Hope Found in Community at Joni and Friends
Amanda and her family know pain and suffering well. She has three children: big sister Josie and her twin brothers, Dawson and Carson. Like many parents, Amanda never imagined having a child with a disability. But at fifteen months old, Carson was diagnosed with cerebral palsy—and the diagnosis left Amanda grieving for months.
When Carson was just two-and-a-half years old, his father—and primary caregiver—passed away. His death left Amanda feeling completely lost and unstable, needing to care for her three children on her own.
Our Joni and Friends team in Louisiana heard about Amanda’s family. So, in the midst of making funeral arrangements for Carson’s dad, Amanda received a call from one of our staff members. Before long Amanda found herself surrounded by supportive community, helping to carry her burdens…
“God started working in our lives.” – Amanda
Amanda realized that she had her family needed to find hope and peace. She decided to bring her children to church. And through the body of Christ, Amanda began to see the Holy Spirit at work.
A leader in the church invited her to a Joni and Friends Single Parent Retreat in Mississippi. She accepted the invitation, bringing her children with her to the retreat.
“It was the best weekend we had ever had as a family of four,” says
Amanda.
Joni and Friends staff member Rhonda Craig remembers meeting Amanda’s family for the first time. As she says:
“I couldn’t imagine how difficult it must be to walk through grief while caring for small children. Although Amanda faces a lot of challenges, what stands out is her joy. She is always encouraging others.”
New Hope and Joy
After attending the Single Parent Retreat, Amanda’s family couldn’t get involved quickly enough with the ministry and resources provided by Joni and Friends. Since that first retreat, they have become active in nearly every outreach offered by our Louisiana Area Ministry including Summer Kick-off, Splash Day, the Barnyard Dance, and Walk ‘N’ Roll. While they enjoy attending all these events, they wait all year long for their very favorite event: Family Retreat!
At Family Retreat, all of Amanda’s children have made new friends.
Carson has gotten to know other children living with disabilities and now knows that he is not alone in his struggles. And Josie, inspired by the love and compassion of the volunteers at Family Retreat, wants to serve as a volunteer herself.
“Joni and Friends is a positive influence on all of us,” Amanda says.
Beyond Family Retreat and fun events, Amanda has found a community of parents through Joni and Friends that brings her Christ-centered support and encouragement throughout the year.
Give to Joni and Friends Louisiana
Your gift today will help more families struggling with disability find hope through hardship. Learn more about our Louisiana office.
