Joni and Friends shares encouraging conversations about finding hope through your hardships, along with practical ways to include people with disabilities in your church and community.
…
continue reading
1
Finding Hope in the Mourning: A Conversation with Author Emily Curtis
25:34
25:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:34
How do you help someone who is grieving? Or, if you’re experiencing grief yourself, what do wish others knew about what helps—and what just makes things worse? Poet Emily Curtis joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about bringing hope to those who are grieving. inspire you with biblical insight and heartfelt encouragement for facing grief. Emily is the …
…
continue reading
1
From Heartbreak to Hope: New Life for Vicki’s Wheelchair
21:19
21:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:19
This episode features the stories two beautiful young women, Vicki and Liz. Though they never met, God wove their lives together through a beloved purple wheelchair and the power of his grace. Vicki lived with profound disabilities. She also exuded joy and made others happy everywhere she went. When she died unexpectedly the day after Mother’s Day …
…
continue reading
1
Overcoming Fear: A Conversation with Michael Hingson
24:02
24:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:02
Michael Hingson, blind since birth, was born in Chicago to sighted parents who believed in raising their son with a can-do attitude. Treated like all other children in his family, Michael rode a bike, did advanced math in his head, and learned to read and write. He later went to college receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics along wi…
…
continue reading
Don’t miss this installment of Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series where Joni digs into the topic of healing. Imagine you’re an athletic, ambitious teenager looking forward to starting college. It’s a hot day at the beach. On a whim, you plunge into the water and your neck snaps as your head hits the sandy bottom. Life will never be…
…
continue reading
1
Why Doesn’t God Remove Our Pain? A Conversation with Philip Yancey
43:28
43:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:28
Philip Yancey, a renowned author and avid investigator of the mysteries of the Christian faith, joins Crystal Keating for a deep and honest conversation you won’t want to miss. No stranger to wrestling with doubt and suffering, Philip often writes about encountering God in our pain. In this episode he shares about his latest book and opens up about…
…
continue reading
1
Finding God’s Purpose in Relationships: Rachel and Caleb LeMaster’s Christ-Centered Love Story
29:59
29:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:59
Rachel LeMaster lives with both Turner syndrome and a traumatic brain injury. But she doesn’t let her troubles keep her from pursuing God’s call on her life. In the midst of following Christ’s example, encouraging and serving others, she met her husband, Caleb. Now the two live out their Christ-centered mission to love one another and those around …
…
continue reading
1
Survival to Service: Rachel LeMaster’s Story of Miraculous Healing
31:26
31:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:26
At age 23, Rachel Bailey (now Rachel Bailey LeMaster) was finishing a college certificate in nutrition and personal training. Living with a genetic condition called Turner syndrome, Rachel had weathered experiences of bullying and exclusion, but she found purpose and strength through her faith and community. Seeking ways to share the Gospel through…
…
continue reading
1
Challenges, Faith, and Joy: Crystal Keating Interviews Stephanie Daniels
24:23
24:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:23
Tune in as host Crystal Keating talks with Stephanie Daniels, who is sharing the mic this season. Stephanie opens up about poignant aspects of her story, including the challenges navigating the disabilities of aging parents, and coping with the onset of an autoimmune disease, all while seeking God’s guidance. Don’t miss this encouraging episode tha…
…
continue reading
1
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Law of Love Needed for True Transformation
10:17
10:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:17
Don’t miss this installment of Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series, as she shares about her experience serving on the National Council on Disability, contributing to the drafting and passage of the groundbreaking 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Hear Joni’s reflection on the power of the law compared to the power of the Gospel:…
…
continue reading
1
Meet Quadriplegic Pastor Joel Vander Molen
27:32
27:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:32
Joel Vander Molen is a disability awareness speaker, web developer, and substitute preacher living in Iowa. When Joel was involved in a motor vehicle accident as a small child, he received a high-level spinal cord injury and became unable to breathe without assistance, losing feeling and control over anything below his shoulders. With faith in God …
…
continue reading
1
Vicki Zoradi: Quadruple Amputee, Fueled by Faith – Part 2
21:23
21:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:23
Vicki Zoradi returns to the podcast to share more about her story of growing in faith following a battle with severe sepsis that led to the loss of her hands and legs. In this second conversation, Vicki talks about how her faith in God and her relationships—particularly her marriage—have carried her through grief and struggle. Through a steadfast d…
…
continue reading
1
Vicki Zoradi: Quadruple Amputee, Tested by Fire – Part 1
26:08
26:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:08
Listen as Vicki Zoradi shares her striking story of faith tested by fire. On her 60th birthday, shortly after receiving a Teacher of the Year award, Vicki was diagnosed with a seemingly harmless kidney stone. But when the kidney stone became lodged between her bladder and kidney, Vicki’s health took a frightening turn. After surviving a life-threat…
