Family Retreat is an Opportunity to Spread God’s Love

For twelve-year-old Enoch and his family, being part of the Joni and Friends community has been a transformative experience. Enoch has autism and has not been able to speak for most of his life, but communicates through assistive technology. Enoch shared in his own words: 

“I don’t know where our family would be without Joni and Friends. I am very thankful that God has used Joni and Friends to bring me closer to God and to experience life with others who live with a disability.” 

What does Enoch have to say about Family Retreat? 

Family Retreat has impacted Enoch and his whole family in remarkable ways. As Enoch himself describes Family Retreat… 

 “[It is] heaven on earth for those of us living with a disability. Our suffering is alleviated for a little while, and here the glory of God is revealed.” 

Enoch loves nature, and at Family Retreat, he gets to spend plenty of time outdoors, hiking, zip-lining, and swimming. He also loves to run—and he goes non-stop for most of the day. So much so that his Family Retreat volunteer buddy averages 23,000 steps each day with Enoch, who sees and appreciates his buddy’s effort.  

“Not only is my buddy serving me. He’s also serving our Most High God!” Enoch says. 

Drawing Closer to the Lord 

For Enoch’s parents, Family Retreat provides a unique opportunity to rest, knowing that Enoch and his siblings are well cared for and supervised. This respite allows them to draw closer to the Lord.  

Enoch’s whole family feels so connected to the Joni and Friends community that they feel like it’s a big extended family. They now refer to Joni and Friends as “Joni and Family.” And now Enoch shares about his faith—and the impact of Joni and Friends—with others, spreading God’s love to many around him. 

You can bless families living with disability! 

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Romans 8:16–17 

When you join with Joni and Friends, through prayer, volunteering, or financial support, you make programs like Family Retreat possible, welcoming families living with disability into God’s house—and God’s family.