06/06/2026
Some days, God pulls back the curtain just enough for us to witness something extraordinary.
Yesterday was one of those days.
Every year, a Barnabas family member makes a donation to Dreams Come True of Jacksonville, Inc. Dreams Come True on behalf of Operation Barnabas. Their mission is beautiful—they give children battling life-threatening illnesses and their families the chance to experience a dream come true. For one precious week, doctor appointments, treatments, and frightening diagnoses fade into the background as families are treated like royalty and children get to simply be kids again.
Yesterday was the dream reveal for 12-year-old Emerie, a brave young girl fighting a devastating heart disease. Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, she learned that her dream is coming true: a trip to New York City to see *Wicked* on Broadway. There were songs, smiles, laughter, and happy tears everywhere.
What Emerie didn't know was that another life-changing moment was about to happen.
The event was being held almost exactly halfway between Jacksonville and Orlando, so we logistically decided to deliver our 46th vehicle from Mercy Auto Charitable Foundation Inc. Simply Drive to one of our Orlando veterans, Thomas, who is fighting to rebuild his life. While Emerie's celebration was winding down, James arrived with Thomas.
Standing there in the parking lot, a thought occured.
We walked inside to Emerie and asked if she would help us with something special.
We told her there was a Marine outside—a man who had fought for our country and was now fighting a different battle to get his life back on track. We told her that she was a fighter too, and that the gift would mean more coming from her than from any of us.
She smiled and said yes.
Moments later, this tiny warrior walked up to a United States Marine, looked him in the eyes, and handed him the keys to his vehicle and his new life.
And just like that, there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.
A young girl battling a scary sickness.
A Marine battling for his future.
Two completely different journeys.
One God.
One unforgettable moment.
For a few minutes, God's presence felt undeniable as two fighters from completely different worlds encouraged one another in a way only He could orchestrate.
What happened yesterday wasn't planned. It wasn't scripted. The Lord reminded us that we are not alone.
Please join us in praying for Emerie and Thomas. Their battles may look different, but they have the same God—a God who sees them, loves them, and cares for them more than we can ever imagine.
Today was one of the most special moments in Operation Barnabas history.
And we'll never forget it.
P.S. Also shout out to the Kids Helping Kids students of Lake Asbury Junior High School and their teacher Mr. Wood for raising the support needed to make this dream come true.
