Giving Back to Warriors Who Gave So Much!
“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Peter and Christy Strauch are true American heroes in every sense of the word. Peter is a double Purple Heart recipient who served in the Army from 2004 – 2012. A paratrooper and combat veteran, Peter was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and now lives with Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and stroke-like symptoms as a result of his service to his country. His wife, Christy, serves as his full-time caregiver while also caring for their three daughters, Neima (13), Neelah (7) and Olivia (6), who has autism.
The transition from war to civilian life can be excruciating, as combat zones have a way of traveling home with our servicemen and women. And while Peter and Christy have learned to navigate through their “new normal,” they’ve had to endure incredible hardships – especially over the past year.
Both Peter and little Olivia have lost access to their daily therapy sessions due to COVID-19 restraints, adding to Christy’s burden as their primary caregiver, and creating feelings of isolation and loneliness for the whole family. Christy’s own health issues have been put on the back burner while she carries the load of caring for her family.
Joni and Friends is dedicated to helping this incredible family through our flagship program, Warrior Getaways.
“Warrior Getaway is the best respite, healing, fellowship and fun we’ve had together as a family in years.”
Christy
It’s where Peter has been able to find friendship, hope and healing. And Christy received new hope at the Warrior Getaway, too! At the Warrior Getaway, Christy realized she’s not alone. The Bible teaching, worship, support groups and encouragement from other Warrior families pointed her – and her whole family – to the Lord and gave Christy the strength she needed to continue serving her family despite the many challenges that come from disability.
“I learned how to rely on the Lord,” explained Christy. “And that our strength doesn’t come from ourselves. My strength comes from the Lord.”
The Strauch family – and other Warrior families like theirs – get the much needed opportunity to connect with each other and connect with Jesus at our Warrior Getaways!
Joni and Friends Warrior Getaway
Our Warrior Getaway is specifically designed for American Servicemen and women who have visible and invisible wounds as a result of war. These getaways are a place for veterans to find respite, healing and spiritual refreshment.
