The Power of Christ-Centered Community for Special Needs Families
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5
We are reminded of the incredible stories of hope, perseverance, and transformation that have emerged from families living with disability. Like Darrell and Donnell’s family…
Darrell and Donnell celebrated 49 years of marriage—a journey marked by love, ministry, and the unwavering grace of God. Together, they’ve raised five children: four daughters and their youngest son, DJ, who has Down syndrome, autism, and several other medical conditions.
DJ was born under critical circumstances. He lives with complex medical needs and had two open-heart surgeries in his first five years of life. Darrell and Donnell’s journey with DJ confirmed their need to surrender not just their son, but also their expectations, plans, and ministry. They learned about Joni and Friends® from Joni Eareckson Tada’s radio program, and they contacted our local office.
Darrell and Donnell heard about our Marriage Getaway and knew they had to come. At Marriage Getaway, they met other couples navigating similar experiences and soon learned about Family Retreat. Excited to bring their whole family—Darrell, Donnell, and their children found respite, encouragement, and a place of belonging at Family Retreat. And DJ was celebrated—not just accommodated.
It was at Family Retreat that DJ met Walter, his volunteer buddy, who built a bond of trust and joy that transformed DJ’s entire life experience.
DJ felt truly celebrated, and his family found Christ-centered community.
“These were families like ours, walking the same road, carrying the same burdens,” says Donnell. “With them, we didn’t have to explain everything.”
This sentiment is one we hear often—the hope and encouragement that comes from finding a community that not only understands life with disability but lives it.
Joni and Friends understands the very real need for respite and the power of Christ-centered community for families struggling with disability. And through your prayers and support, God strengthens marriages that might otherwise fail under the weight of caregiving.
Jesus is using your faithful ministry partnership to give new hope to families struggling under the strain of disability.
“Christ isn’t just preached here at Family Retreat,” says Darrell. “He’s lived out every day. You see His hands, His feet, His compassion in the volunteers, staff, and other families. This isn’t just a program—it’s a glimpse of God’s Kingdom. It’s a slice of heaven on earth. This is what the church looks like when it embraces every part of the body.”
There are countless other families just like Darrell and Donnell’s who need to feel the hands and feet of Jesus through you.Will you prayerfully consider giving your most generous gift and share the love and light of Christ with even more struggling families?
Your gift will:
- Send families, couples, and Veterans to Family Retreat, Marriage Getaway, and Warrior Getaway.
- Train volunteers to serve disabled children and adults.
- Provide resources to churches so they can create places of belonging for special needs families.
- Offer ongoing care and connection to families who are otherwise neglected and alone.
Thank you for being a true friend of Joni and Friends. Together, we are bringing hope, healing, and the love of Jesus to those who need it most.
Spread the Hope of Jesus in Central California
You can change lives right now by giving to Joni and Friends! Learn more about Joni and Friends Central California.
