with her children. As a special needs mom herself, she knew that Elyse—and her whole family—needed Family Retreat. And she was right.

From the moment Elyse, Kevin, and their children arrived, our loving volunteers jumped right in. Elyse describes Joni and Friends^® volunteers this way: “They don’t just tolerate children with special needs—they really appreciate each individual. They loved our kids well. Plus, our family didn’t have to fit in. Joni and Friends accommodated our unique needs so that our week was a memorable one. Each of the children immediately clicked with their volunteer buddy and made lasting friends. They had the time of their lives doing things they had never experienced before.” 

And while their children were living life to the full, Kevin and Elyse had time together to go for walks and simply enjoy each other. They had deep conversations about life with people who share the same kind of “hard” as they do.

“We didn’t know how raw our hearts were,” says Elyse. “We were a sobbing mess. But God knew, and He opened every door for us.”

Year after year parents just like Kevin and Elyse live on the edge of collapse, but they don’t realize it because life moves along so quickly. They share a deep need to be connected with families like theirs. Thankfully, relief comes at Family Retreat, a safe place where every life is celebrated by volunteers and staff who love Jesus, and by a community of families on similar journeys.

Friend, families like Elyse and Kevin’s are finding new hope at Family Retreat because of your love and support.

God is using you to provide the encouragement, hope, and life-long memories desperate families need to get through their daily challenges and to find a fulfilling future with Christ. Thank you for loving disabled children and families so well through your prayers and generosity, and for making a lasting difference in their lives.

Give your most generous gift today and help us proclaim the Gospel to more needy families throughout Texas. Thank you for your steadfast partnership. May the Lord repay you for your kindness.