Joni & Friends Summit

Larry and Hurdling Handicaps Board Member Greg McDougall traveled to Chicago to participate in the annual Joni & Friends Summit. Larry and Joni pictured at left share a hug and a smile.

Following are some comments received from Summit attendees:

It was a privilege to be a part of this life-changing, spirit-filled conference. The speakers had such a profound impact on my heart. Words cannot express how this conference has changed MY life.

I got much-needed information to develop a disability ministry in my church. I needed this!

The dynamic speakers challenged my thoughts and beliefs and taught me how to engage in action. They demonstrated how a disability can be used in a positive way.

I learned that there is nothing you can’t do for a child for an hour to give the parents a chance to get filled back up with God’s Word!

Thank you for the sensitivity to a wide variety of issues, needs, and situations. The Summit was faith-filled and Spirit-led!

JAF Michigan Family Weekend Getaway

At the podium, Larry Patton addresses campers at the Joni & Friends Michigan Family Weekend Getaway. "We went to Joni & Friends to be spiritually fed," said Chris Kleimola pictured with her family in the boat, "and Larry provided spiritual food to us. He really gave an excellent talk on joy."

The Kleimola family was one of two recipients of the Bill & Sue Patton Scholarship Award from HHSM that provided funds for families with disabled children to attend the JAF camp. Chris reported that her family, James, David and Rachel, enjoyed fishing, the horses, and especially the pontoon boat, an event they could do together. The counselors provided wonderful one-on-one mentorship, pampering and support to campers.


The Don & Cindy Prince family also received a scholarship. The Prince family serves as JAF missionaries and were instrumental in bringing this first JAF retreat to Michigan. Their work blessed many disabled people and their families in Michigan. Their son Alan is pictured on the horse, and his brother Kody attended camp as well.