Loving Special Needs Families in Louisiana

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!”

Psalm 126:3

The tumultuous events of 2020 brought many challenges to Louisiana – from the global coronavirus pandemic to a record-breaking hurricane season. But through it all, God faithfully provided new ways for Joni and Friends to bring spiritual encouragement and the hope of the Gospel to children and families living with disabilities.

Nothing can stop us from sharing the love of Jesus!

Of the many families served through Joni and Friends Louisiana, one special family needed our help more than ever as COVID-19 hit their home in a dramatic way. Amy and Bobby and their son, Dustin – who is blind, has cerebral palsy and autism – found hope through the hardships of disability and coronavirus.

Bobby became seriously ill with the coronavirus and needed to be kept under strict quarantine. Amy’s voice was shaking as she explained to us the difficulties surrounding their decision to move their son, Dustin, away from their home during Bobby’s quarantine and recovery. Dustin would stay with a caregiver in order to protect him due to his vulnerable health condition. Amy’s heart broke as there was no way of knowing how long their family would be separated, or how well Dustin would handle the change in his routine.

Overwhelmed and in need of comfort, the staff of Joni and Friends Louisiana prayed with Amy over the phone. But our support needed to go beyond prayer.

Amy and her family needed us to show them God’s love in word and deed.

We delivered food, hygiene supplies and other essential household items to Amy’s doorstep, and we coordinated ongoing care through volunteers from a nearby local church.

Bobby, Amy and Dustin saw first-hand what the Body of Christ looks like when it enters into the suffering of families in need.

As the weeks passed, Bobby began to improve. However, Amy also tested positive for COVID-19 which caused an extension of time for them to be separated from their precious son, Dustin. It was extremely difficult, but now – by God’s grace – they are all healthy and together at home.

Amy, Bobby and Dustin are an important part of Joni and Friends Louisiana. It was a wonderful celebration of life, renewed health and restored hope when they recently joined us for an outdoor adventure hike!

Numerous families served by Joni and Friends Louisiana joined together to enjoy a fully accessible hike complete with specialized all-terrain trail wheelchairs!

“Dustin loved the outdoors and the feeling of the wind on his face as we strolled along the trails,” shared Amy with a heart full of joy.

“Joni and Friends Louisiana has been a blessing to our family! With Joni and Friends retreats and family activities, we enjoy being around other parents who understand the struggles and challenges of families living with disabilities. We can share our hearts and express our emotions with the caring volunteers and feel accepted and loved by everyone in a safe place.  The encouragement has meant so much to me and my husband.”

The uniqueness of God’s creation provided a perfect canopy to celebrate special needs families and to share how deeply God loves and values each individual created in His image.