Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast
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.
Episodes
The Gospel of Weakness with Dr. Michael Beates
What if caregiving isn't an interruption to ministry, but ministry itself?
For more than three decades, Dr. Michael Beates has served as a theologian, professor, author, and longtime leader with Joni and Friends. But beyond the classroom and the conference stage, his greatest ministry has been at home, alongside his wife,caring for their daughter with profound disabilities, his aging mother-in-law
How to Thrive in Dementia Care with Lizette Cloete
How can Christians faithfully care for a loved one living with dementia while holding onto hope, truth, and compassion?
In this practical and hope-filled conversation, dementia care expert Lizette Cloete shares biblical wisdom for navigating one of life's most difficult caregiving journeys. Drawing from decades of professional experience, Lizette explains why caregiving is more than a responsibili
A Biblical Understanding of Pain and Suffering: Pastor Shane Colwell
How do you trust God when suffering doesn't end?
Pastor Shane Colwell knows this question intimately. For more than a decade, he and his family have cared for their son Chase, who lives with profound medical challenges, daily seizures, and ongoing uncertainty. Through years of hardship, Shane has discovered that God's faithfulness is often found not in immediate healing, but in His sustaining pres
Strength for Today: Katie Blackburn on Community, Grace, and God’s Sustaining Mercy
In this deeply honest and hope-filled conversation, author Katie Blackburn shares her journey as a single mom of six, raising a son with severe autism. With vulnerability and wisdom, Katie reflects on how God meets us in our limits: not with quick fixes, but with sustaining mercy.
From the unexpected joy of a disability baseball league to the power of community in breaking isolation, Katie reminds
When Everything Changes: Patric Young on Disability, Identity, and Trusting God through Adversity
What happens when the life you've built changes in an instant?
Former professional basketball player Patric Young seemed to have everything ahead of him: a successful athletic career, a new job, and a wedding just days away. Then a devastating car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down and forced him to confront big questions of identity, purpose, and faith.
In this conversation, Patric s
More Than Accommodation: Carrie Mastenbrook on Creating True Belonging in the Church
What does true belonging look like for families living with disability?
In this conversation, Carrie Mastenbrook shares her journey as a mom to Andrew, who had a stroke at birth and lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. From overwhelming early medical challenges to unexpected moments of joy (like Andrew becoming a Special Olympics champion), Carrie reflects on how God has been present through it
Worship Through the Breaking with Isaac Immanuel
Worship leader and songwriter Isaac Immanuel shares his powerful story of faith in the midst of suffering. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare brittle bone disease that has resulted in hundreds of fractures and dozens of surgeries, Isaac has learned to see weakness as a platform for God’s strength. In this conversation, he opens up about living with disability, stepping out in faith to embra
We're Kicking Off Season 8 of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast!
Stephanie Daniels, our host of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, is gearing up for Season 8. Join her each week this summer to hear from inspiring guests who will encourage you right where you are. Whether you're looking for practical ways your church can embrace people living with disability, you are personally facing a new disability or diagnosis, or you serve as a caregiver, you’ll discove
Literally Living by Faith and Not by Sight – Jennifer Rothschild
Author, speaker, and Bible teacher, Jennifer Rothschild joins host Stephanie Daniels to share her story of literally walking by faith and not by sight. Since losing her sight at age 15, Jennifer hasn’t let blindness stop her from seeing and sharing God’s goodness. You will be encouraged by their conversation and reminded to trust God even when life doesn’t look like what you planned. And that God’
Arising through Grief: God's Faithfulness after Loss — Amber Smith
Amber Smith, wife of former country music artist, Granger Smith joins Stephanie Daniels to share about her book, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor: Held Together when Everything is Falling Apart. Amber shares her deeply personal experience of losing her three-year-old son, River, and God’s faithfulness to her in the pit of despair. Her story will encourage you to hold onto the hope that God is near,
Finding New Life: Dr. Jason Kolb on God’s Sufficient Grace in Suffering
Dr. Jason Kolb and his wife Amy know firsthand about unexpected turns in life. In January 2023 Jason took a wrong turn at high speed while skiing and landed at the bottom of a 20-foot drop. As an ER doctor, Jason knew he was paralyzed from the chest down and had broken several ribs. Jason and Amy join Stephanie Daniels to share their journey of discovering God's sufficient grace in ways they never
Shawn Thornton’s “All But Normal” Childhood and Path to Ministry (Part 2)
Shawn Thornton, our Joni and Friends President and Chief Ministry Officer returns to the podcast to share his experience and insight on disability ministry in the church. Raised with disability in his immediate family, Shawn has a unique perspective on how the church should care for people who live with disability. Hear how God has used his personal experience to grow him as a pastor and prepare h
Shawn Thornton’s “All But Normal” Childhood and Path to Ministry (Part 1)
Shawn Thornton is the President and Chief Ministry Officer of Joni and Friends, an international non-profit organization founded by Joni Eareckson Tada that offers hands-on help and Gospel hope to people living with disabilities. With decades of pastoral experience, Shawn most recently served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California where he supported the develo
Watching for the Morning: Vaneetha Risner on Hope amid Suffering
Vaneetha Risner is no stranger to suffering. Having lived through polio, the loss of a child, and multiple miscarriages, she has wrestled with God and learned to trust in his goodness. Vaneetha joins Stephanie Daniels to share about her journey and how she has continued to hope in God through the darkness of deep pain. Their encouraging conversation will remind you that God sees you and reassure y
Faith Amidst Suicide: Help and Hope for the Darkest of Times – Kay Warren
Kay Warren, known for cofounding Saddleback Church with her husband, Pastor Rick Warren, joins Stephanie Daniels to discuss a deeply personal topic. Kay is the mother of three adult children, including Matthew who lost his life to suicide at age 27 after years of chronic depression. Having walked beside her son through his suffering, and survived the anguish of his death, Kay has experienced first
Identifying Barriers and Building Pathways to Belonging for People with Disabilities in the Church – Matt McCraney
Army Chaplain and special needs dad Matt McCraney joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about how the body of Christ can better embrace people living with disabilities. Bringing personal, biblical, and academic perspectives, Matt identifies barriers that keep disabled people from finding their places of belonging in the church and he offers practical ways Christians can better demonstrate the love of Je
A Dancer’s Faith Journey and Passion for Disability Advocacy – Lars Nelson
Lars Nelson, a member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet, joins Stephanie Daniels to share about his faith journey, career, and passion to see people with disabilities served and included by the church. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he began dance training at the age of 11, studied at the School of American Ballet, then joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in 2011. He is
Caregiving with Grit, Grace, and Joy – Jess Ronne
Author, speaker, and special needs mom Jess Ronne joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about her family’s story of beauty emerging from the ashes. She also offer insight into tangible ways to support families facing difficult seasons. Jess is the founder of The Lucas Project, named after her son with profound disabilities, which provides recognition and respite for parent caregivers. She and her husban
Living with Disability, Generosity, and Joy – Clifton and Lorraine Marshall
Meet special needs parents, business partners, and Christ-loving power couple Clifton (Cliff) and Lorraine Marshall. In an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Daniels, Cliff and Lorraine share about meeting on a blind date, forming a blended family, raising a child with a disability, and growing in faith—and love for one another—through life’s seasons and challenges. Tune in to be encouraged in
Raising Autistic Disciples with Larah Roberts
Larah Roberts, a dedicated mom, wife, and Christ-centered disability advocate, joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about raising children with autism as thriving followers of Jesus. Larah shares from her own family’s experience and her wisdom as the founder of the organization Raising Autistic Disciples. Don’t miss Larah’s heartfelt encouragement for individuals, churches, and communities to fully inc
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Law of Love Needed for True Transformation
Discover more about Joni’s heart on the ADA: Did The Americans With Disabilities Act Really Guarantee Change? | Joni and FriendsAt a celebratory reception after the signing of the ADA, Joni recalls hearing these words spoken by colleague Paul Hearne: “[The ADA] will provide greater access to public accommodation. Wheelchair users will no longer have to be carried up the steps of a restaurant. And
Growing Pearls of Faith Through Struggle: Maggie Bushway on Her Journey Through Childhood Cancer
Learn more about Maggie Bushway and purchase your copy of her book, Pearls, A Memoir on Childhood Brain Cancer and Hope.Get your copy of Joni Eareckson Tada’s powerful book (one of Maggie’s favorites!), A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty.Receive biblical encouragement from Joni as you walk through cancer and other tough trials with her bookle
From Resentment to Resilience: Abigail Brown on Her New Book Unstuck
Abigail Brown has been living with dystonia since the age of three. You may remember her Season 3 podcast episode where she shares about living joyfully with dystonia. Abigail is the founder of Silent Inspirations, a creative studio that offers stationery and home decor based on her original artwork.To encourage women who feel alone or stuck, whether because of a disability or other challenges, Ab
The Power of Providing Belonging in Christ - Ricardo Diaz
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. And you can be part of making this vision a reality! When you volunteer with Joni and Friends, you will transform lives by delivering hands-on help and the love of Jesus Christ to the people we serve.Find volunteer opportunities near you!Join one of our Wheels for the
Following God’s Call in Adopting Children from Foster Care – Sarah Fuller
Joni and Friends staff member Sarah Fuller returns to the podcast to share how, with three biological children of their own, she and her husband sensed God calling to also serve as foster parents. In conversation with Stephanie Daniels, Sarah tells how her whole family has taken part in loving and sheltering children in foster care, and welcomed a child with disabilities into their family permanen
From the Jungles of Venezuela to Disability Ministry: Sarah Fuller’s Story of Faith and Calling (Part 1)
Joni and Friends staff member Sarah Fuller joins Stephanie Daniels to share her story of God’s faithfulness in calling her into missions, special education, and disability ministry. As a mom, Sarah has invited her children into service opportunities—often volunteering with Joni and Friends—which has shaped their hearts and the trajectories of their lives. Sarah shares how God uses everything from
Trusting God Through Disability, Hardship, and Parenthood – Randy Schwartz
Joni and Friends team member Randy Schwartz joins Stephanie Daniels to share about coming to faith as an adult, being a special needs dad and devoted husband, and learning to trust God with all aspects of life. When his younger son was born with spina bifida, Randy and his wife turned to Jesus, relying on his grace day by day.Listen to our Season 6 conversation with Dr. Benjamin Warf, a neurosurge
Trusting in God when Trouble and Illness Take You “Off Track” - Mandy Meehan (Part 2)
Learn more about Mandy Meehan and her faith journey while seeking to heal from fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other chronic conditions. KEY QUESTIONS:Do you entrust your physical, emotional, and spiritual weakness to God? Are you willing to talk about your struggles with a trusted person/people in your life? How can you rest in the Lord today, trusting in his biblical promises? KEY SCRIPTURES:Sec
Finding God’s Strength and Purpose Through Chronic Illness – Mandy Meehan
Learn more about Mandy Meehan and her faith journey while seeking to heal from fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other chronic conditions.Discover more inspiring stories of God’s faithfulness amid difficult chronic illnesses:Living with Chronic Illness | Joni and FriendsWhen Skies Aren’t Blue: A Doctor’s Journey to Hope Amid Chronic Illness | Joni and FriendsKEY QUESTIONS:Where have you seen God’s g
Growing in Faith Through Mental Health Struggles - Kali Lilienthal
Struggling with mental health can be part of being human in a broken world. Disciples of Christ have never been promised a trouble-free life. As many faithful believers, including Joni Eareckson Tada, can attest, grappling with depression and other mental health challenges, and even crises, is often part of the Christian walk. Our guest today, Joni and Friends staff member Kali Lilienthal, shares
Relying on God’s Daily Bread Amid Cancer, Uncertainty, and Suffering with Roberta Dunn
If you are struggling with cancer, grief, or chronic pain, the journey can be arduous and seem unending. During her most difficult seasons, most recently coping with cancer, Roberta has found peace in words from the Lord’s Prayer, “…Give us this day our daily bread.”Today, as you or those close to you face hardships—especially lasting ones—spend time centering your heart by trusting God to provide
Disability, Advocacy, and God’s Purpose: A Conversation with Special Needs Parent Roberta Dunn
Roberta Dunn has been active in the disability community as an advocate and parent leader since the birth of her twins more than 30 years ago. Sharing insights and challenging misperceptions of disability, Roberta has spoken nationally, regionally, locally—and across the coffee table—with thousands of parents, professionals, and individuals experiencing disability.Learn how to advocate for inclusi
We Are Kicking Off Season 7 Hosted By Stephanie Daniels!
