Families Living With Disability Need Comfort In The Storm
Dick and his wife Judy encountered Joni and Friends many years ago when they followed God’s call to serve as missionaries in the Philippines.
“As in most developing nations there were so many people with disabilities, and they were receiving no help.”
Dick
Joni and Friends partnered with Dick and Judy as they opened a home for children with disabilities in the Philippines, connecting them with like-minded ministries.
Joni and Friends even funded an elevator for a nearby school so that children with disabilities could access the second floor.
In the Philippines, Dick and Judy met a young girl named Maria who lived with blindness and intellectual disabilities.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, Dick and Judy adopted Maria as their daughter.
In the following years, Judy developed rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. As her health declined, Dick became the primary caregiver for both his wife and his daughter.
Hearing of Judy’s condition and increasing disabilities, Joni kept in touch with Judy, writing her personal notes. Especially when Judy entered hospice, letters from Joni offered hope and encouragement—comfort in the storm.
“In the middle of the storm, God is with you!”
Dick
When Judy passed away, Joni and Friends rallied around Dick and Maria, walking with them through their grief. For a time, Dick and Maria got isolated. But the Joni and Friends community drew them back into the body of Christ.
“After four years as a caregiver, and Maria stuck hanging out with dad, we had become isolated. Joni and Friends Family Retreats and volunteer opportunities have gotten us back into a fuller life.
Maria is a people person. Although she is not always understood she will talk to anybody that will listen. She likes meeting new friends at Family Retreat, as well as singing, dancing, and most of all the zip line!
The Bible teaching that is on her level and presented in a way she can understand is big. At church, Maria attends Sunday School with me as no church we have attended seems to know how to fit her in to the class with the other kids. Family Retreat gives us common ground as a family of believers.”
Dick
After Family Retreat, Dick deepened his connection with Joni and Friends by volunteering. Dick even helped launch a Men’s Care group!
As part of the Joni and Friends extended family, Dick and his family have walked with the Lord through seasons of joy, challenge, sorrow, and triumph. Together, we can join the song of Mary, mother of Jesus:
“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.”
Luke 1:46-50
In the U.S. and abroad, families living with disability need help, mercy, and the healing grace of Jesus. Together we can reach generations of families, and bring them into God’s house, so that it will be full!
Support Joni and Friends Pennsylvania
God is doing incredible things in Pennsylvania. Your generous support ensures that more and more families living under the strain of disability can experience the miraculous power of Jesus!
