Our Story
God has brought Quiet Waters into existence through many different means and many different people…
When Martie Kwasny’s husband, John, went on staff at Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church (PCA) in 2005, he was confronted with the need to care for families who had children touched by disability. With Martie’s special education background, and a heart for mercy ministry and discipleship, John asked her to form a team of like-minded folks who could start a church-based disability ministry. A ministry known as Sonbeams was born. It was designed to serve and minister to individuals and families who are most often isolated from other Christians and on the fringe of the local church. One of its signature ministries became a Friday night respite care called Sonbeams Night Out. The vision for respite, one of the greatest needs of those touched by disability, began.
Recognizing the overwhelming need for disability ministry in central Mississippi, Martie and her team began connecting with other churches and organizations who were committed to working together. This group became known as LINK (Leadership, Information, Nurture, Kingdom), with the mission of connecting Christian organizations and local churches to individuals and families touched by disability. Volunteers began to be cultivated throughout the region to work together to minister the gospel to all those who were suffering and hurting. The vision for training individuals and churches to do disability ministry began.
From 2007 on, Martie began working with Joni and Friends—first as a volunteer, then as a full-time staff member. With a growing army of volunteers, she was able to plant a Joni and Friends office in Jackson, Mississippi, followed by area offices in Louisiana and Alabama. More and more churches and Christian organizations were able to work together to care for people touched by disability. One of the most impactful ministries was the Family Retreat. Through the years, Martie and her team have been able to put on two full weeks of family retreats, followed by marriage retreats, single parent retreats, sibling retreats, and wounded warrior retreats. The vision for offering all types of retreats for individuals, couples, families, and groups began. Hundreds of volunteers in our region have grown to love going on retreats every year to serve those touched by disability.
The other ministry component that has blossomed through the years is the work of Biblical counseling and discipleship. Disability ministry must be fully connected to pointing people to Jesus Christ, discipling them in the Word of God, and walking with them as fellow believers in the gospel! All those who have been involved with the disability ministry in this region have seen this vision implemented in all its activities: respite care, retreats, hospital visits, barnyard dances, special deliveries, conferences, dinners, etc.
In 2020, leaders of Hope Hollow approached Joni and Friends to explore the possibility of working together to build an overnight respite center for families touched by disability on their property. Some progress was made, but the merger never materialized. Joni and Friends Mississippi continued to work on plans for a respite and retreat center, but the dream came to an end in October, 2023.
Or so we thought…
In March 2024, a small group of dedicated people united to revive the dream. With a passion grounded in all the ministry they had been involved in for nearly two decades, this group broadened the vision to build a center dedicated to serve all who are suffering with disease, disability, and disorder. Quiet Waters was born! The commitment of Quiet Waters is to build a center for retreats, respite, and restoration. We also hope to have land for private residences for those touched by disability as well as those who serve those with disabilities.
Until that center is built, Quiet Waters and its ever-growing group of volunteers will do the work of the ministry to all who are suffering. Hope Hollow has committed to roll their ministry operations into Quiet Waters, with their facilities being the temporary home of Quiet Waters.
And, in July 2024, Martie Kwasny was hired as the first Executive Director of Quiet Waters. She not only brings incredible experience to this new ministry, but the heart and passion to offer retreats, respite, and restoration to all who are suffering.
We look forward to what the Lord will do through this new ministry as we seek to serve, care, counsel, disciple, and walk alongside with others—with a heart of the mercy of Christ!
Become a volunteer
Are you passionate about helping those who are suffering? We’re seeking compassionate volunteers to join our mission in providing support, care, and encouragement to individuals facing these challenges.