It’s Heart for the Disabled week here at Joni and Friends!
That’s right, this is Joni Eareckson Tada and this week I am asking you to help me give real Christian encouragement to disabled people and their families who attended last year’s Family Retreats — it’s mid-winter, the skies are gray, and these families are in need of a lift, what with all the disability routines day after day. So I’m asking you (as I’ve been doing all week) to pick up a pen and jot a Valentine’s card or a note, send a poem, maybe a scripture or two, or just a brief letter telling this special needs family that you’re praying for them. And today I’m thinking of Josh and Jackie.
This couple attended Family Retreat with their three children. They have their hands full because each of the kids has special needs. Nick has cerebral palsy, is non-verbal and, has autism; Ethan doesn’t speak either; he’s non-verbal; and Kiersten has real problems with relating to other kids in a proper way. For this precious family, day-to-day life is a series of doctor’s appointments, therapists, hospitals, and medications. Get this: each night, Josh and Jackie sleep in shifts to make sure one of them is up to monitor Nick and Ethan. Like many husbands and wives who care for special needs children, Josh and Jackie desperately needed the support and spiritual renewal that they found at Family Retreat.
While at Family Retreat, Josh and Jackie were so hungry, so thirsty, so hoping to connect with other parents like them and, oh my goodness, they enjoyed such sweet fellowship with other moms and dads who share similar trials. They gained hope and encouragement as a couple, and were reminded to keep relying on the Lord for His guidance and tender love. They told us, “Family Retreat has been our chance to reconnect and build on our faith together as husband and wife.” Wow, that’s what it’s all about, right?
I tell you, Josh and Jackie really need your Christian encouragement. They need to read some uplifting scriptures from you or maybe a poem or words to a favorite hymn — or perhaps you could get your children or Sunday school class to color some cards for Josh and Jackie’s three children, Nick, Ethan, and Kiersten. And you don’t have to, but if you really want to go the extra mile, tuck in a Dunkin’ Donuts gift certificate or something. Believe me, this couple and their family will be thrilled to open up their mailbox on Valentine’s Day and see hundreds of cards and letters from listeners like you.
So, be sure to jot your note today to Josh and Jackie and their three wonderful children. Then, send it to Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376, and we’ll make certain to package it up with all the other notes to the family so that they’ll receive it in time for Valentine’s Day. Again, mail your note of encouragement to Josh and Jackie at Joni and Friends, P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California 91376.And if you need to be reminded of the details about this special needs family, you can always visit me on my radio page today at joniandfriendsradio.org. We have the whole story about them printed out there.
Finally, God bless you for caring about Josh and Jackie’s family and may you know God's joy and favor today because of your heart for the disabled. The disabled like Josh and Jackie and their kids: Nick, Ethan, and Kiersten.
Thanks again for having a heart for the disabled, and friend, you are the best!
© Joni and Friends, 2013
Compliments of Joni and Friends
PO Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376