Strengthening Families with Jesus’ Love

“Family Retreat is like having another family.”

The Hintz family recently came to one of our Joni and Friends Family Retreats in Northern California this summer. Rich and Joanne came with their sons, Jeremy and Cody (who has Down syndrome).

It’s normal for parents to feel overwhelmed and alone when taking care of a child with a disability. And it isn’t uncommon for typical siblings to feel forgotton or challenged with feelings of false responsibility. It’s hard work and many people just don’t understand what life with disability really entails. Parents are often at their limit when they arrive at Family Retreat in need of Jesus’ love and hope.

“We were so broken before we came, but now we have hope. It’s the first step in getting help. Your family’s life will be changed, and you’ll never be the same!”

Joanne Hintz

During the week the entire family developed deep connections and friendships with other families and their volunteers.

“Family Retreat is love. It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people.”

Rich Hintz

Transforming lives of families living with disability through the hope of the Gospel and the encouragement of community is the call. Every year, Family Retreats continue to grow. Why? Because the further we press into the darkness the more we find families who are desperate for hope.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:14

But the need goes far beyond this one week of respite. Join us in praying for more families to break free from isolation and be brought into the church where they can find acceptance and continuous Gospel Hope!