Jacob and Miller

Friendships formed at Family Retreat often last a lifetime. Meet Jacob, one of our stellar short-term missionaries (STMs), and his buddy Miller. Miller is passionate about music, his love for the Lord, and Jacob’s friendship. He has Down syndrome and has been Jacob’s buddy at Family Retreat since 2008. This year, when Jacob walked down the aisle to marry his fiancé Hannah, he invited Miller to be one of his groomsmen. Jacob wanted to show Miller that he is more than just a buddy at Family Retreat, he’s part of the family. Jacob said, “Miller is like family to me. He really is. I had all of the men in my family in the wedding.” Miller was proud and overjoyed to be a part of his friend’s special day! And most remarkably, three weeks following his wedding (at the insistence of his bride Hannah), Jacob returned to serve as an STM for two weeks at Family Retreat — he wanted to be there for Miller and his other buddies! Like so many of our wonderful STMs, Jacob values the dear friendships that he’s formed serving at Family Retreat!