The Love of Jesus Covered Kari’s Final Family Retreat
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18
Matthew’s voice rang through the house, a sing-song reminder that he couldn’t wait for Joni and Friends® Pennsylvania Family Retreat. But his parents, Ron and Joan Denlinger, weren’t sure they could make the trip a reality…
Now thirteen years old, Matthew was adopted out of foster care by Ron and Joan ten years ago. When they welcomed Matthew into their family, they knew he was medically fragile and lived with a traumatic brain injury that almost took his life in infancy. As Ron and Joan nurtured Matthew through continual obstacles, they also lovingly cared for their oldest child, Kari, who was born with a rare genetic disease called RARS2.
When Kari’s health declined last year, Ron and Joan didn’t know if they could manage both of their children’s needs away from home at Family Retreat. Between Matthew’s challenging bursts of energy and Kari’s increasing medical fragility, leaving home seemed daunting. After all, what would they do at 5:00 a.m. during quiet hours when Matthew kicked into high gear?
God Sees Every Need
But God had a plan to meet and bless the Denlinger family at Family Retreat! And he met their specific need by providing a volunteer buddy who offered to play sports with Matthew in the early mornings, in addition to a buddy to accompany him throughout the daytime activities.
With Matthew having fun, Ron and Joan enjoyed quiet moments with Kari before reuniting with their son and his buddy for breakfast. And throughout Family Retreat, while Matthew enjoyed his activities, Kari got special support to take part in crafts, enjoy worship time, and explore the stimulating environment, all while surrounded with love.
“It was an amazing week of God’s provision,” says Ron.
“Our children were honored and loved,” Joan added. “And we received a much-needed boost as we saw and felt God’s grace to us.”
A Season of Gratitude and Grief
Only later would Ron and Joan know how precious the retreat week would be to their family…
“Kari died a few months later,” says Joan. And as the family processes Kari’s loss, they savor the memories they made together more than ever. As Joan shared, “We are so glad we were able to do Family Retreat this year.”
At Family Retreat and all our Christ-centered outreaches, families like Kari and Matthew’s get a tangible reminder that they are seen and known by God. These experiences offer comfort and through every season, including times of deep suffering and grief.
Spread the Hope of Jesus in Pennsylvania
You can offer special needs families a powerful, embodied reminder that Jesus’s love surrounds and carries them through every season of life. Learn more about Joni and Friends Pennsylvania.
