Faith in Action: Bringing Christ’s Hope to Families in Need

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 1:5

Romans 12:12 tells us, “Be joyful in hope.” This is not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God— a certainty about the future anchored in His faithfulness.

That hope is what sustains weary families, fuels resilience through hardship, and strengthens believers to continue shining light where darkness lingers. It is this hope that Joni and Friends^® longs to share with families struggling with disability.

Let us introduce you to Alexus and Jaime’s family. They have two children: Izaiah and little Isabella (“Bella”), who was born with microcephaly, a rare neurological condition associated with intellectual disability, seizures, developmental delays, and the need for constant monitoring.

When Bella was six months old, Jaime left for military training. Within weeks, Bella suffered her first seizure and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Alexus suddenly found herself alone–shuffling between hospitals, trying medications that didn’t work, and fighting exhaustion.

She admitted, “It was difficult as a parent with a child who has medical issues… it was hard on my faith doing it all alone.”

Meanwhile, Izaiah, still a child himself, grew up faster than most. He loves Bella fiercely and became her protector, always keeping a watchful eye on her.

When they first heard aboutJoni and Friends Family Retreat hosted by our New Mexico office, Jaime and Alexus were nervous. Could they really trust someone else to care for Bella? Would she be safe?

Alexus confessed she kept her phone close, waiting for the call to come get her daughter. But that call never came. Instead, Bella was laughing, running, and playing with her buddy. For the first time in years, Alexus felt relief. She and Jaime enjoyed a date night they didn’t think would be possible again.

At Family Retreat, nervousness turned to joy.

Alexus shared, “I wasn’t sure how to let Bella go with her buddy. But after the first 24 hours, I could breathe again. I even felt guilty for enjoying the break. It was a gift I didn’t know how much I needed.”

Jaime added, “The best part was knowing Bella was safe and loved with her buddy Bobbie while we got to be kids again. Our family was smothered in love. The love of Christ was so evident.”

They rode horses, zipped-lined, climbed the apex tower, and rappelled! They enjoyed their small group time with other parents, Bible study, and inclusive worship time with all the families who understood their journey. Alexus found a circle of mothers who finally “got it.” Jaime connected with fathers who carried the same burdens. And Izaiah, free from his role as caregiver, was running and playing with his buddy.

Alexus summed it up best: “From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded with love. It was unforgettable, and it grew our faith. We can’t wait for next year.”

Stories like these are happening because of partners like you.

Every gift you give helps us reach more families who have never known such support and compassion, allowing them to experience Christ-centered respite for their whole family.

Friend, this is the heart of our ministry: bringing Christ’s hope to those who are marginalized, forgotten, and in need of help and hope. Families living with disability represent the largest unreached people group in the world. We are determined to reach even more of them with the love of Christ.

Would you prayerfully consider your most generous gift today?

Together, let’s bring hope to the least reached. Together, let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus.