Reaching Families with the Love of Christ
Two weeks after Gabe was born, this precious family was involved in a terrible car accident. They all had minor injuries—except Gabe. Given only a 20% chance of survival, the doctors said he would be blind, deaf, and would never walk or talk. Though they were devastated, Brad and Michelle knew that God somehow would work all things for their good. Still, they were overwhelmed by fear of the future.
Twenty-three years later, Gabe is doing things the doctors said he would never do! Although he has a traumatic brain injury, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, a seizure disorder, and an intellectual disability, Gabe has surpassed all medical expectations. He walks, talks, hears, has limited sight, and he is full of joy!
Brad and Michelle adore Gabe and are forever grateful for what the Lord has done in his life, but they also face the day-to-day challenges of meeting all his caregiving needs. Gabe requires total assistance with his daily activities, and it has taken its toll on his parents.
“As Christians, we wrestle at times with how we are supposed to deal with our situation. Gabe has very significant needs and requires assistance with everything. It takes a toll on my husband and me. If we hide our emotions and struggles, people assume we don’t need any help. But when we show our emotions and tell others about our struggles, people say, ‘You just have to keep trusting God, it could be a lot worse. At least you aren’t going through what so-and-so is going through.’ We walk away from those conversations feeling defeated, lonely, and uncared for.”
Michelle
In 2023, Michelle had a total knee replacement. No one came to help with Gabe, so Michelle had to continue to care for him while struggling through intense pain and her own lack of mobility. Completely overwhelmed, Michelle broke down and cried. Soon afterwards, God answered her cries through Joni and Friends.
Michelle and Brad heard about Family Retreat and decided to attend. They knew they needed help and hope. But on the day they were supposed to leave for the retreat, Michelle looked at Brad and said, “We shouldn’t have signed up for this. Nobody wants to love on us or be around us now, so why would people want us at Family Retreat? People are going to judge us and make me feel worse about my own situation.”
Boy was she wrong! When they arrived at Family Retreat, Michelle, Brad, and Gabe were met by a cheering crowd of volunteers who were delighted to see them! And when Michelle saw the smile on Gabe’s face, a glimmer of joy started to flicker in her heart. Gabe became instant friends with his volunteer buddy, Mike. While Gabe and Mike enjoyed every aspect of Family Retreat, Michelle and Brad got a much-needed break from constant caregiving. Brad was able to spend time being encouraged by other men, which he never had before. And Michelle spent time with other women who loved her and encouraged her.
This dear family came to Family Retreat completely empty, but they left feeling so loved, cared for, and encouraged that their hearts, minds, and spirits were filled to the top and overflowing with joy.
Michelle
“All those negative thoughts were wiped away within the first hour of being at Family Retreat. What began with a heart full of frustration, ended with a heart full of joy.”
Mike
“Family Retreat changes lives through selfless service and acceptance. My experience was a glimpse of how God uses all of us to demonstrate his love in ways we could not imagine.”
We’re thanking God for life transformations like Brad, Michelle, and Gabe’s. And we praise him for spreading Gospel hope all around the world through our many Christ-centered programs. But our hearts ache over the tens of thousands of disabled children and families still desperate for help and hope in Jesus.
Would you let Jesus work through you today to reach these precious families with the power of God’s unfailing love?
We are depending upon the generosity of friends like you to help us reach even more people struggling with disability. Your gift will support all our Joni and Friends ministry, reaching vulnerable people who otherwise may never hear the Good News of Jesus!
Thank you for bringing the help and hope of Christ to families suffering under the strain of disability. God bless you and your family always!
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