Glorifying God Through Disability
Little Emma Kate was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder known as 2q37 deletion syndrome. Her disabilities are numerous, including a severe heart defect that has required multiple surgeries, as well as the need for a feeding tube that provides Emma Kate with her daily nutrition and medication. Life for her parents Trey and Rachel – and for her brothers Thomas and Luke – is full of the struggles that come with disability.
Emma Kate has endured countless months in hospitals and therapy centers. Certainly, when one member of the family suffers, the whole family suffers. Wrestling with despair and depression would be understandable, but through the support of their family, church and Joni and Friends Louisiana, Trey and Rachel have found true hope through their hardships.
When asked about her circumstances and the caregiving needs she wakes up to each day, you might think that Rachel’s spirit would be downcast. Instead, her gratitude is tangible.
“Trey and I feel like we have gotten a front-row seat to watch the body of Christ at work! God has blessed us with a supportive family, a loving church community and Joni and Friends Louisiana with volunteers who demonstrate genuine unconditional love with kindness and compassion.”
Rachel
Our Louisiana team facilitated a fully accessible outdoor adventure respite event for special needs families, and Emma Kate’s family was able to join in on all the fun, fellowship, and Christ-centered encouragement. It was a welcome time away from the daily routine families living with disability encounter, and a glorious call out of isolation for many.
“Our family had so much fun at the outdoor adventure!” beamed Rachel. “It was a beautiful day of fellowship with caring Christian people being the hands and feet of Jesus. We felt the presence of God and loved by everyone.”
And for special needs families who all too often feel the sting of rejection, feeling the love of Joni and Friends Louisiana is a poignant reminder that we are all created in the image of God.
“God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 1:27
Rachel went on to explain that Joni Eareckson Tada herself has ministered to her and her family in personal and powerful ways.
“Joni’s personal testimony of faith and her life is a true inspiration,” said Rachel. “It is my prayer that the works of God would be displayed in Emma Kate’s life, also.”
Through Joni’s life and through the outpouring of love felt through our Joni and Friends Louisiana team, Rachel has received the miracle of a biblical perspective on disability. And she embraces the fact that God’s power is made perfect in our weaknesses. Emma Kate – like Joni – is a beautiful visual of God’s perfect grace, power and glory.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
Support Joni and Friends Louisiana
God is doing miracles through Joni and Friends Louisiana! And you can be part of all he is doing! You can show your strong support so that more families living with disability can experience the miraculous power of Jesus!
