Hear a touching story about a family who experienced a much-needed break at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. If you’d like to serve at one, visit www.joniradio.org for more details.
Visit www.joniradio.org to volunteer at a Family Retreat today!
SHAUNA: I’m Shauna, with Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. Thank you for joining us.
JONI: I love my work at Joni and Friends. And I’m sure you know that our ministry is all about showcasing the gospel of Jesus to needy families that struggle with disability. And nothing is more fulfilling than ministering to these weary special needs families at our Family Retreats. And we are keenly aware that disability comes in all shapes and sizes. And in children, there are now conditions that are especially challenging. I mean, now we see children with diagnoses that weren’t even around 10 years ago. So, our Family Retreats have to go the extra mile to develop unique programs to help these parents and their kids. Like Susan, a single mother with 2 boys – they came to Family Retreat last summer for the first time. Now, Susan dearly loves her two sons. One is a typical, average boy.
The other has significant autism and a diagnosed condition called oppositional defiant disorder. It’s a neurological and emotional disorder that expresses itself in a long-term pattern of chronic irritability, and constant severe and even dangerous outbursts. Now, I’m not talking about occasional temper tantrums like in some children; no, this is a daily, persistent, frequent opposition to authority that does not go away as the child matures. This chronic condition is rooted in a child’s neurodevelopment, and it’s never-ending. Susan’s little boy [his name is Joshua], whenever he becomes frustrated, he bites. And he bites hard. So, when Susan came to Family Retreat with her two boys, she was exhausted. And she wondered if they would be turned away because of Joshua’s outbursts and his habit of biting.
Well, at Family Retreat, we never turn a family away, and so we embraced Susan and her boys. We warmly welcomed them, but of course, we had to make certain that the other parents and children would be safe. And so, we assigned 3 strong, experienced volunteers who were willing to stick with little Joshua the whole time. Also, our behavior support team was never far away, always keeping an eye on this 6-year-old with so many complications. At first, Susan wasn’t sure that these volunteers would be able to manage Joshua. But this little guy – he ended up having fun. And yes, he even heard the gospel as his volunteers literally had to encircle him. And what did this mean to precious Susan? Well, when she attended the afternoon Pampering Day for the mothers, she sat down and was given a hot foot massage with soaps and oils and creams. And the whole time, Susan wept. Tears just fell from her eyes. She sat there and let the tears flow.
One of the Retreat leaders watched Susan and was reminded of the scene in John 13 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. In this act of humble service, Jesus says, “Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” And that is what we do at Family Retreat. And Susan and her boys – they left that retreat so refreshed, invigorated, and connected to a whole new community providing love and support. Hey, I’d love for you to learn more about our Family Retreats – they’re already open for registration! So, visit joniradio.org for all the details. And thank you for praying for Susan and her boys.
© Joni and Friends