God’s Love Shines Through Community

By Joni and Friends|Published On: September 15, 2025|Categories: Family Retreats, News, News & Stories|

Elizabeth Magee stands on the left wearing a cowboy hat and glasses, with a shirt that says “ACTUALLY I CAN.” She is next to two women smiling beside her, both wearing straw hats and name tags, standing outside a building with a “Joni & Friends Check-In” sign on the door.

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
1 John 4:12

When Tom and Ann-Marie signed up for their first Joni and Friends Family Retreat, they didn’t know quite what to expect. They had heard wonderful things, but entering a new environment with their seven-year-old daughter Elizabeth, who has Down syndrome, brought a level of uncertainty.

What they did know was that they wanted to learn more about Jesus and see what God had in store for their family…

A Gentle Welcome

Coming into an unfamiliar environment full of new faces, Elizabeth made it clear that she wanted to ease into Family Retreat. Katie and Raina, Elizabeth’s two dedicated buddies, took their cues from their new friend. After a quiet welcome, they helped Elizabeth to get comfortable, naturally melting away her initial shyness. As Ann-Marie said:

“We can’t imagine a better buddy match for our daughter. God’s hand was clearly at work.”

Elizabeth Magee sits on the left, wearing glasses and a shirt that says “ACTUALLY I CAN,” closely reading a book with another girl beside her. They are wrapped in a patterned blanket and sitting on the floor in front of a wooden shelf filled with books.

Tom and Ann-Marie knew Elizabeth was going to love the rest of Family Retreat when, the next morning, the very first words out of Elizabeth’s mouth after she woke up were:

“Where are my buddies?”

Elizabeth Magee sits in a chair on the left side of the image with her head bowed and hands clasped in prayer. Next to her, another girl also bows her head in prayer. In the background, several people are seated or standing in a log cabin-style room.

The Love of Jesus at Work

Throughout the week, Elizabeth’s energy and joy shined brightly. She especially loved telling people about Jesus! Her parents found themselves deeply moved, not only by how carefully her buddies had prepared to serve their family throughout the retreat, but by how much the entire team clearly cared.

“You could truly see and feel the love of Jesus at work in the staff, volunteers, and families gathered for the retreat,” Ann-Marie said.

Tom got emotional as he recounted how God used Family Retreat to make a meaningful difference for his family. He especially appreciated the much-needed rest and quality time to connect with one another and with families navigating similar life challenges.

A Lasting Impact

When the retreat came to an end, Elizabeth and her buddies shared tearful farewells. Since returning home, Elizabeth often asks to hear stories from Family Retreat, holding on to the deep sense of joy, peace, and belonging she experienced within the Joni and Friends community.

Elizabeth Magee sits at a table, focused on threading beads onto a pipe cleaner. She is wearing glasses and a lanyard, with a pile of beads in front of her and someone standing nearby assisting.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

A family of four is close together, smiling, and posing for the camera while wearing purple shirts.

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