Finding Hidden Riches at Family Retreat
This past August, my husband, Spencer, and I had the privilege of serving with Joni and Friends at Family Retreat in Idaho—a week designed to provide rest, encouragement, community, and the hope of Christ to families living with disability.
This year’s theme was “Hidden Riches,” rooted in Isaiah 45:3:
“I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel, who summons you by name.”
Camper Day is when the Buddy’s line up and welcome all the Campers and Families attending camp! It’s a party filled with, loud music, cheers and vibrant posters!
Throughout the week, we were reminded that God often reveals His riches in unexpected places—in the people we meet, the ways we're called to serve, and even the places that stretch us beyond what feels comfortable.
For both Spencer and me, that became part of our experience at Family Retreat.
Although Spencer serves on staff with Joni and Friends, this week looked different for him. He began as a volunteer Buddy, serving one-on-one with a young adult affected by disability. When his camper became sick and had to return home, Spencer pivoted to the Special Ops team, helping with setup, teardown, and supporting the many needs of camp throughout the week. The unexpected shift gave him the opportunity to serve with flexibility and build relationships with people he might not otherwise have gotten to know. I also stepped into two roles: Hospitality Lead and Prayer Lead.
Hospitality felt familiar. I love creating spaces where people feel welcomed, cared for, and seen. Whether preparing a room, thinking through the little details, or making sure people have what they need, hospitality is a place where I feel comfortable serving.
Prayer Lead was different.
Each morning began with what we called Volunteer Launch, a gathering from 7:30–8:30 a.m. for leaders and volunteers before the day got underway. We assembled in the chapel for worship, Scripture, teaching, and prayer—a time to turn our attention to the Lord and prepare our hearts for the families and responsibilities ahead of us.
This was my Hospitality Team…and it happened to be Neon Day…and yes I wore that rainbow wig all day!
My role was to lead the prayer portion following the morning teaching. Each day, I prepared specific prayer points that connected with the Scripture and devotional theme we had just heard. Volunteers then gathered in small groups to pray intentionally—for their own hearts, for one another, for the families we were serving, and for the work God would do throughout the day.
Leading that time stretched me.
Prayer is certainly part of my own walk with Jesus, but leading others in prayer—providing enough direction to help people engage while also allowing space for the Spirit to lead—was outside my usual comfort zone.
But on that very first morning, God gave me an unexpected picture that I won't soon forget.
As everyone gathered into small groups and began to pray, the chapel filled with voices—different prayers, different needs, all being lifted to the same God.
The camp director, Tammy Eliason, came up beside me on stage, put her arm around me, and with tears streaming down her face said, “Listen to all those voices going up to Jesus! And this is just one chapel in one part of the world…imagine what God is hearing!”
It was humbling.
The Chapel at Quaker Hill
As I listened to what I can only describe as godly chatter filling the room, Tammy’s words stayed with me. At that very moment, believers all over the world were praying—in churches and homes, hospital rooms and quiet bedrooms, around kitchen tables and in gatherings much like ours.
I wondered what all those prayers must sound like to God.
What sounded to us like dozens of voices blending together was perfectly clear to Him. He heard every voice, every need, every thanksgiving, every plea.
It was a powerful reminder that we serve a God who not only invites His people to pray, but hears each one of us.
As the week continued, I began to realize that prayer wasn't simply preparation for the ministry that would happen later in the day. Prayer was part of the ministry itself.
This was the Friends Classroom for young adults affected by disability.
Before we welcomed families, pushed wheelchairs, shared meals, swept floors, listened to stories, or responded to needs, we began by acknowledging our dependence on God.
In different ways, both Spencer and I were invited to serve outside of what was most familiar. For Spencer, it meant stepping away from his usual staff role—first serving as a Buddy and then unexpectedly shifting to Special Ops when plans changed. For me, it meant standing in front of a chapel each morning and leading others in prayer.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the places where serving felt natural—and perhaps even more grateful for the places where it didn’t. Hospitality allowed me to serve out of gifts God has developed in me over many years. Leading prayer reminded me that He is still developing me.
And maybe that was one of the hidden riches God had for us that week.
Sometimes He allows us to serve from our strengths. Other times, He changes our plans, stretches us beyond what is comfortable, and asks us to depend on Him in new ways. And often, it’s there that we discover treasures we might otherwise have missed.
And maybe one of the hidden riches God had waiting for me all along was found right there—in a chapel filled with “godly chatter,” reminded of just how big our God is and what a privilege it is to join His people in prayer.