…
continue reading
1
The Power of Generational Love: The Best Gift a Mother Can Give
23:03
23:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:03
This episode of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast packs a powerful dose of encouragement! Celeste Sharpe joins Stephanie Daniels to share about her experience living with cerebral palsy and finding deep, Christ-centered strength to become a person who can have gratitude through grief. Even when she needs encouragement herself, Celeste seeks to …
…
continue reading
1
Joni Eareckson Tada On Mobility | Heart of the Founder
9:21
9:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:21
Tune in for this powerful installment of Joni’s “Heart of the Founder” series. Addressing the topic of mobility, Joni Eareckson Tada draws on deep personal experience, having lived with quadriplegia for more than five decades. While a phrase like “wheelchair-bound” suggests that a wheelchair is confining, Joni can attest to the freedom that mobilit…
…
continue reading
1
Meet Special Needs Father and Pediatric Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Warf
27:26
27:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:26
Meet Dr. Benjamin Warf—a committed Christ-follower, special needs father, and pediatric neurosurgeon. Dr. Warf has followed God’s call on his life since childhood. Shaped by his experiences growing up in Appalachia with a preacher father who had physical disabilities, and his innate love for science, Ben became a doctor. Serving as a medical missio…
…
continue reading
1
Trusting God Through Hardship – Peter Coleman
33:27
33:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:27
When Peter Coleman set out to follow God’s call to serve as a missionary in Nicaragua, he couldn’t imagine the journey ahead. But as he faced danger, uncertainty, and life-threatening illness, Peter learned to lean on the Lord in new ways. Tune in for this episode of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast to hear Peter Coleman talk about living out …
…
continue reading
1
Joni Eareckson Tada on Disability | Heart of the Founder
12:05
12:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:05
For more than five decades Joni Eareckson Tada has lived with quadriplegia and chronic pain. With the support of Christian community, she has found contentment in Jesus and trusted him to work in and through her life, reaching millions of suffering people with the hope of the Gospel. KEY QUESTIONS: What does the Bible say about disability? When hav…
…
continue reading
1
Joni Eareckson Tada and Crystal Keating Welcome Stephanie Daniels to the Podcast
22:06
22:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:06
Tune in to hear Joni and Stephanie interview one another and introduce Joni’s “Heart of the Founder” series that will kick off this season. In our Heart of the Founder episodes, you will hear straight from Joni’s heart as she shares her experience and wisdom on a host of essential topics like disability, depression, suffering, and healing. Meet Ste…
…
continue reading
1
Growing a Heart for Disability Ministry – Wilame Leal Silva
21:21
21:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:21
In our final episode of season 5, we hear from Joni and Friends team member Wilame Leal Silva. He and his wife Erica Leal were overjoyed to hear they were pregnant with their second child. Then doctors gave a diagnosis that sent them reeling. Their son, they were told, had trisomy 13, a condition likely to end the baby’s life soon after birth. Even…
…
continue reading
Across the United States nearly 53 million people serve as caregivers to family members, friends, and others in need of care. On call around the clock, often without pay, caregivers can experience discouragement and burnout. Rebekah Dowhy knows the rigors of caregiving. After years of caring for her mother with multiple sclerosis (MS) Rebekah found…
…
continue reading
1
Walking Her Home: Learning to Say “Your Will, Not Mine” – Cami Lundt
44:37
44:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:37
Cami Lundt didn’t expect any surprises with her fourth pregnancy… until the doctor broke the shocking news. Baby Grace was diagnosed with trisomy 13 and a Dandy-Walker brain malformation—conditions that doctors considered “incompatible with life.” The baby, they said, had a 99.9% chance of dying just minutes after her birth. But God had a different…
…
continue reading
1
How Including People with Disability Changes Church Culture
21:16
21:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:16
“When disability ministry starts to take hold in the heart of a church, it’s like hitting the refresh button on the Gospel in that church.” Have you considered how including people with disabilities might positively impact your church’s culture? Stephanie Hubach is on the podcast to share the importance and value of including everyone in ministry. …
…
continue reading
1
Ways to Become a More Disability Friendly Church
35:45
35:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:45
Jeb Beauchamp joins the podcast to talk about expanding the reach of the Gospel to people living with disability in the North Carolina area. As an Area Director with Joni and Friends and an ordained pastor, Jeb talks about shifting culture and overcoming barriers in churches to help people with disabilities experience true belonging. Jeb also share…
…
continue reading
1
A Life Transformed – J.D. Kim’s Story of Living with Purpose (and Quadriplegia)
42:19
42:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:19
J.D. Kim’s life changed forever when he broke his neck in a snowboarding accident and became paralyzed. At first J.D. wanted to die. Then Jesus reached into his life, gave him hope, and sent him on a purposeful journey. Tune in to hear J.D.’s story of finding hope through hardship. J.D. is an ordained teaching elder from the Evangelical Presbyteria…
