God is Saving Souls Through Joni and Friends Mississippi!

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

–Joshua 1:5

We are overjoyed to share that God has redeemed the life of Emily, the single mother of a medically fragile baby, through our Joni and Friends Mississippi ministry!

After her son, Christopher, was born with spina bifida and multiple other life-threatening disabilities, Emily walked the long and lonely road of caring for him and being by his side throughout seven surgeries – all within the first year of Christopher’s life, and all by herself, leaving her sleep-deprived and devastated.

Doctors prepared Emily for her son’s death, and as her circumstances appeared more and more overwhelming, Emily’s hopelessness and confusion drew her towards atheism and darkness. But Joni and Friends Mississippi showered Emily with Christ-centered compassion and showed her the truth about God’s love.

Emily’s first interaction with Joni and Friends Mississippi was through our Barnyard Dance, a respite event like none other – complete with music, fellowship and fun! “The Barnyard Dance was the first time that I was out with Christopher and felt okay,” Emily explained.

Emily was in dire spiritual need.

But despite all the hurt she had endured, God had a beautiful plan for Emily’s life… and for Christopher’s, too! And Emily felt that she could fully trust our Joni and Friends Mississippi team.

One month after the dance, Christopher was hospitalized yet again. A member of Joni and Friends Mississippi was able to visit Emily in the hospital, and Emily experienced the love of Christ at her darkest moment. She then attended our Single Parent Retreat at Home, a unique Family Retreat experience for single parents.

“It happened at the time I needed it most,” said Emily. “What you taught was exactly what I needed to hear. I felt supported and nonjudged. I feel the love – especially having a child with disabilities.”

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Through studying the Bible at the Single Parent Retreat, Emily learned there was meaning to her suffering, that God is the source of true joy, and that Christopher is the Lord’s perfect gift. She established new friendships with other single mothers and was reminded that she is never alone.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” –Joshua 1:5

Now Emily has life-giving faith in Jesus! And through Joni and Friends Mississippi, Emily and Christopher have been connected to a church in their area where they are both welcomed with open hearts and open arms, and where Emily can receive ongoing discipleship.

“I feel like I can handle anything coming at my life right now!” declared Emily with newfound hope. “I want to give back! In the end, joy is going to come out of this.”

God showed Emily that he is her real redeemer, and now she has bright hope for the future. But there are countless other single moms of children with disabilities who need the love and hope Jesus provides through Joni and Friends. Won’t you pray for them and help them find our Savior?