Family Retreat Surprises
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and right now, Joni and Friends needs your help.
Actually, our Family Retreats need your help. Let me offer a story which will explain our need. Okay, so last summer, the Hendrickson family came to one of our Family Retreats (you know that we hold these five-day retreats for weary, burdened moms and dads with disabled kids and their siblings), and the Hendrickson family fit that bill! They’ve got a huge family. One child is their birth child, they’re raising two grandchildren, and they have seven (count them, seven) kids with disabilities, all adopted. And four of those kids are in wheelchairs. I mean, that’s a family with a lot of needs!
Now, when it’s a family of 11 people, we really had to dig into the scholarship fund. Plus, Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson also did a little fundraiser at their church. Suffice to say, they were able to make it to Family Retreat. The kids loved kayaking, horseback riding, riding go–carts, the barbecue, the carnival. Of course, with nine kids, seven of them disabled, we had to assign, like, what… seven volunteers (we call them Short Term Missionaries)? But we wanted to make certain all their needs were met. In fact, the kids actually jumped up and down with delight when we showed them their room – we gave them each their own bed. They couldn’t believe it. At home, they have to sleep together. And they were blown away to see that they all had their own pillow and their own blanket. They couldn’t believe such luxury. And speaking of luxury, Mrs. Hendrickson fell in love with our pampering day – getting her haircut and curled, enjoying a massage, having her nails done. And then? Taking a long nap. Exodus chapter 33 says that God’s presence will give us rest. And that’s what you experience at Family Retreat, it’s the weary moms and dads who love the part about rest, taking a nap, hearing from God’s Word, drawing close to Jesus. Having a break from the nonstop, 24 hour demands of a disability back home. And for the Hendrickson’s, it’s seven different disabilities.
And nothing could give us more joy than when a family like theirs comes to a Family Retreat. Separate beds for all the kids? Sure, it’s a big need, but we will bend over backward to fill it. Assigning seven volunteers in rotating shifts? Yeah, it’s a big need, but we’ll do everything we can to meet it.
And friend, that’s why we need help, where you come in. When people like the Hendrickson’s show up, it places an extraordinary demand for more volunteers or, as I said we call them short-term missionaries.
When one special-needs family requires seven STMs to help in the cafeteria, or the swimming pool, during talent night, horseback riding, whatever, it places a big demand for more volunteers for all the other families. And that’s why I’m putting a call out. Our season of camps begins next month, and our camps are full; we are in need of Christian friends like you to come and serve. If you’re a senior, serve in the nursery or at the welcome table. If you’re a college-aged kid, serve alongside a teenager with autism. Or if you’re an adult, there are plenty of wheelchair-users to whom you can be a buddy. Plus, these families need to see your Christian witness. So, pray about joining us as a short-term missionary! Roll up your sleeves and volunteer your time. Give, and I promise it will be given back to you. Just visit joniradio.org for all the details; plus, while you are on my radio page, we have posted a wonderful, brand-new Family Retreat video so that you can get a what first-hand look at what a Family Retreat is all about. It’s all right there for you, so visit joniradio.org today! And please, please come and serve in the Spirit of Jesus as a short-term missionary with Family Retreats. God bless you today and thank you for listening to Joni and Friends.
Every summer many families affected by disability are blessed at a Family Retreat, and you could serve as an STM and make a difference in their lives.
© Joni and Friends
Volunteer for a Family Retreat!
Family Retreats offer a haven for families impacted by disability. In a fully accessible camp environment, families are cared for, rejuvenated, and encouraged in Christ.
Learn how you can get involved and volunteer at a Family Retreat near you!
