A Life Chosen by God: Joshua’s Remarkable Journey
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”
Jeremiah 1:5
Before Joshua was born in 1993, doctors recommended termination of the pregnancy, predicting that he would not survive birth. But Joshua’s parents, Ann and Bob, chose life for their son, knowing that he was created by God and made in His image.
“We chose life for our baby; termination was not a choice,” says Ann.
Covered in prayer, Joshua not only survived birth but a journey into adulthood, and has been a blessing to his family. Although he has endured many surgeries and seizures, he comes out of every hardship with a smile and unconditional love that is contagious and full of joy.
Now 32, Joshua lives with significant disabilities caused by a rare neurological disorder and needs a wheelchair and gastronomy tube. As an adult, he has also become more medically fragile and aged out of most locally available special needs programs.
“We felt alone in our special needs life,” says Ann.
But amid their loneliness and isolation, Joshua’s parents learned about Joni and Friends® Family Retreat. And, as Ann says, “We had no idea how life-changing this experience would be.”
A Warm Welcome at Family Retreat
“Arriving at Family Retreat for the first time, experiencing the wave of people welcoming us was exciting and joyful. We finally found a place where we feel accepted and loved. We were surrounded by people willing to help with Joshua and our needs… The staff and volunteers were enthusiastic and full of the love of God! And Joshua had an immediate connection with his buddy that put our hearts at ease.”
Ann continues, “We have found our special family through Joni and Friends. We can now share our deep concerns with parents that have walked the same path and understand the needs of this special life.”
Now, Joshua’s family serves with Joni and Friends Georgia as part of the prayer team. They also love to share about the ministry with other special needs families. As Ann says:
“We look forward to every opportunity to be a part of this community that we feel accepted into and have a sense of belonging. We do not feel alone on this journey anymore. We feel so grateful to God for opening up this community in Georgia and providing for our family a place to call home in a world that was not made for our special needs children or adults.”
Spread the Hope of Jesus in Georgia
You can welcome families like Joshua’s into the body of Christ!! Learn more about Joni and Friends Georgia.
