In preparation for our 2025 Spring Campaign, we reached out to some of our monthly donors to learn more about their heart for Barren Heights and why they choose to offer their financial support. The Frawleys responded and shared why Barren Heights means so much to their family.

We were invited by friends to serve in the summer of 2017. Our friends kept telling us how much they loved serving on the retreats! At the time, our children were 12, 14, and 16. We wanted the opportunity to serve together as a family and to open our pre-teen and teenagers’ eyes to the experiences of children and families with special needs. We wanted them to experience the joy of serving others, in Jesus’ name. Each year when we serve, we see the Holy Spirit move and work in powerful ways. Our children are grown now and still look forward to serving each summer. It is one of our most treasured times together.

Barren Heights is an incredibly special and needed ministry. The summer retreats and the Community Center events provide a place where children with special needs are understood, celebrated, and loved. It is a safe place for families to be supported and connect with other families with similar journeys. The Lord has put these families on our hearts, and we are so thankful to be able to love them through Barren Heights.

The best moments are when we see our children bonding with the guest children over a craft, getting their face painted, playing on the splash pad, or just sitting and talking. It brings us so much joy to serve together!