Joni & Friends

​We wrote about them last summer too, but how could we not have a guest spotlight for this incredible group? For three weeks of our summer, while our own summer camp goes on in the back have of our campus, we host Joni & Friends, a ministry dedicated to extending the love and message of Jesus Christ to people who are affected by disability around the world. It is a jam-packed three weeks for us as a conference center and staff, but the rewards far exceed the sacrifice! We are blessed to see and hear stories of hope, renewal, faith, and freedom in the face of trial and tragedy. Truly, what God does through this ministry is beyond description. So without diluting these amazing testimonies with our own words, please read the stories below of what God does through Joni and Friends: 

• Erin Dunlap, Volunteer: "Every year I see these kids grow out of some of the 'boxes' they're in, and they'll come back next summer and they'll be different, they'll be changed...Through Joni & Friends I've seen God heal relationships.. husbands and wives, brothers and sisters.."
  
• Jackie Steward, Volunteer: "Through Joni & Friends, I've seen God give these children and these families a voice. They get to see that they're important and valued."
  
• Florence Leopold-George, Mom to Grace: "Time with other parents, time away from home, just that time you have from 9 to night has been refreshing just to get a different perspective and see how other parents think about their child and how this is more of a blessing... I've just been given a new perspective. This is our first year, but I think we will be coming here again! It has been encouraging and refreshing."
  
• Jennifer Simpson, participant: "This place is a family reunion."
  
• Whitney Villanueva, Mom to Melina - "Joni and Friends has meant inclusion. I can remember our first year she was five, and she had a meltdown. And I mean it was a full-fledged, hit the ground, screaming fit. Usually when that happens people scatter like you just dropped a bag of ants. But it was just the opposite. Everyone came running and was like, "what can I do, what do you need." They were like "Mom, we got this." That was the first time I've seen complete strangers step in like that. It was a different kind of feeling because I've never experienced that before. So yeah, I'd say Joni and Friends has meant inclusion for us. Nothing is too 'not typical,' because quirks and all, everyone is included here."
  
• Scott Ferrell, Dad to Judson - "When we got here last night we were in our room and I had my bible over on the table, and he just gave his hand a kiss and patted the bible. He knows who God is, no doubt."
  
• Natalia Tillman, Mom to Titus - "Joni and Friends our escape and Titus' escape. To be treated normal, to not be judged, but still get the bible teaching and to get to participate... We've gotten to see him grow up and see people love on him here and see him relax and do things he wouldn't get to do. People don't judge him and they treat him with kindness."
  

Thank you for another great year, Joni and Friends! We love to host you and see how God uses your ministry to encourage, bless, inspire, and empower individuals and families.