Joni and Friends Mississippi Makes a Difference for People with Disabilities—and you can too!

By Joni and Friends|Published On: April 19, 2023|Categories: Family Retreats|

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18

Meet Amoree and her mother, Delasber…

Amoree has autism, is non-verbal, and lives with a variety of medical challenges. Over the past year, Delasber, a single mom, has experienced acute loneliness and grief, having lost multiple loved ones.

When Amoree and Delasber first arrived a Joni and Friends Mississippi Family Retreat, they needed to experience the Lord’s closeness promised in Psalm 34. They needed the refreshment and love of Jesus.

And through Joni and Friends God provided exactly what this mother-daughter duo needed!

Finding Renewal at Family Retreat

At Family Retreat Delasber got the connection and refreshment she needed, as did Amoree! Amoree’s volunteer buddy, Gail, took Amoree’s medical needs and disability in stride and helped Amoree participate in every activity possible: canoeing, worship, Bible study, arts and crafts, and more.

Amoree being led by two Joni and Friends volunteers into the water so she can get in a canoe.

Amoree's two Joni and Friends volunteers smiling as they sit in a canoe with her.

When Delasber saw a photo of her daughter enjoying a canoe ride safe in Gail’s care, her eyes welled up.

She said: “I was so happy to see my buddy participate in activities that she hasn’t had a chance to do in a long time and also for her mother to feel supported and encouraged. The love of God was evident throughout the retreat.”

For Delasber Family Retreat provided deep spiritual renewal.

Afterward she reflected: “I was losing faith because I have lost so much. Being in a space where people understood those feelings and allowed me to express them made me begin to feel whole again.”

As for Gail, serving at Family Retreat was only the beginning—she now participates in her church’s disability ministry on a regular basis, and invites families living with disability into the body of Christ!

You can make a difference too!

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. And you can help make this vision a reality. How?

Pray for Joni and Friends staff and volunteers as we serve people with disabilities at home and around the world!
Apply to volunteer with Joni and Friends! From U.S. Family Retreats to overseas outreaches, you can bring hands-on help and Gospel hope to people living with disability.