Family Retreat “Changed us from the inside out!”

By Joni and Friends|Published On: October 26, 2022|Categories: Family Retreats|

A picture of Janet with her sons Chris and John Paul along with John Paul's two Joni and Friends buddies.

Families living with disability face spiritual, emotional, and financial challenges every day. For single parents like Janet, the demands of disability can be especially overwhelming. Janet has two sons, Chris (20) and John Paul (23). At age two, John Paul was diagnosed with significant autism and has needed ongoing one-on-one care his whole life.

Because of John Paul’s caregiving needs, Janet can’t hold a fulltime job. Financial pressures add to the complex daily routines that come with disability. Janet often gets exhausted just getting through the day.

For eleven years her family didn’t have the means or opportunity to get away together for much-needed respite and refreshment.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28–29

When a friend introduced Janet to Joni and Friends, a channel of hope opened for her family. With the support of scholarships provided by our generous donors, Janet and her sons came to their first Family Retreat. The retreat gave the family just what they needed: connection, rest, and joy!

Family of 3 smiling and posing for picture wearing Joni and friends t-shirts.

Here’s what Janet had to say after Family Retreat:

“I had no idea how desperately I needed this retreat. As a 24/7 caregiver I have to stay strong and rise to the occasion to meet everyone else’s needs.

I don’t know the last time we have laughed this much as a family! It has changed us from the inside out. Family Retreat is where miracles happen! We can’t wait to come back next year! Thank you, Joni and Friends, for loving us!”

Janet, Chris, and John Paul are far from alone. Families like theirs crave respite and experiences of belonging. They need the joy and hope that come from Jesus. That’s why we hold Retreats & Getaways: to surround special needs families with the love of Christ and people who understand the difficulties of disability.

John Paul with an umbrella hat on and his two Joni and Friends volunteers on either side of him.

Janet and John Paul dancing at the camp Luau.

At every Family Retreat, and through all our Christ-centered ministry programs, families struggling with disability get more than just respite and fun.

They find hope that will never fade—the transforming hope of the Gospel!

Every year waiting lists for our Christ-centered programs and events grow. You can make it possible for Joni and Friends to serve more families than ever before—all to the glory of our Lord!