“Retreat Has Been an Oasis for Our Family”

By |Published On: January 12, 2016|Categories: Family Retreats|
The Tillman Family at Joni and Friends Family Retreat

Families come in need of spiritual strength and encouragement at Family Retreat. Jeris and Natalia Tillman found just that.

“This time together at Family Retreat, has been much needed, beneficial, and a time of healing for our family,” Jeris told us.

When the Tillman family first arrived to Retreat, they didn’t know what to expect or how people would react to Titus, their 7-year old son with autism. Would others accept Titus or stare at him when he had a meltdown? Would their feelings of exhaustion and isolation be magnified in this new environment? These were just some questions that filled their minds. Instead, their Retreat experience was filled with encouragement and acceptance from others.

“We felt so comfortable and didn’t have to explain our son’s meltdowns to anyone. We never once felt judged,” said Natalia.

As a young father, Jeris works 14-hour days while Natalia stays home and tends to their son’s needs.

He told us, “Natalia and I don’t have much time together as a couple, and I don’t get to spend a lot of time with my son either. This past week, we’ve been able to enjoy time as a family and experience God’s love through our interactions with others. Family Retreat has been an oasis for our family.”

Thank you for allowing God to use you to restore families through Christ’s love at Family Retreat!

Join Us at Family Retreat

At Joni and Friends, we value each person as an image-bearer of God, worthy of dignity and respect! We create a rich, Christ-centered environment at each Family Retreat that is safe and accepting for every member of the family.

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