Stephanie Daniels, host of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast is kicking off Season 7. Listen in each week to hear from our incredible line up of guests who bring their unique experiences and perspectives to encourage you right where you are.Whether you're interested in learning practical ways your church can welcome and embrace people living with disability, or you are personally facing a new
Season Six Finale: Saying Goodbye to Host Crystal Keating
Crystal Keating has been part of Joni and Friends for over ten years helping the ministry answer thousands of calls, letters, and messages about disability, sharing resources, and holding fast to hope in Jesus through life’s greatest hardships. Her prayer for the Ministry Podcast is that each conversation will help listeners and their loved ones “bear much fruit” (John 15:8) in acts of love throug
Finding The Spirit of the Season: A Christmas Special with Joni Eareckson Tada
Do you find yourself feeling nostalgic, wistful, or drained going into Christmas? Perhaps frustrated, frantic, or lonely? Joni knows well that Christmas time doesn’t automatically induce joy, especially as you grapple with the challenges of disability, grief, or other hardships. This is why she invites you to think deeply about Christ’s coming, and his death on the cross, meditating on what this s
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on Hope
Do you ever struggle to feel hopeful about your life? When suffering and pain get overwhelming, whether because of the challenges of disability, chronic pain, loss of a loved one, or even world events, hope can seem fleeting—or even impossible to find.Today, in every hardship you or your loved ones face, Jesus offers you hope and is faithful to provide what you need.RESOURCES TO HELP YOU FIND HOPE
How to Find Healing and Intimacy with God - Carole Reitsma
Carole Reitsma, loving wife to her husband Scott, and devoted mom to her adult son Scotty (who is now an ordained minister), came to faith at a young age, and in the midst of ongoing abuse. Through it all, God has shepherded Carole, leading her to wholeness through grace, and into ministry to others. She has been a pastor alongside her husband in an inner-city church, and for more than twenty-five
Thankfulness and Generosity Unlock the Good Life - Randy Alcorn
Jesus tells us our earthly possessions won’t last. We will outlive them, or they will outlive us. You can’t keep your things forever, and you can’t take them with you. However, according to Jesus, you can send your treasure on ahead. And that’s by giving of your treasure and thus setting your heart on the things that matter eternally. So how do you make the kind of investment Jesus recommends? Her
How to Build a Strong Marriage with Disability in the Mix - Mary Grace Burkey
Stephanie Daniels welcomes her good friend and colleague Mary Grace Burkey back to the podcast for a heartfelt conversation about two significant topics: marriage and disability. Mary Grace shares her story of meeting her husband Chad at a Joni and Friends Warrior Getaway, which supports Veterans and their families. Chad sustained a traumatic brain injury while serving overseas, which left him wit
What do Veteran Families Need to Heal and Thrive?
Stephanie Daniels welcomes her friend and co-worker, Mary Grace Burkey, to the podcast for a deep look at the unique needs of military families—and what you can do to support them. With 25 years of experience serving with Joni and Friends, Mary Grace began as a volunteer and now oversees our Texas-area Retreats & Getaways. Organizing multiple Warrior Getaways every year, she shares valuable insigh
How to Care for Veteran Families
Stephanie Daniels welcomes married couple Cedric and Michelle White to the podcast. Both pastors, authors, and counselors, Cedric and Michelle work together in ministry strengthening families through biblical counseling and coaching. They also understand firsthand the struggles that many Veteran families face—including PTSD and moral injury—through Cedric’s experience serving with the U.S. Navy. T
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on the Importance of Scripture
Do you have questions about God’s will for your life? Are you facing circumstances—suffering, disability, uncertainty—that lead you to the end of your rope? For these struggles, and all life’s moments and questions, the Bible is God’s gift to you and all believers. Joni invites you, right now, to let the Holy Spirit lead you deeper (or maybe for the first time) into the Word of God. Pray that he w
Encouragement for Thriving with Autism
Ron Sandison shares his story of growing up on the autism spectrum and offers encouragement for those navigating life with autism. Leaning on Jesus, and with the support of his family, Ron has built a fulfilling and purposeful life. Now, as an author, professor, husband, and father, Ron provides insight to parents raising children with autism, spreading the important message that all children can
The Call to Care for Vulnerable Foster Children
Stacy DeWitt is the Executive Director of James Storehouse, a community-based non-profit established in 2012. She works daily with an outstanding volunteer team to meet emergency needs to help expedite cases and ease transitions for children and families. By offering essential support to foster children—including those with disabilities—James Storehouse helps to break multi-generational cycles of
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on the Transformational Power of Grace
What is grace and how can it change your life? In this installment of Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series, Joni shares how grace has flowed through her life in a transformational way.When Joni broke her neck in a diving accident and became paralyzed at age 17, she discovered grace like never before—as light piercing through the darkness of her despair and sin, bringing joy and heal
How to Help Children Through Trauma
Get your copy of Darby’s Children’s book, Something Scary Happened (Comfort for Children in Hard Times)Get your copy of Darby’s booklet, When Children Experience Trauma: Help for Parents and CaregiversLearn more about Darby and her workDarby Strickland is a Christian counselor who works with individuals and families facing a variety of issues. She was trained at Westminster Theological Seminary wh
