The Love of God is at Work!

Mikey is 11-years-old and has severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and separation anxiety, which makes it close to impossible for him to make friends. He fears being alone in situations where no one wants to talk to him. And unfortunately for Mikey, that painful experience is quite common.

Sadly, Mikey’s fears are shared by many children and adults living with disability who find that others will often turn away from them rather than offer a smile or a friendly “Hello.” Making friends becomes a discouraging effort, and loneliness compounds the day-to-day struggles associated with disability.

But while feelings of rejection and isolation once taunted Mikey, he experienced the exact opposite at Family Retreat! Because at Family Retreat, we understand that each and every person is precious in God’s sight – deserving of dignity, respect and love.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Ephesians 2:10

When Mikey and his family arrived at Family Retreat, more than 70 Joni and Friends volunteers were ready and waiting to welcome them. And though Mikey was initially nervous at the thought of being in a crowd, his mood was completely transformed when he saw all those kind faces smiling back at him.

Moments after his Family Retreat arrival, Mikey met his own personal volunteer buddy, Stephan, who was looking forward to spending Family Retreat with Mikey and, more importantly, becoming his friend. Stephan gave Mikey a welcome usually reserved for celebrities and rock stars, and Mikey’s spirit soared.

“He told me that people don’t usually like him, but here at Family Retreat, he just lit up! It was amazing! The love of God was at work!”

Stephan, Volunteer

People would enthusiastically call out Mikey’s name and wave as he passed them in hallways and on sidewalks. Mikey finally experienced the joy of being accepted by people outside his immediate family.

Because of Family Retreat, Mikey learned that he, too, is a valuable member of God’s family.

“Throughout the entire week, I saw him opening up more and more,” Stephan says.

Mikey loved every aspect of Family Retreat – the games, crafts, boat rides and Bible lessons. But perhaps most of all, Mikey relished spending time with Stephan and his other new-found friends.

“Mikey was in God’s arms the whole time,” shares Stephan.

And the beautiful truth is that the love of God followed Mikey home after Family Retreat. God’s love was clearly on display in Mikey’s life at Family Retreat, and Jesus won’t abandon him – no matter where he is!

“Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love!”

Romans 8:38

Mikey’s outlook on life was transformed at Family Retreat, but there are so many other children and families living with disability who are still suffering under the strain of rejection and isolation. They, too, need an encounter with Jesus. They need lasting friendships and to be welcomed into the family of God. And our Joni and Friends Chicago team is reaching out to special needs families all year long – through Family Retreat and all our excellent programs.