Music duo finds strength in Christ while battling debilitating illness

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Despite enormous popularity and success on the touring circuit for more than a decade, the musical group FFH felt God leading them to explore new territory—literally.

After much prayer and consideration, Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler took a hiatus from performing concerts in 2006. During this time, they moved to South Africa to train musicians and mentor worship leaders at a small church south of Cape Town.

"Our time in Africa was a major life change and a huge personal shift," Deibler said. "It was an amazing time of drawing near to the Lord and leading others into his presence."

When the couple returned to the United States six months later, they could not have imagined how their lives were about to change. Shortly before the birth of their second child, Deibler was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. 

"After the initial diagnosis wore off, the heaviness of the reality of the disease began to set in," he said. "We realize now that joy and sorrow can coexist together, at the same time, and that's where Jesus is—in the realness of those moments. We've learned not to just put on a happy face, but to be honest and real with each other."

Although the diagnosis has filled their lives with many uncertainties, they have remained committed to sharing their story as a way to encourage others who are dealing with personal struggles. 

Growing out of their experiences, the band released an album, Wide Open Spaces, that chronicles their emotional journey.

"Several of the songs were written during a time of great pain, both physical and emotional," Deibler said. "We're finding that the songs about brokenness really seem to have struck a nerve with people. 

"We have gotten so many emails from people who have been introduced to Jesus for the first time at our concerts, and that's really exciting. I hope people leave our concerts being encouraged, and I hope they leave with deeper and bigger things to think about."