Being Together When It Matters Most

U.S. Navy Sailor Brian and his wife Christi have two daughters, Emma and Ellie.  Born in 2015, Emma was diagnosed with numerous birth defects including a severe spinal abnormality that would require multiple surgeries to straighten her spine.  Emma was just 6 months old when she had her first surgery. 
Brian says, “we did a lot of praying, a lot of reading the bible together yeah, there's no way we could do this without God.”

Christi explains, “there's only one person to turn to. And I’m so thankful that I have someone, you know, like Christ. Because if you didn't have Christ, it's a hopeless situation.”

Recently, Emma needed a series of spine surgeries that would require a two month hospital stay in palm beach, Fl, nearly 5 hours from Brian’s duty station in Jacksonville.  They decided that Christi would take both girls and rent a room at the hospital’s quantum house.  Brian would stay at a hotel when he visited on weekends.  The cost to rent a house so they could all be together was too expensive. 

Brian explains, “financially it is a concern because even though we do have good insurance, there's always out of pocket things. Like, for us to go down there and back is three tanks of gas, food, there’s the accommodations. That is quite a lot of money.”

When their church, Grace Covenant, heard about the couple’s situation, they contacted helping the home front.  Pastor ed Edwards told them CBN was giving Brian 600 dollars in gas cards to help with the travel. That was just the beginning.  

Pastor Ed says, “Helping The Home Front will provide a two bedroom villa for you to stay in for the entirety of your-two month stay!

Christi and Brian reacts “ wow.  Thank you. Yea, thank you very much!”

Pastor Ed continues, “you mentioned the need for food and provision while you're there will be costly. And so they're providing you with grocery cards to, to supply you with all of your needs.”

Brian and Christi react together, “very cool. Thank you. Yeah, thank you very much. Yeah, that's, that's amazing to hear. That’s a huge weight off. 

Pastor Ed says “we want to be there and support you.”

Brian and Christi say, “well my first thought is just being so nice. 'Cause when he comes down, he'll be able to stay with Ellie. That is so nice.  That is a big weight off our shoulders.”

After the family settled into their villa, Emma started her surgeries with mom and Ellie by her side. Brian made the journey on the weekends without financial stress.  Emma is well on her way to recovery.  Doctors predict no more surgeries will be required.     

Christi concludes, “I just want to say thank you to helping the home front, for giving us this wonderful blessing.  It'll allow me to focus on my daughter in the hospital and not have to worry about, the finances of things. So that's huge. Thank you.”

Do you know that CBN partners can reach people around the world for Christ every day? We invite you to join us in ministry together as we provide financial support to those in need through our life-giving surgeries, food and clothing programs, humanitarian aid, and so much more! When you give today and become a CBN partner, you’ll help transform lives in the name of Jesus Christ! Join us now!