Joni and Friends is the Embodiment of God’s Love
For years, Dan and Brandy, and their daughters, Savannah (20) and Andi (18), bore the weight of isolation. With Andi’s significant physical and intellectual disabilities and medical challenges caused by a rare genetic disorder, finding a welcoming church felt impossible.
“It felt very heavy and isolating at times,” Brandy shared. “People didn’t know how to support us, so they often kept their distance.”
Without close Christian community, Dan and Brandy struggled. “The lack of support added to an already stressful situation,” Dan says. But then, they found Joni and Friends® Arizona…
A Turning Point…
At our Joni and Friends® Arizona respite event, held poolside, God provided a turning point for Andi’s family. Attuned to her needs and responses, our team helped Andi overcome her fear and step into the pool. Then, she didn’t want to leave! Brandy says:
“That moment gave us hope that we could attend more social events like this in the future.”
Soon, the hope that budded at our respite event bloomed at Family Retreat. For the first time in a long time, Dan and Brandy were able to truly rest.
“We could finally let our guard down,” shared Dan and Brandy.
Surrounded by other families with shared faith and understanding, Andi’s family experienced freedom, belonging, and the joy of simply being themselves.
A Place to Thrive
Andi found her happy place in the arts and crafts room at Family Retreat. With the encouragement of her buddies and volunteers, she proudly asked if she could display her artwork. By the end of the week, her drawings filled the walls, forming her very own art gallery.
Asked what made her feel brave at Family Retreat, Andi answered simply: “Friends.”
Savannah watched Andi flourish with joy.
“Seeing her branch out in such a social setting is something I only dreamed of. She felt seen and appreciated, and that made me so happy to watch.”
A Marriage and Family Strengthened
Family Retreat also strengthened Dan and Brandy’s marriage. And later, at our Marriage Getaway, celebrating 22 years together, they shared how far Jesus has carried them, pouring out wisdom and encouragement to younger couples navigating life with disability.
Today, life is different for Andi’s family because, through Joni and Friends, they have found belonging in the body of Christ.
“We always knew families like ours existed,” Savannah reflected, “we just didn’t know how to find them.”
And Brandy offers this invitation to other families navigating disability:
“Joni and Friends is the embodiment of God’s love. Take a step into this journey. You are not alone. Welcome to the family!”
Spread the Hope of Jesus in Arizona
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