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on Chronic Pain
Millions of people throughout the world struggle with chronic pain. And in the United States alone, an estimated 20% of adults experience chronic pain. That’s around 51 million people! So if you’re listening today, there’s a chance that you live with chronic pain, just like Joni. If you are suffering in an ongoing way from physical pain, grief, isolation, or relational strife, it can be overwhelmi
Finding Hope in the Mourning: A Conversation with Author Emily Curtis
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 compiler and author of the bestselling book Hope in
From Heartbreak to Hope: New Life for Vicki’s Wheelchair
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 at 27 years old, Vicki’s parents were heartbroken b
Overcoming Fear: A Conversation with Michael Hingson
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 with a secondary teaching credential from the Univer
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares on Healing
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 the same… After her diving accident, Joni recalls
Finding God’s Purpose in Relationships: Rachel and Caleb LeMaster’s Christ-Centered Love Story
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 them, all for the glory of God. As Rachel says, “t
Survival to Service: Rachel LeMaster’s Story of Miraculous Healing
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 her life, Rachel hoped to serve as a missionary o
Challenges, Faith, and Joy: Crystal Keating Interviews Stephanie Daniels
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 that will inspire you to praise God in all circumstan
Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Law of Love Needed for True Transformation
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: while the law can change discriminatory structur
Meet Quadriplegic Pastor Joel Vander Molen
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 and steadfast help from loved ones, Joel completed
Vicki Zoradi: Quadruple Amputee, Fueled by Faith – Part 2
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 dependence on Jesus and with the support of her fa
Vicki Zoradi: Quadruple Amputee, Tested by Fire – Part 1
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-threatening bout with sepsis and the loss of her hands a
The Power of Generational Love: The Best Gift a Mother Can Give
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 encourage others. Tune in for Celeste’s inspiring
Joni Eareckson Tada On Mobility | Heart of the Founder
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 mobility equipment can bring—not only for a disabled indi
Meet Special Needs Father and Pediatric Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Warf
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 missionary in sub-Saharan Africa, he has pioneered new w
Trusting God Through Hardship – Peter Coleman
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 God’s call and trusting Jesus through hardship. Ab
Joni Eareckson Tada on Disability | Heart of the Founder
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 have you seen God work through a difficulty in your lif
Joni Eareckson Tada and Crystal Keating Welcome Stephanie Daniels to the Podcast
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 Stephanie...Stephanie serves at Joni and Friends in th
Growing a Heart for Disability Ministry – Wilame Leal Silva
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 if Daniel survived, doctors said, he would be sev
Care for Caregivers – Rebekah Dowhy
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 founded the Caregiving Support Network to provide careg
Walking Her Home: Learning to Say “Your Will, Not Mine” – Cami Lundt
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 plan. For almost five years, Cami and her family
How Including People with Disability Changes Church Culture
“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.Stephanie is a research fellow in disability ministr
Ways to Become a More Disability Friendly Church
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 shares about biblical counseling, and how the Word of G
A Life Transformed – J.D. Kim’s Story of Living with Purpose (and Quadriplegia)
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 Presbyterian Church and holds a PhD in systematic theology fro
Talking About Disability with Children – Laura Wifler
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 series with Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer. Learn mor
What is Spiritual Abuse? – Darby Strickland
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 abuse and other forms of oppression. In her own couns
Understanding Trauma and Abuse
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 Identifying Domestic Abuse and Helping VictimsDomestic Ab
Living in God’s Love: A Call to Christian Community
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 her training in philosophy with her experience of l
The Meaning of Illness, Healing, and Wholeness
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 her training in philosophy with her experience of l
Creating a Peaceful Home: Parenting Wisdom from a Mother of Ten!
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 to turn her family into a peaceful team, relying
How to Grow through Significant Loss and Grief
“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 surviving children, Jerry was nearly overcome by t
Sharing Hope Through My Quadriplegia and Suffering
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 led people to know Jesus and displayed God's power
Finding Grace Through Canines for Christ
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 response specialist, rapid response chaplain, and gradua
Stepping Out in Faith to Serve
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 podcast to talk about bringing the love of Christ to ind
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