Focus on the Family
Trevor, Melissa and I were invited out to the American Airlines Center (AAC) in Dallas, Texas, August 26-29, to participate in Focus on the Family’s live SEE Life 2021 event.
Jim Daly, President of Focus on the Family (FotF), summed up the atmosphere of the event that took place on the night of August 28, 2022.
““What an incredible night! We’re so grateful for the over 11,000 attendees who joined us in-person at the American Airlines Center or who tuned in for our live simulcast. We’re honored and thrilled that you and your family chose to celebrate life with us!
“Last night we saw many of the pro-life heroes from the SEELife 2021 Digital Journey episodes – Amy Ford from Embrace Grace, Inc., Nick Vujicic from Life Without Limbs, Robert and Trevor Hendershot from Angels for Higher, Toni Clarke from Assure Women’s Center, and pro-life physician Dr. William Lile.
We were also led in worship by 5-time Grammy Award nominee Matthew West… it was awesome!” ”
Amy’s ministry was formed to equip churches on how to love and support the single and pregnant young women in their community. She has a great quote on her website that pretty much sums up the reason we formed AfH... though I have never spoken of our founding quite so eloquently.
““Look out into the world and see what breaks your heart. Run toward your heartbreak, not away from it. Dig in and ask God if your heart is broken because His is too. When your heartbreak becomes a map to find a place to serve, it will set your soul on fire.” ”
Nick, of course, is the world-famous motivational speaker and Christian evangelist who was born with an extremely rare congenital disorder known as Phocomelia, which is characterized by the absence of legs and arms. Nevertheless, Nick is happily married with four children, and is a painter, swimmer and skydiver.
Trevor also enjoyed meeting Ashley Bratcher, the actress who starred in Unplanned, the inspiring true story of one woman’s transformative journey from Planned Parenthood manager to pro-life advocate. We got to hang out with Matthew West, the best-selling Christian musician, singer-songwriter and actor, before the show.
Another fortuitous situation was that the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and the NHL’s Dallas Stars both play their home games at the AAC. We set up an interview with the Guest Experience Manager at the AAC to discuss the Mavericks and the Stars adopting AfH’s program. We had a very promising meeting with her! She anticipates the AAC will employ Angels for Higher Greeters for upcoming 2022 seasons!
The coolest thing was when Jim Daly asked Trevor who his favorite team was. Expecting to hear Angels or Ducks, out of the blue Trevor shouted, “The Texas Rangers!” to the surprise and roar of the crowd!
Trevor, Melissa and I were invited out to Colorado Springs, May 13-15, 2021 to take part in Focus on the Family’s annual ‘SEE Life’ event. We filmed an interview with Jim Daly, President of 'Focus on the Family' (FotF), Amy Ford, President of 'Embrace Grace', and Nick Vujicic, Founder & President of 'Life Without Limbs'. We had heard Nick speak before, but never in person, let alone while experiencing the honor of sharing a panel with him! Our conversation included discussions on how to eradicate negative stereotypes of those with disabilities, teach children to embrace someone who is "different", and support families who raise children with disabilities. I was grateful for the opportunity to explain how our ministry, Angels for Higher (AfH) can make a positive impact in all of these areas.
In the past, when we've traveled for Angels for Higher, God has always blessed us with unexpected “Divine Appointments” as a source of encouragement that we are on the right track.
This trip was no exception. The very first person we met at John Wayne Airport was Jonathan, who knew Trevor from working with him at Angel Stadium, but who was now working for American Airlines. The hostess we met at the restaurant where we ate dinner has a sister who has Down syndrome...she showed us the tattoo on her left wrist as “proof”.
Finally, we met Daniel, a former police officer who now works for Focus on the Family. He still remembered us from the time many years ago when we shared our testimony at his North Hills Church in Brea, California.
““Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” ”
"Shining a Positive Light on Down Syndrome"
Melissa, Robert and Trevor Hendershot interview with President Jim Daly (right) and Co-host John Fuller (left) of Focus on the Family.
Robert, Trevor and Melissa were invited out to Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs to record a radio interview that was broadcast on World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, 2017 and March 21, 2018. Focus, a Christian ministry with an audience of millions across the United States and around the world, has been dedicated to helping families thrive since its founding in 1977. Focus provides help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God's design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.
During their interview Robert shared how the practical lessons God taught him in his recovery helped him to be a better father to Trevor, and vice versa, the spiritual lessons God taught him as Trevor's dad have helped him to stay sober for over twenty years. The discussion also covered Robert and Trevor's book Angel for Higher, their ministry 'Angels for Higher' and their vision to transform the pro-life, special needs culture of the world...one sports stadium at a time.
Focus on the Family President Jim Daly has stated, "Trevor's life is a powerful testimony to the inestimable worth of every human being and a reminder that God creates all of us with a divine purpose to fulfill. It's clear the Lord is working through your family in incredible ways, and I look forward to learning how He continues to impact lives as you share your story. It was a privilege to air this compelling discussion in conjunction with World Down Syndrome Day.”
Check out the videos below for an exclusive look at Trevor and Robert at the Focus on the Family radio station!
““Wow, what a powerful story! Bob Hendershot, you are a terrific Dad, and let me tell you, from one father to another, you’re doin’ the job! I’m so impressed with the way you advocate for Trevor, while also letting him stand on his own two feet, and that’s not easy to do. This kind of story really hits home with us here at Focus on the Family. The positive impact Trevor’s life has had on others is undeniable, and it’s a message of hope to all parents of children with special needs.””
““I sat in my car before work and teared up as I listened to your interview on Focus on the Family. At the end when the interviewer mentioned that Trevor was the Angels Team Store Greeter I immediately knew who he was! He has welcomed us each time we visited the stadium. Later that week I played the podcast of the interview for the whole family at the dinner table. We love your son. Today we presented him with the card and he blessed us each with a hug. He’s a gift from God for sure. Thanks for sharing him.””
““Please forgive us if we have the wrong person, but are you Trevor’s Mom? If so, we listen to Focus on the Family all the time in our offices, and heard about him on their World Down Syndrome Day broadcast. Congratulations, he’s an awesome inspiration! If you aren’t the same Melissa, you should look her up! What an incredible Mom! Blessings to you & yours!””