How Your Support Brings Hope and Healing to Families

 “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

John 1:5

As we look over this past year, our hearts are full of gratitude for all that God has done through your prayers, generosity, and partnership. Together, we have seen lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ as individuals and families struggling with disability have experienced the hope, dignity, and belonging that comes through Him. I would like to share with you one of those stories that touched my heart deeply…

Asher is a 16-year-old young man who is deaf. He attended Family Retreat hosted by our Mississippi office this summer with his parents, David and Mikaela, and his sister Rebekah, who has a traumatic brain injury. When they first arrived at Family Retreat, Asher was withdrawn and hesitant to engage with anyone, even his sign language interpreter buddies, who were eager to connect. His parents explained that Asher had been through a painful season following the death of his brother.

Asher kept mostly to himself. He joined his group but did not participate in activities, and he quickly disengaged when his buddies tried to connect with him. Yet, as the week went on, something began to change. Surrounded by unconditional love and acceptance, Asher’s walls began to come down. His buddies continued to show Asher the love of Jesus through laughter and genuine care. Slowly, joy began to flicker in his eyes, and playful smirks started to sneak across Asher’s face.

By the final day of Family Retreat, that flicker became a shining light. Asher was connecting with those around him, sharing his beautiful, beaming smile with everyone he interacted with. And that night, Asher stood and signed a message that left the room in tears. He shared openly about his pain from the loss of his brother.

Then he said something remarkable: “Being here this week has shown me that God hasn’t given up on me.”

In that sacred moment, everyone saw the power of God’s love breaking through heartbreak and silence.

This is what Family Retreat is all about. Family Retreat is a place where isolation turns to connection, where broken hearts begin to heal, and where people of all abilities experience the hope and belonging found in Jesus Christ.

Asher’s transformation was profound. For others, the journey looks different, but every family leaves Family Retreat knowing they are not alone, and that God’s love will meet them right where they are.

When you give to Joni and Friends, you’re not just providing Family Retreat scholarships, you’re helping to create sacred spaces where stories like Asher’s can unfold. You’re helping families struggling with disability encounter the hope of the Gospel in real, tangible ways.

Would you prayerfully consider making a generous gift today? Your support makes it possible to reach more families in our area with the message that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God. Our is to fully fund all of our Family Retreats, disability-friendly community connection events, church trainings, and local respites.

• Family Retreats and Respite Days – We will host Family Retreat and of Respite events. It is our desire that no family will be turned away from these life-giving events due to financial hardship.
• Wheels for the World^® – We need to provide life-changing wheelchairs, each delivered alongside a Spanish translation Bible, to individuals who are in desperate need of both mobility and hope.
• Community Events – Events like Disability Friendly Day at the Mississippi State Fair, Barnyard Dance and Barnyard Bash, and our annual Magnolia Classic Dodgeball Tournament draw thousands of people together, creating connection and sharing the hope of Jesus. Your gifts make these events possible!

May the Lord bless you abundantly in the year to come, and may Jesus draw you ever closer to His heart.