Someone to Relate to in Sacramento
“Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Families impacted by disability are painfully isolated due to coronavirus regulations, even more so than the general population. When schools closed families looked forward to recurring therapy sessions, and then those therapies were canceled, too.
Knowing that the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are hitting those affected by disability the hardest, our Joni and Friends Sacramento team decided they had to do something – and do something quickly – before the special needs families in their communities became crushed under the weight of loneliness and isolation.
And so, out of the coronavirus crisis God birthed a brand-new outreach we’re calling Facetime Friends. Through Facetime Friends, children with disabilities are paired with “video pen pals” who have already been trained in disability ministry through their service as Short Term Missionaries at Family Retreat. These video calls are keeping families impacted by disability connected to the outside world and to the body of Christ. They bring hope, joy and laughter into the hopes of those struggling with depression and despair, and it’s all done while pointing children and families to Jesus!
Samantha, a teenager with cerebral palsy, is just one of many examples highlighting the blessings and need of Facetime Friends. At an age when friendships are more important than ever, Samantha was really feeling discouraged and alone. COVID-19 prevented her from going to school where she could be around other teenagers, and it also put an end to her necessary therapy appointments.
“I love people and being social.”
Samantha
Stay-at-home orders were particularly tough on this teenage girl who was craving relationships with her peers.
But when she was connected to her video pen pal through Facetime Friends, “It was exactly what Sam needed,” declared her mother, Linda.
Linda went on to share that the gift of Facetime Friends finally gave Samantha someone she could relate to.
“It’s such a blessing to hear Sam chatting and giggling on the phone, because that’s what teenage girls do!”
What may seem like a small blessing in the eyes of some, has actually become a small miracle in Samantha’s life – and in the lives of so many others who are being served by Joni and Friends Sacramento. Being an active member of the body of Christ is a true lifeline, during the coronavirus pandemic and every day. God created us to live in community, and through the multiple outreaches of Joni and Friends, children and families impacted by disability are finding hope, strength and encouragement to face each new day.
“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
Hebrews 3:13
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Be part of the incredible work that God is doing through Joni and Friends Sacramento! Your generous support makes it possible for more special needs families to experience the miraculous power of Jesus!
