Where Faith, Adoption and Disability Come Together!

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

Hebrews 6:19

Scott and Laura have adopted six children with special needs that include cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. While they know in their heart of hearts that God called them to adopt each one of their children, life with multiple and complex disabilities is never easy.

“One of our children had 20 surgeries including a 10-hour surgical procedure to put rods in her back. Another child had brain surgery, which resulted in a 4-month hospitalization and needing to relearn to walk.”

Medical complexities were an everyday part of life for Scott and Laura’s family. Laura explains, “I could always tell what day of the week it was by who was coming to the house.”

They had occupational, physical, and speech therapists coming regularly. This was on top of school meetings and doctors’ appointments. Medical equipment in their house was as common as ordinary furniture.

Though Scott and Laura need to be connected with many resources in their community to help manage their family’s multiple challenges, they only found what was really missing in their lives through Joni and Friends.

“Through Joni and Friends, we finally found a place where our faith and life with disability came together.”

Scott explains, “Nowhere else could I find the two most important things in my life – my faith and being a family with disability – and merge them in such a powerful and amazing way. Even in 2020, when we couldn’t meet in person, the staff and volunteers brought Family Retreat at Home to us. We had camp brought to our home for three days in a row! This speaks to the commitment and passion of those at Joni and Friends.”

Every member of Scott and Laura’s family has been transformed through our Joni and Friends Minnesota Area Ministry.

“We feel a freedom at Family Retreat that we find nowhere else. We feel very comfortable there, knowing that our children are loved, cared for, and valued. We don’t have to be hyper-vigilant like we do everywhere else. It’s a break and respite like no other. Our children have found total unconditional acceptance through Joni and Friends. They are valued and welcomed!”

“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

“We are truly thankful to be a part of this ministry because of the message of hope. When the tough times have come, it has been good to know that our lives are holding on to the hope in Jesus both in this life and for eternity. What we get at Joni and Friends is truly a gift.”