Iron Sharpens Iron at Family Retreat

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Proverbs 27:17

Joni and Friends is and has always been a ministry to the most vulnerable. We delight in bringing families living with disability closer to each other and closer to Jesus through all our Christ-centered outreaches. And as we gear up for a summer full of ministry, I’m thrilled to report that we’re ready for a new season of Family Retreat!

The responsibilities of caring for a child with a disability never end. Often, special needs moms and dads feel there is simply no relief in sight… they are at an utter loss as to where to find someone they can relate to, someone outside their own family who understands the relentless demands of disability.

Isolation is an everyday heartbreak for families wrestling with these circumstances.

Families impacted by disability live on the edge of exhaustion. Sleepless nights, endless medical appointments, dreary routines and financial pressures that never end… it’s no wonder special needs families need Family Retreat!

God has used Family Retreat to bring an increase of hope, joy and faith for thousands of special needs families all over the country and all over the world. Let me tell you about Austin’s family…

Austin is 27 years old. He has Down syndrome and OCD, and according to his mom, Michele, “Austin loves Family Retreat more than anything else in the world!”

He loves all the activities, the worship, the fun, the fellowship and the food. And so do his parents!

“Family Retreat strengthens our faith because we’re with like-minded people. Being with other special needs families who have similar experiences is life-giving, and so is being with all the volunteers who really have a heart for serving children and families impacted by disability. Family Retreat is a real example of iron sharpening iron.”

Michele

Michele shared that she is strengthened and encouraged personally at Family Retreat, and so is her marriage.

“I get uninterrupted quiet time with Jesus, and I love that our entire family can be there. At Family Retreat, I can actually relax.” And after 27 years of caring for Austin 24/7, that says everything!

“The volunteer Buddies are always perfect for Austin. We would go to Family Retreat every month if we could!”

Michele

When the southern California Family Retreat had to be canceled last year due to coronavirus regulations, “Both Austin and I bawled our eyes out,” said Michele.

And when she and Bill found out that our Arizona Family Retreat was taking place as planned, they packed their bags and made the eight-hour trip! Nothing was going to keep them from experiencing Jesus at Family Retreat!

Michele says it breaks her heart when Austin isn’t able to communicate his needs. It’s frustrating for Austin, and it’s frustrating for his parents. Yet when Austin prays for Joni and Friends, Jesus understands his every word.

And at Family Retreat, the body of Christ hears Austin’s love for Jesus loud and clear… especially when he took the stage during our Talent Show and boldly declared, “Jesus is coming soon!”

Austin loves to worship, and at Family Retreat he is always welcome on stage as part of the worship team – sharing his gifts and his contagious love for the Lord!

“At Family Retreat, he can do everything!” says Michele.

At 27 years old, Austin longs for independence. “He sees other people who don’t have special needs and wants to do the things they do. He wants to be normal. And when we get to Family Retreat, he feels safe with his volunteer Buddies. He just waves to me and says, ‘Bye, Mom!’ At Family Retreat, Austin enjoys his independence and doesn’t always have to be hanging out with mom,” explains Michele joyfully.

At Family Retreat, he is “normal.” Austin, and everyone else at Family Retreat, is treated as an equal member of the body of Christ, just the way Jesus intended.

“It’s unlike anything else,” shares Michele.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel.”

Philippians 1:3-5

Today, if God is tugging on your heart to provide a scholarship that will open the door to a Joni and Friends Family Retreat for a family just like Austin’s, please do not hesitate! Your scholarship will make a life-changing difference, and it is the only way needy families can experience true worship, true freedom, and true transformation in Christ at Family Retreat. Without your generous support, these families simply cannot afford the very thing they need the most – an encounter with Jesus at Family Retreat.

You can be that iron sharpening iron, too! Your gift of any amount will help provide scholarships to special needs families who desperately need the refreshing love and joy of Jesus found at Family Retreat!

–Joni Eareckson Tada