Family Retreat is More Than a Week on the Calendar…
A Surprising Friendship
Justin, a veteran participant at the North Carolina Family Retreat, was excited, but a little nervous, to meet Mark, his brand-new volunteer at the 2013 Family Retreat. Justin has cerebral palsy and vision challenges, and he doubted how well an unseasoned volunteer would react to him. Would they get along? Would Mark care to get to know Justin as a person?
But at Family Retreat, all of Justin’s fears faded away. The week provided a relational atmosphere, designed to create shared memories. Through the morning worship, men’s events, horseback riding, and archery training, an unbreakable bond formed between the new pair. Justin knew that he had found a true friend in Mark. But because the week had to end, he was afraid the relationship would end too….
But by God’s grace, relationships built at Family Retreat are made to last. On the last day of Family Retreat, Justin and Mark committed to continuing their friendship. In the weeks that followed, they texted and called, bonding over a shared love for technology, Justin’s favorite conversation topic. Justin loves the process of building and repairing computers, and Mark works in security technology—they were a perfect pair!
An Invitation to Discipleship
Soon, phone calls became family visits. Justin visited Mark and his family at his home, and they often attended other Joni and Friends events together. As Mark and Justin spent more time together, Mark realized that he had an amazing opportunity to encourage Justin in his faith.
God was leading Mark to move beyond a casual relationship and disciple Justin as a follower of Jesus.
“It was a natural next step in our friendship, and it was fully God’s leading to bring our friendship to a deeper focus on faith. “
Mark
Because Justin’s diagnoses cause learning challenges in addition to his vision issues, Mark knew they couldn’t follow a traditional Bible study. Undeterred, Mark developed an auditory discipleship plan for Justin, so he could grow closer to God exactly as he is.
Every week Mark and Justin watch an online sermon; Mark takes notes and sends them to Justin to review. On Tuesdays at 5 p.m. sharp, they meet. During their discipleship sessions, they do more than just discuss the sermon.
Mark and Justin come alongside each other as true brothers in Christ, working to apply Scripture to their lives and holding each other accountable in prayer and obedience.
“These discussions help me to better understand the Bible, and Mark is patient and kind to let me ask questions about things I might not understand. He gives good feedback about these topics.”
Justin
A Decade of Relationship
Week after week, month after month, and year after year, their discipleship took place. Soon, the years became a full decade! Mark and Justin know that their close and constant relationship is a rare and valuable one. Mark compares their friendship to a key biblical example of brotherly love:
“Justin and I have a pure and simple friendship. It is like a Jonathan and David kind of relationship. I think there are indescribable blessings in a friendship like ours. You know it is one that God has orchestrated.”
Family Retreat 2024 marks their 11th year attending together. And when Justin and Mark meet up, it is always more than a “reunion”. Their time together is a continuation of a precious spiritual relationship. At every Family Retreat they savor their time together, whether adventuring, worshipping, or relaxing in the cafe with steaming cups of coffee.
“Mark and I are more than buddies at camp. We have moved from that place to great friends who share a lot together. Mark encourages me in faith and in my ongoing work to get my high school diploma. Our relationship is a strong support outside of other influences.”
Justin
Family Retreat is more than one special week of belonging, fun, and family activities. It is a catalyst for life-long discipleship. God was not surprised when Justin was paired with Mark over a decade ago… he had intentionally arranged this beautiful friendship, and prepared it to flourish.
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Your gift to Joni and Friends will promote Christ-centered friendships and create spaces of true belonging for people living with disability. Learn more about Joni and Friends North Carolina.
