Welcome to Growing Hope Conversations Podcast. The podcast from Growing Hope, a charity offering free therapy for children and young people with additional needs, and support for their families.

In this episode, Rachel tells Bambi about her family’s journey of raising children with additional needs. She reflects honestly on grief, joy, and the unexpected gifts along the way. Rachel also speaks about navigating the tension between faith, disability, and healing - how her perspective on prayer shifted, and the hope she holds onto in the midst of uncertainty. A moving conversation for parents, carers, and churches seeking to understand how to walk with families in both challenge and hope.

Bible verses referenced:

Isaiah 9:6-7 “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” (NIV)

Ephesians 3:16-19 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (NIV)

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast

00:19 - Introduction to Rachel's Journey

04:55 - Navigating Early Challenges and Grief

10:57 - Faith, Healing, and Acceptance

19:02 - The Impact of Writing and Community Support

25:01 - Words of Wisdom for Parents

28:12 - Conclusion and Future Hope

28:56 - Find out more about When Dreams Change

Get involved:

• Read Rachel and Andrew Wilson’s book The Life You Never Expected: Thriving while parenting special needs children


• Listen to The Conversations Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform


• Read about the work of Jubilee+


• Email us at ⁠info@growinghope.org.uk


• Hear updates from Growing Hope in our monthly newsletter: growinghope.org.uk/newsletter