How One Special Needs Family Found Healing, Hope, and Belonging
“It felt as though we had been punched in the stomach. We had no clue how to navigate through a special needs diagnosis.”
This is how Ken and Yvonne recall the moment when doctors diagnosed their four-year-old son, Ryan, with autism, and later bipolar disorder. And for decades, Ryan’s disabilities left his family struggling.
Ryan’s inconsistent moods and what his parents describe as debilitating behaviors made it difficult for his family to find places of belonging, until another special needs family invited them to Family Retreat…
Experiencing God’s Love at Family Retreat
From the moment Ryan’s family arrived at Family Retreat hosted by our Illinois office, as Yvonne says:
“We felt surrounded by God’s loving presence.”
She and Ken will never forget how Ryan beamed with joy as he experienced what it’s like to be accepted, celebrated, and understood like never before. They savored the sense of being surrounded by people who completely “get it” about life with disability.
While the time spent at Family Retreat bore fruit for Ryan’s family, including refreshment, joy, and freedom, the friendships established within the Joni and Friends community have lasted long after the week ended. Ryan’s volunteer buddy, Rick, became his best friend the moment they met years ago. Since then, their bond of friendship has only continued to blossom.
The experience also gave Yvonne and Ken new clarity and joy in their calling as special needs parents, thanking Ryan for being who he is, wonderfully made in the image of Christ.
“Being special needs parents has taught us to truly savor the small victories as blessings from God,” says Yvonne.
Refreshment in Jesus
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
Jeremiah 31:25
Ryan’s whole family returns home after each Family Retreat renewed and encouraged. “After being surrounded by God’s loving presence while worshipping Him every day in a Christ-centered environment left us feeling physically and spiritually refreshed,” says Yvonne.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:25
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You can be part of providing love, refreshment, and lasting connection in the body of Christ to families navigating disability! Learn more about Joni and Friends Illinois.
