Hey, it's Heart for the Disabled week here at Joni and Friends...
Thanks for joining me, Joni Eareckson Tada, as we begin one of my favorite weeks of the year. This is when I ask you to take a few minutes to write a note of encouragement to disabled people who attended last year's Family Retreats. Many of you have done this before and last year beat all records! I mean, you guys really responded and it meant the world to these people who receive, well, Valentine's cards, letters, notes with Scriptures, words of hymns, inspirational poems. And when I think of somebody who needs encouragement today, I’m thinking that Jeremy and his dad and brother could use a little encouragement.
Meet Jeremy, he’s an on-fire 21-year old, oh my goodness, but four years ago, when Jeremy was around 18 years old, he and his brother Zack were in a tragic car accident (a tree literally split their car down the middle). Although Zack survived with minor injuries, unfortunately there was another young man in the car and he was killed, he didn't make it. And Jeremy? He lost both his legs and the use of his right arm. It was a horrible tragedy that left physical and emotional scars on both boys. The first year that Jeremy came to Family Retreat, he was a pretty angry young man in that wheelchair of his: sullen, withdrawn, not interested at all in the activities. Well, we paired him with a very special volunteer: Stephen, a tall handsome teenager with a heart for Christ. It was, in fact, Stephen who led Jeremy to the Lord. And since then, Jeremy has dived deep into God's Word. In fact, he came back to Family Retreat last summer with his dad Seth and his brother, Zack.
And while he was there, Jeremy and I spent a lot of time talking about and praying about his future – he’s still so broken; his injuries are still devastating. But this young man really wants to study God's Word so he can reach other young people of his age for Christ. And I think that’s pretty awesome, given that he’s only 21 and has lost use of his arm and both legs. I’ve posted a photo of me and Jeremy on my radio page. I want you to know that that this young 21-year-old is really looking forward to his future.
And this is why I know Jeremy and his wonderful dad, Seth... (by the way, his dad left his job to take care of Jeremy and now he works out of the house). I just know that Seth and Jeremy and brother Zack would love a note of encouragement from you. They know nothing about our Heart for the Disabled program, and with a card or note from you, you can assure Jeremy, his brother and his dad that you’ll be praying for them. Share some uplifting Scriptures or ask your children or grandkids to crayon a picture. How about writing out the words to a favorite hymn? Maybe send a gift certificate to McDonald’s or share a poem, or just let them know you’re praying. Whatever, send your note, card, or letter to “Jeremy, Seth, and Zack” in care of Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. If you missed any details, I’ll be posting this story on our radio page at joniandfriends.org. Just know that we need you to send your note in right away to ensure that it arrives in their mailbox in time for Valentine's Day. Again, write your card to “Jeremy, Seth, and Zack” at Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. And thanks for having a heart for the disabled. And once again let me remind you of our website, come by and visit us at any time. It’s joniandfriends.org.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
© Joni and Friends