Merry Christmas from Rising Above Ministries

Dear Friends,

The past few years have been a whirlwind as God has taken our small local ministry and turned it into an organization with an international impact. God continues to amaze us by opening doors in ways we could have never imagined. He is allowing us to make connections with families impacted by disability from literally around the world. We are so grateful for how He is empowering us to love and serve the special-needs community. I am thrilled to share a few of the highlights from 2022.

Locally: We continue to love and serve the special-needs families in the Upper Cumberland by hosting our annual, Heroes' Ball & Easter Eggstravaganza. Over 200 families enjoyed these events as we celebrated & encouraged our friends with special needs and their families. Also, parents are finding consistent support and community on their journey through our monthly “Hang Time” for dads and “Coffee Talk” for moms.

Nationally: Over 300 moms from across the country were encouraged and inspired at our annual “By the Brook” event for moms raising individuals with special needs. Dads from multiple states came to Tennessee for “Base Camp,” a weekend designed to equip and encourage them as they love and care for their families.

Globally: Rising Above hosts multiple online community groups where parents raising children impacted by disability from across the globe gather each week for meaningful gospel-centered conversation. Genuine friendships are built and heartfelt conversations take place.

Families anywhere in the world can find hope and inspiration through our online resources. Just this year, our website had over 40,000 page views from 79 countries. Our weekly podcast is reaching families from at least 41 countries and has had over 20,000 downloads. Our Rising Above App continues to impact special-needs families globally with hope and encouragement. Our small group bible studies are being used by churches and families across the world, and many of our studies are being translated into Arabic and Spanish to reach even more parents with the hope found in Jesus.

Middle East: For the second year, we have partnered with our friends in Beirut, Lebanon to help them hold their own retreats for moms and dads in their country. As a result, five parents, both moms and dads, became Christ-followers!

Though our impact at Rising Above is wider, our mission stays the same, to bring the love of God and hope in Christ to special-needs families through support, encouragement, inspiration, and community.

Your support of this ministry is changing the lives of special-needs families from coast to coast and around the globe. Families now have community and hope. They know they are not alone on this journey as they love and care for their child with special needs.

With an incredibly grateful heart,

Becky Davidson

Co-founder & President

Rising Above Ministries