Because He Lives (Paul Buursma)

Years ago, back in 1998, I met a little boy with cerebral palsy named Paul Buursma at one of our Joni and Friends’ Family Retreats. He had a smattering of freckles, shiny blonde hair, and the biggest smile I’d ever seen. He also had many physical complications related to his cerebral palsy, all of which required non-stop 24/7 care from his parents, Dirk and Harriet. His siblings, Abby and Nate, also helped out.

That Retreat was such a huge blessing to this family that they decided to come back the following summer and 16 more summers after that! Over the years, I had the chance to watch this little boy grow into a beautiful young man. Life swirled around Paul Buursma because everybody was drawn to his infectious love for Jesus. Family Retreat helped ‘launch’ Paul’s ministry to other families like his – his witness changed his church and community, for everyone was touched by his smile!

Late in 2015, Jesus called Paul home at the age of 32. But what a legacy he has left on the lives of literally thousands of people. His sister Abby now works with Joni and Friends Chicago. Recently I got the nicest email from Dirk Buursma, Paul’s father. It was filled with warm reflections of Paul and our Family Retreats. Dirk wrote, “Joni, we have no finer family, no more cherished group of saints on earth, than those at Family Retreat. At the conclusion of almost every talent show on the last night of Family Retreat, our sweet Paul would always sing a hymn of praise to the great God who created him, sustained him and welcomed him through the portals of eternal life. In fact, I thought you’d enjoy this little video of Paul.” Friends, I watched that video right away and, oh, did it grip my heart. So, I’m passing along the blessing to you. And thank you for lifting up all our Family Retreats, especially as we celebrate 25 years of Family Retreats.