No Disability Is Going To Stand In The Way Of God’s Love

By Joni and Friends|Published On: November 9, 2021|Categories: Family Retreats, Ministry|

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.”
Romans 8:38

Walter and Megan call their seven-year-old twins their “little miracle girls.” Born prematurely at just over two pounds apiece, Emery and Elyse entered the world under traumatic circumstances. But as Megan explains, “Every day we see them growing in God’s love.”

Emery has cerebral palsy, GI issues and metabolic problems that make it difficult for her body to keep up with everyday demands, resulting in overwhelming pain and periods of extreme fatigue. “Pain overwhelms her, and she just falls asleep,” Megan explains. Emery takes 23 different medications that are administered eight times a day. She is fed through a feeding tube and requires multiple therapies.

“Parenting has a lot of extra steps for us,” shares Megan. And between the looks they get out in public and the tears that come when little Emery can’t be part of a family activity, Megan confesses, “It can be disheartening sometimes.”

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

“But at Family Retreat, there are no barriers. No disability is going to stand in the way of God’s love. Disability doesn’t exist here!” Megan says, smiling brightly.

“No one’s focused on limitations. At Family Retreat, we don’t see wheelchairs – we see children.” And at Family Retreat, we find a way to adapt every activity so they’re accessible to everyone!

Ever the devoted husband and father, Walter cherishes his time at Family Retreat, too.

“At Family Retreat, I love being with my family without distractions,” he shares. And his little miracle girls relish every minute of their daddy’s undivided attention!
Walter

The whole family had a blast meeting Joni and Ken at this summer’s Family Retreat. Even Emery’s service dog, Skip, had a blast and when he was off duty, he showered Joni with hugs and kisses! But perhaps the ones who encountered Christ most deeply at Family Retreat were Emery and Elyse.

Whether they were swimming, dancing, or going on a hot air balloon ride, both Emery and Elyse have the time of their lives at Family Retreat.

“Here we love Jesus and have fun! It makes me very happy to see my sister having fun!” exclaims Elyse.

And as Elyse explains, at Family Retreat, she and Emery learned that “Jesus is always going to be with us, even when we’re lonely.”

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20

And that’s exactly what each and every child and adult experiences at Family Retreat – the all-encompassing, never-ending love of Jesus that gives unlimited hope through hardships and provides the strength needed to face each new day and all of our tomorrows. Thank you for praying for families living with disability and for your continual support of Family Retreat. Through you, God is reminding special needs families that they are not alone, they have not been forgotten, and help is on the way!