Finding Purpose in the Fire
- Written by Beautifully Flawed Foundation
- April 22, 2025
For Tyler Jones, 2020 Forge Retreat attendee, his story is one that perfectly personifies the powerful truth that, “We are more than conquerors,” through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37). No matter what we’ve walked through — whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually — we CAN overcome. We have purpose on this earth. And we can achieve more than we ever thought possible because of the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us.
When Tyler Jones was at the young age of 3 years old, he was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma cancer. After pursuing many routes of treatment without any improvement, Tyler and his parents were faced with a very difficult decision. On February 2, 2004 Tyler entered surgery to amputate his right leg below the knee. Although in the moment, it was hard to see how good could come from this difficult, life-changing decision, Tyler looks back now and can confidently say, “The amputation would become the most beautiful blessing to happen to me.”
“My experiences, perspective, and identity in Christ is truly what makes me who I am, more than just my disability.”
Our paths would cross in 2020 when we launched the Forge Retreat, the men’s counterpart to our renowned Beautifully Flawed Retreat! Hearing about the opportunity to attend the retreat through a friend at Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), Tyler applied and joined us in January 2020 on our beautiful home island of Kauai for our first ever Forge Men’s Retreat. Though canoeing in the Hanalei River, learning to adaptive surf at Hanalei Bay, tackling workouts in the gym, and mini golfing were all amazing experiences for him, Tyler’s most memorable moments were connecting with the other men and hearing their stories. Additionally, seeing how God moved in his heart and life because of this retreat was so impactful to him.
“I learned a lot from everyone who was a part of the program and the moments that stuck out the most to me were one-on-one conversations I had and friendships made while pursuing the Lord. The perspectives and outlook that some of the other participants had to offer will always stay with me. The Forge Retreat also impacted my spiritual life in a big way. I had always considered myself to be in tune with my relationship with the Lord, but seeing the ways that He’s worked in other people’s lives, bringing us together in such a beautiful environment was very special. I seek the Lord in nature now more than ever because of that experience and since the retreat, I’ve made it a priority to put my relationship with the Lord first. The Forge Retreat was such an impactful and amazing experience for me. I not only would recommend this program but given the chance, I’d go again.”
Though his journey hasn’t always been easy, Tyler hasn’t let his limb loss hold him back in the slightest or deter him from his goals and dreams. He’s approached life with a positive and relentless determination, a mindset of “I can” rather than “I can’t.” Tyler’s charged forward in life with strength and confidence, trusting God to direct his paths, and knowing that through Christ, all things are possible:
“Since the retreat, I have graduated high school, had the opportunity to run track in college for a little while before I decided to get into the fire service [and be] a firefighter in my local community. I [also] started school to finish my degree at a Christian university called Lipscomb University with an estimated graduation of next May in hopes to work in healthcare administration. A few of my biggest accomplishments would have to be competing internationally in the adaptive World Abilitysport Games (IWAS) and being awarded the STAR award by CAF. I really enjoy rock climbing, am extremely passionate about serving others and traveling, and hope to see as much of the world as I can. When it comes to the future, I have no idea what the Lord has in store for me, but I will follow Him wherever He calls me.”
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