Thank you for participating in spreading joy to these special needs families and having a heart for the disabled. Tune in to hear Joni talk about this family who could use your prayers and encouragement on the last day of Heart for the Disabled. Find out more at joniradio.org.
SHAUNA: Joni, it’s our last day of Heart for the Disabled!
JONI: That’s right Shauna, and I want to thank all our friends listening for participating in our campaign to encourage families living with a disability. I’ve been sharing their stories this week, if you’re new to this campaign and most of you have been writing the most remarkable notes, and cards, and letters, offering true Christ-centered encouragement. And on this final day, I want to tell you about an extraordinary family.
Bethany and Josh have twin six-year-old boys named Jayden and Josiah [they call him JoJo]. The boys are adorable, but both have a seizure disorder, and they need constant supervision. Their schedules have to be strictly maintained with little to no down time for Bethany and her husband. And that’s not all – Bethany was in a car accident and is still dealing with repercussions physically and emotionally. Bethany's health is not good, and she constantly fights pain. Can you imagine being a mother with those challenges and raising two little boys who have disabilities? She loves Jayden and JoJo to bits, but with her own limitations? Life isn’t easy.
Well, this beautiful family came to Family Retreat for the first time two years ago and had an awesome experience. And what really, really blessed Bethany with all her limitations was – well – just having lots of help at Family Retreat. It’s what our volunteers do. And our team chipped in joyfully to make it as meaningful as possible for Bethany and Josh and simply enjoy their boys. At home, Bethany is primary caregiver; everything has to be by the minute, so she can’t relax. But at Family Retreat, she happily watches her boys have fun and get involved in all the activities. She can just, well, in her own words, focus on being a mom and loving on her children.
Okay, so, we have a husband and a wife whose marriage includes disability – that car accident that left Bethany with limitations. And of course, those two active boys with seizure disorders – they’re not getting younger. So join me in praying for Josh and Bethany’s marriage and their two little boys, would you? You can encourage this family with an uplifting note or fun cards for the boys. Write a letter of encouragement to them and assure this precious family that you will be praying for them. Just send your Valentine to Josh and Bethany in care of Joni and Friends at P.O. Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376. Get all the details about this special family at joniradio.org where I have also posted a fabulous photo! Again, that’s joniradio.org. Oh, and friend, as always, you have outdone yourself in remembering the plight of moms and dads and children who face head-on, the daily challenges of disability. Thank you for praying and caring about all the families whose stories I’ve shared this week, ending with today’s twin boys with seizures and their wonderful mom and dad. God bless you for cheering them on. I’m so glad that you, my friend, have a heart for the disabled. And Shauna you do too, so, may we have a final word this week?
SHAUNA: We sure do Joni! It’s from Ruth 2:12: “May the Lord reward you for what you have done.”
JONI: Amen! Oh, and please know that we at Joni and Friends care about your struggles too. Whether it’s an upcoming surgery or a prodigal child gone astray, contact us today on my radio page at joniradio.org. We want to hear from you, and we want to join our Savior in heaven in interceding for your special needs. Again, just write us your prayer request at joniradio.org. And then, please keep us posted on how you’re doing and what’s going on.
© Joni and Friends