…
continue reading
1
Talking About Disability with Children – Laura Wifler
31:25
31:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:25
Laura and her husband have three children, one of whom has a rare genetic condition that causes global developmental delays. She is the cofounder and Executive Director for Risen Motherhood, a nonprofit that brings Gospel hope to moms. She is also the coauthor of Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments, and a fellow author in the T5 seri…
…
continue reading
1
What is Spiritual Abuse? – Darby Strickland
27:19
27:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:19
Darby Strickland is a Christian Counselor who works with individuals, families, and couples, facing a variety of issues. She was trained at Westminster Theological Seminary where she obtained a Masters of Divinity specialized in Counseling. As a specialist in counseling people in abusive marriages, Darby provides a biblical response to domestic abu…
…
continue reading
Darby Strickland is a Christian Counselor who works with individuals, families, and couples, facing a variety of issues. She was trained at Westminster Theological Seminary where she obtained a Masters of Divinity specialized in Counseling. Learn more about Darby and her work. Books and resources by Darby: Is It Abuse?: A Biblical Guide to Identif…
…
continue reading
1
Living in God’s Love: A Call to Christian Community
16:09
16:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:09
Kay Toombs is associate professor emerita of philosophy at Baylor University in Texas. In her work she explores the ways in which contemporary values and the context in which we live our lives impact our efforts to develop a sustainable culture and to form caring communities. In her work related to illness, disability and healthcare, she combines h…
…
continue reading
1
The Meaning of Illness, Healing, and Wholeness
24:09
24:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:09
Kay Toombs is associate professor emerita of philosophy at Baylor University in Texas. In her work she explores the ways in which contemporary values and the context in which we live our lives impact our efforts to develop a sustainable culture and to form caring communities. In her work related to illness, disability and healthcare, she combines h…
…
continue reading
1
Creating a Peaceful Home: Parenting Wisdom from a Mother of Ten!
33:07
33:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:07
Laura Hernandez and her husband, Tony, are raising their ten children in the Dallas area. Over less than five years, their family grew from six to twelve, adding three biological children and three adopted children. Struggling to maintain a peaceful home and learning to care for children living with invisible disabilities, Laura developed practices…
…
continue reading
1
How to Grow through Significant Loss and Grief
45:19
45:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:19
“It is not the experience of loss that becomes the defining moment of our lives, but how we respond to loss that matters.” Loss came suddenly for Jerry Sittser. In an instant, a tragic car accident claimed three generations of his family: his mother, his wife of 20 years, and his four-year-old daughter. Left as a single father to care for his three…
…
continue reading
1
Sharing Hope Through My Quadriplegia and Suffering
37:57
37:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:57
In 2011 Cameron Horner survived a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair. Like many others who have endured life-changing injuries, Cameron never imagined he would live without the full use of his hands and legs. He joins the podcast to talk about how God has filled him with strength and grace amid his suffering, which has l…
…
continue reading
Larry Randolph, author of Finding Grace: the Inspiring True Story of Therapy Dogs Bringing Comfort, Hope, and Love to a Hurting World, joins the podcast to share the story of how God called him to start Canines for Christ, an organization spreading the Good News of Christ through therapy dogs and their owners. Larry, a board-certified crisis respon…
…
continue reading
When Becky Ellis first served at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat in 1999, she discovered God’s call on her life. Every summer Becky returned to Family Retreat to serve. Now a Regional Operations Director for Joni and Friends, Becky wants to inspire the next generation to love, serve, and advocate for people with disabilities. She joins the podcas…
…
continue reading
Disability. Illness. Loneliness. Heartache. It’s a broken world and suffering comes at us in many shapes and sizes. Joni Eareckson Tada who has lived through more than 5 decades of quadriplegia, two rounds of breast cancer, and daily chronic pain, is well-acquainted with hardship. But she also knows about perseverance! Listen as Joni explains where…
…
continue reading
1
From Disability to Ministry: Serving God While Living with Terminal Illness – Christopher Davinson
25:24
25:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:24
Christopher Davison has faced many difficulties because of his Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a progressive, terminal illness that has led to quadriplegia. Diagnosed at age 6 and in a wheelchair by 8, Christopher didn’t expect to live past his 20s. Now in his 30s, he lives to serve God and help others to find hope and truth in their difficulties. He …
…
continue reading
At age 14 Sarah Willoughby's world turned upside down when she fell seriously ill. Sarah went from trail running and adventuring to spending her days sick in bed. Doctors struggled to diagnose her condition until they finally discovered the culprit: toxic mold. Facing the severity of her condition, Sarah sought the Lord. She joins the podcast to sh…
…
continue reading
1
Creating Equity, Equality, and Inclusion for People with Disabilities
