Empowered by God’s Love: A Family’s Story of Faith and Service
As we reflect on the growth and impact that God has brought to Joni and Friends Mississippi this year, I want to tell a very special story that highlights the power of God—and the magnitude of your prayers and generosity…
Ben and Dawn’s home was a world of dedication and sacrifice shaped by their son, Elijah, who has autism. For years, their lives revolved around caregiving—balancing therapy and doctor appointments, navigating school challenges, and developing a routine designed to support Elijah’s needs. Every member of the family took part in the daily hustle, including their teenage daughter, Alexa Anne.
After being offered a scholarship to attend our Marriage Getaway in 2021, Ben and Dawn agreed to attend hoping for a weekend of respite, a chance to reconnect as a couple, and the opportunity to make some friends who understood their family’s challenges. What they did not anticipate was the profound shift that would resonate through their family.
At Marriage Getaway, Ben and Dawn engaged in Bible studies and discussions that encouraged reflection, and—for the first time in years—they were able to have a dinner together that did not include their children. It was during this dinner that they began to recognize how incredibly rare these moments had become. And they believed God was calling their family to share this profound experience with others who faced similar challenges.
Ben and Dawn returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and unity. They wanted to give back to the community that had welcomed and supported them. This led to their commitment to serve as a family at Family Retreat.
As their children volunteered at Family Retreat, both Alexa Anne and Elijah blossomed, forming friendships with other children and navigating the complexities of social interactions with newfound confidence. Alexa Anne found herself drawn to children who are nonverbal. She discovered a gift for communication that transcended words. Her experience at Family Retreat led her to join our Ministry in Training (MIT) program at Joni and Friends, where she now trains to become a long-term volunteer. Alexa Anne has dedicated herself to uplifting others in the disability community, finding fulfillment in her role as a mentor and friend.
Marriage Getaway and Family Retreat have redefined Ben and Dawn’s family dynamic forever. Through inclusion in God’s community, they are advocates and supporters— empowered to navigate their journey with grace and purpose to bring others to Christ.
“Through Joni and Friends, God has given our family a breath of fresh air,” says Dawn.
Her family is living proof that Jesus is working through Joni and Friends to offer hope, transformation, and an open door for all to participate in the good work that our God is doing. And your act of faithfulness can be the lifeline that connects hurting and isolated families with God’s kingdom.
Would you let Jesus work through you today to reach these precious families with the power of God’s unfailing love?
We are depending upon the generosity of friends like you to help us reach even more people struggling with disability. Our goal is to fund all our ministry and serve more needy families. Your gift will reach vulnerable people who otherwise may never hear the Good News of Jesus!
Thank you for bringing the help and hope of Jesus to families struggling under the strain of disability. God bless you and your family always!
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