Our First Urban Family Retreat: A Big Success!

Life can feel overwhelming when you’re a family with special needs. And if you’re living in the inner-city, with all its challenges? It’s even harder. That’s why we are working to make Family Retreats accessible to urban families – we want parents (including single moms) of kids with disabilities to experience all the heartwarming fun and inspiration that every family enjoys at a Joni and Friends Retreat! Recently we completed our first Urban Family Retreat at a mountain conference center near LA, ministering to 22 families of various colors and cultures – many came to Christ!

Marlene is a single mother whose son, Joey, struggles with multiple disabilities (including speech problems and renal failure). She came to camp having no idea what God’s Word says about her son’s disability. Like the rest of the families, Marlene’s weary heart was totally refreshed by the Christ-centered love of our STM’s and she got a whole new perspective on disability from the daily messages of our camp pastor. Pray with us that Urban Family Retreats will take hold as we reach deep into America’s cities to give the help and hope of Jesus!