Many weeks of the year, families impacted by disability can struggle with isolation and acceptance, they can feel worn down by routine appointments and the daily needs of life with a disability. But each summer, there is a place for families with special needs to be rejuvenated and refreshed in God’s Word… in an accessible space that fits the needs of the entire family. Joni and Friends Family Retreats are not just a week of fun, they are a week for all families, regardless of ability, to be celebrated, loved, and cared for in a camp environment. Families find acceptance, community with others who face similar challenges, and the love of Christ. But Family Retreats aren’t just for families impacted disability; there is an opportunity for any member of the body of Christ to get involved. Retreats are only possible because of the volunteers who step out of their comfort zone to befriend and serve families impacted by disability for a week. Today, Crystal is chatting with two volunteers, Arielle Mitchell and Jase Magarifuji, who share their initial fears about volunteering, and also the life-changing experiences they had during one of the hardest and best week of their lives! Hear how a week of fun, community, and worship with the whole body of Christ literally felt like a slice of heaven. Learn more about Family Retreats at www.joniandfriends.org/family-retreats
Many weeks of the year, families impacted by disability can struggle with isolation and acceptance, they can feel worn down by routine appointments and the daily needs of life with a disability. But each summer, there is a place for families with special needs to be rejuvenated and refreshed in God’s Word… in an accessible space that fits the needs of the entire family. Joni and Friends Family Retreats are not just a week of fun, they are a week for all families, regardless of ability, to be celebrated, loved, and cared for in a camp environment. Families find acceptance, community with others who face similar challenges, and the love of Christ.
But Family Retreats aren’t just for families impacted disability; there is an opportunity for any member of the body of Christ to get involved. Retreats are only possible because of the volunteers who step out of their comfort zone to befriend and serve families impacted by disability for a week. Today, Crystal is chatting with two volunteers, Arielle Mitchell and Jase Magarifuji, who share their initial fears about volunteering, and also the life-changing experiences they had during one of the hardest and best week of their lives! Hear how a week of fun, community, and worship with the whole body of Christ literally felt like a slice of heaven.
Learn more about Family Retreats at www.joniandfriends.org/family-retreats
Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 150,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.
www.joniandfriends.org