31:17
31:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:17
Joni and Friends Nashville Area Director Larea Kwakye joins the podcast to talk about being called into ministry serving people living with disabilities, especially those struggling with poverty and in under-resourced communities. For more than twenty years Larea has followed God’s call on her life to share the Gospel with people from Tennessee to …
…
continue reading
Caregiving for a person with exceptional needs—whether it’s a child, spouse, parent, or friend—can be overwhelming. Mary Tutterow, author of The Heart of the Caregiver® study series, joins the podcast to share how peace is possible for caregivers in all circumstances. Mary didn’t expect to become a caregiver. She was a partner in an international m…
…
continue reading
Joni and Friends New England Area Director Maria DeGenova joins the podcast to share how God brought her deep healing through serving families living with disability. Maria is one of four sisters—and a twin! Two of her sisters deal with mental health struggles and learning disabilities. Like many siblings in households navigating disability, Maria …
…
continue reading
1
Living with a Brain Stem Tumor: Finding Faith and Purpose
38:19
38:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:19
As a young child, Kyle Campbell was diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem tumor, which caused symptoms from difficulty speaking and swallowing to nausea and general ill health. While radiation therapy in his teens alleviated some of Kyle’s symptoms, effects of the tumor (and side effects of his treatments) persist to this day. Now a husband, fath…
…
continue reading
1
Desperate for Hope: Questions We Ask God in Suffering
34:26
34:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:26
Vaneetha Risner joins the podcast again to talk about finding true hope in suffering. With a story that includes childhood bullying, losing an infant son, developing post-polio syndrome, and going through an unwanted divorce, Vaneetha has wrestled with God. But through her hardships, God has met Vaneetha in an unmistakable way and she has learned t…
…
continue reading
When 30-year-old Marcy Gregg woke up from a coma, 13 years of her memories had disappeared. In her mind, she was still 17 years old. She didn't remember her husband or her three children, including the baby she had just given birth to in the hospital. Everything had vanished. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her identity, even turning to …
…
continue reading
1
How the Church Can Celebrate People with Disabilities
27:57
27:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:57
Hannah Snoots director of Special Abilities Ministry at Calvary Community Church in California, joins the podcast to share her story of finding joy, peace, and purpose in the midst of navigating disability. As a single mother raising two daughters with special needs, Hannah leans on the Lord for strength and hope. And having found belonging and lov…
…
continue reading
1
Why Should We Love the Return of Christ? – John Piper
40:31
40:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:31
Pastor John Piper joins the podcast to share a hopeful vision for the second coming of Jesus. Hear how anticipating the return of Christ can help people who are suffering with hardship and disability today, plus the importance of cultivating a deep love for the Savior as we await his return. John Piper serves as founder and teacher at Desiring God …
…
continue reading
Welcome to Season 5 of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast! We are excited to kick off a new series of encouraging conversations about finding hope through hardship, and share practical ways to include people with disabilities in your church and community. What does it mean to suffer well? How can we understand and cope with pain, loss, disabilit…
…
continue reading
1
How to Help Ukrainians with Disabilities: The Long Road Ahead (Part 2) – Galyna
17:04
17:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:04
Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, Galyna, the Joni and Friends in-country coordinator—alongside other Joni and Friends partners in the region—has organized rescue efforts and ongoing care for people with disabilities from Ukraine. Galyna gives updates on the continuing war, including what happens to Ukrainian refugees after they cross the border. …
…
continue reading
1
How to Help Ukrainians with Disabilities (Part 1) – Galyna
16:56
16:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:56
Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, bringing violence, destruction, and terror to Ukrainians, Galyna, the Joni and Friends in-country coordinator in Ukraine, has orchestrated ongoing rescue and care for people with disabilities in and around the warzone. Galyna joins the podcast to share how God has strengthened and equipped her and other Joni and F…
…
continue reading
1
How to Advocate for People with Disability and Dwarfism – Angela Muir Van Etten
20:48
20:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:48
"Advocacy makes change possible when people call out what is wrong, care enough to stand up for what is right, commit to the cause for as long as it takes, and have confidence in God's power to change hearts." -Angela Muir Van Etten Learn more about Angela Get your copy of Angela’s book, “ALWAYS AN ADVOCATE: Champions of Change for People with Dwar…
…
continue reading
1
Weak Woman, Strong God – Dr. Jean Sutherland
41:03
41:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:03
When an unexpected disability or disease turns your life on end, how do you journey through each day without letting fear, depression, or discouragement overtake you? Dr. Jean Sutherland can answer this question from personal experience; she has leaned on the Lord through three bouts of aggressive cancer (and treatments) that have significantly alt…
…
continue reading