God’s Love and Hope for Families with Disabilities
Laura and Jared were blessed when they learned they were going to have triplets. But their joy turned to sorrow when their baby boys were born prematurely at 24 weeks and subsequently endured complex medical complications. Sadly, one of the triplets—Preston—only lived a short 36 hours. His surviving brothers lived in the neonatal intensive care unit for months before they were strong enough to go home.
Now nineteen years old, Tyson and Dino have required around the clock care their entire lives. Laura and Jared are understandably exhausted, and the boys’ medical needs have drained their finances. No wonder attending our Joni and Friends Warrior Getaway was so life-giving!
The entire event was transformational for Jared, who is in the Air Force, as well as for his whole family. But Laura describes Dino’s waterslide experience as especially remarkable.
Dino was lifted to the waterslide platform—which is four stories high—in his wheelchair. Then he was placed on the waterslide. Our team took such great care getting Dino into the water, down the slide, and back out of the water. He had the ride of his life, and Laura and Jared were truly astounded! Not only did Dino do something they never imagined possible, but there was a whole team of people loving, serving, and celebrating him. What an amazing gift for their family!
After Warrior Getaway, Laura couldn’t wait to sign her family up for more of God’s love at Family Retreat. And there they found other parents who really understood them—the joys, the sorrows, the sheer exhaustion, the elation of milestones, and the grief of disappointments.
Halfway through Family Retreat, Laura had a sensation that things were different. Then she realized she wasn’t carrying a backpack, and she wasn’t pushing a wheelchair. Instead, she was holding her husband’s hand!
From the moment they arrived at Family Retreat, Tyson and Dino were whisked away to be cared for by their buddies for the week.
Jared and Laura watched in awe as their sons received the unconditional love of God they deserve.
“The boys’ volunteer buddies at both Family Retreat and Warrior Getaway were phenomenal, loving Tyson and Dino for who God created them to be. They were living, breathing examples of the hands and feet of Jesus.”
“It was such an amazing blessing to see our sons loved and valued for who they are. And we were loved and accepted and received rest! This summer was very healing for us—a refuge when we really didn’t even know we needed it.”
Laura
Outside of Joni and Friends, Laura and Jared still experience a deep-seated sense of sheer loneliness and weariness. Though they have adequate medical services for their boys’ special needs, there is an ongoing need for fellowship that they only find with Joni and Friends.
We’re thanking God for life transformations like Laura and Jared’s. And we praise him for spreading Gospel hope all around the world through our many Christ-centered programs. But our hearts ache over the tens of thousands of disabled children and families still desperate for help and hope in Jesus.
Would you let Jesus work through you today to reach these precious families with the power of God’s unfailing love?
We are depending upon the generosity of friends like you to help us reach even more people struggling with disability. We invite you to give boldly in faith and help us reach our goal to share Gospel love with more needy families. Your gift will support all our Joni and Friends ministry, reaching vulnerable people who otherwise may never hear the Good News of Jesus!
Thank you for bringing the help and hope of Jesus to families struggling under the strain of disability. God bless you and your family always!
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