Focusing on Marriages, Families and Jesus!

By Joni and Friends|Published On: July 9, 2021|Categories: Marriage Getaway, Ministry|

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:31

Mary and Glenn have 14 biological and adopted children; two have already gone home to be with the Lord. Six of their children have disabilities and the emotional challenges that come from abandonment and the abuse of their birth parents.

“It’s a big ordeal to go anywhere,” shares Mary.

Mary explains that couples parenting children with disabilities share struggles like other marriages, but those struggles are multiplied exponentially by the unique challenges that disability brings. Their opportunity to put in the time and attention needed to strengthen their marriage is often limited by the demands of their children with special needs.

“We are so tired at the end of the day that there is no energy left to read, talk or pray together. However, at the Marriage Getaway we had time to spend together, just the two of us. Uninterrupted conversation with each other and God.”

At Marriage Getaway, Mary and Glenn were able to focus on each other and their marriage while developing the skills needed to keep their relationship strong and focused on Jesus. Since returning home, they have shared that they understand each other better and process conflict in new and Christ-honoring ways. Marriage Getaways provide practical biblical tools to couples impacted by disability, all the while connecting husbands and wives to a community of other couples parenting special needs children.

“I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

And the support Joni and Friends offers through Marriage Getaways doesn’t end once the retreat is over. Our online marriage support groups keep couples connected to each other as well as to the body of Christ. We are dedicated to doing everything we can to hold families impacted by disability together!

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12

Glenn and Mary now pray together daily, thanking God for the gift of each other and asking for the Lord’s help so they can love each other like Jesus, even when they don’t feel like it. Their marriage – and their beautiful family – is stronger because of Marriage Getaway and our ongoing marriage support groups!

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8