Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

For Chris and Emily Norton, walking across the stage at his college graduation seemed like an impossible goal. Paralyzed in a football game his freshman year, Chris was given a three percent chance of moving anything below the neck again. But he trained relentlessly. With his then-fiancé Emily by his side, Chris’ triumphant 10 steps were seen by millions around the world! Little did they know, this was just the beginning of Chris and Emily’s incredible journey. Three years later, Chris joyfully conquered another challenge, this time walking seven yards down the aisle after their wedding ceremony with new wife Emily at his side – seven yards that symbolized the seven-year anniversary of his injury. But with all of their triumphs, Chris and Emily have also faced many challenges and struggles. Together they’ve fostered 17 children, adopted 5 daughters, and overcome a season of debilitating depression and anxiety that set in for Emily just two weeks after Chris’ graduation walk. Listen now as Chris and Emily shar

“Suffering is intended to make our souls brave.” It’s a broken world. We all have weaknesses and limitations. Disability. Illness. Loneliness. Heartache. Suffering comes at us in different shapes and sizes. Living through 52 years of quadriplegia, battling two rounds of breast cancer, and dealing with chronic pain, Joni Eareckson Tada knows a lot about suffering. But she also knows about courage and persevering through hardship! Today on the podcast, listen as Joni shares about perseverance and the power of example. Courage breeds courage, so be encouraged as you hear how you can use your brokenness to bless others. Find Joni's book, When God Weeps, at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast. Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to s

God may use unexpected situations or experiences in your life to reveal His purpose for you – sometimes even giving you a new calling. Today on the podcast, Crystal is chatting with Adam Rinehart who serves as Associate Director, Special Needs Ministry at Calvary Community Church in Southern California. Now Adam didn’t expect to have a full-time career in disability ministry, but listen as he shares how God used a few important experiences to open his heart to serving families impacted by disability.  Read more from Adam at www.joniandfriends.org/a-life-changing-experience. Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 150,000 whee

When disability strikes, it can be easy for someone to wonder, Why me? What’s the purpose of my disability? At 8 years old, Kristin Hamer received the diagnosis of a genetic eye disease. And as her sight grew progressively worse, she did her best to hide her loss of vision; she didn’t want to accept it. But when her visual impairment reached the point that she was no longer able to be self-sufficient, Kristin had to confront her disability head on. She had to learn how to depend on others and God.  Today on the podcast, Kristin shares how she came to terms with her challenges. Hear how she found contentment with her disability and how  that brought her to a place of being able to minister to others with disabilities all over the world. Watch Kristin travel to Uganda to serve kids with disabilities with Joni and Friends Cause 4 Life: www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada

“Pain is disorienting. It changes you in ways that you never saw coming. Chronic pain, the kind that you think about all the time, becomes a part of who you are… There’s not always a smile behind the smile, but there’s a reason for my smile.” Dealing with a chronic condition such as pain or illness is a battle faced by many people – a battle often fought alone. Struggling with daily pain can be disorienting; it can be debilitating, but it can also drive you to Jesus. At the height of his career in the health and fitness industry, Jimmy Peña encountered sudden health challenges which he never would have predicted for his life. As he unexpectedly lost his abilities, he also suffered the loss of identity. However, through his struggles he found wholeness in Christ. But now, as a result of his previous health challenges, Jimmy faces a new battle with chronic pain and insomnia. Listen as he shares how he manages his pain, where he finds hope, and his encouragement for others facing similar struggles. Read more fr

“It was kind of a shock… I had been training 4-5 days a week since I was 18. Fitness, lifting, activity… that was it for me. My identity was all wrapped up in physicality, training, and ability.” When someone is talented and works hard, it can be pretty easy for them to begin finding identity in their abilities or success. But what happens when all of that is stripped away? Where do you find your identity when everything you thought you could control like your health, your strength, and goals is gone? At the height of his successful career in the health and fitness industry, Jimmy Peña encountered sudden health challenges that he never would have predicted for his life. He quickly transitioned from being steeped in the world of strength and fitness to a world of weakness, smallness, and total dependence on God. Listen as Jimmy shares his journey of suffering his loss of identity, but finding wholeness in Christ. Read more from Jimmy at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Jon

How do you communicate the love of Christ to students who have special needs? Don’t miss this week’s episode of the podcast as Crystal chats with Tobias Haglund about his ministry with teens and young adults living with disability through Young Life Capernaum. Through this Young Life program dedicated to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, young adults are given the chance to see Christ’s love while they experience adventure, develop fulfilling friendships, and challenge their limits through club, camp, and other fun activities. Because communicating the love of Jesus goes far beyond what we say, listen to Tobias’ excellent advice for moving through fears and barriers to welcome and minister with teenagers and young adults who have special needs. www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letter

Typical Siblings: Joys and Challenges We know that disability impacts the entire family, but sometimes we can miss the impact that it has on the typical siblings of a brother or sister with special needs. Today Crystal talks with Dennis Spivey and Jessica Johnson about the joys and challenges that have shaped them as siblings and what they think you should know about siblings. If you are a typical sibling, know that your challenges are shaping you and your life will be blessed and positively impacted because of your sibling with a disability. Download a free chapter about siblings from Real Families, Real Needs at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Hear from a teenage sibling at www.joniandfriends.org/i-want-her-to-know Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 y

No father is ever prepared to hear that his child will be born with a disability. This unexpected reality can lead to confusion or even anger, but it can also change the direction of a father’s life and his family. This week on a special Father’s Day episode of the podcast, Crystal is sitting down with Doug Mazza who served as President and COO of Joni and Friends for 20 years. Doug had been a driven and very successful businessman in the automotive industry prior to the birth of his third son; learning that Ryan was born with profound physical and intellectual disabilities brought Doug into a season of confusion and loss of identity. But God has a lot to say about people with disabilities, and the direction of Doug’s life changed when he recognized that God had a better identity for him than what he had chosen for himself. Today, hear where Doug found the courage to step up and be the dad that he was called to be. Find Doug's book, Another Kind of Courage, at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends w

Whether it’s the result of an unexpected diagnosis, a life-changing disability, the end of a marriage, or the loss of a loved one, grief can arrive suddenly… and it can take up residence without an invitation. Although we will all encounter loss and grief at some point, we aren’t meant to walk through it alone. God is near in the midst of pain and sadness, and as a friend to someone who is grieving, your prayers and presence can help provide comfort. Today, Crystal is talking with her friend Halley Mastrolonardo about her journey through unexpected and devastating tragedies. Listen in to hear where Halley has found real support and healing on her journey through grief. Learn more at joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, t

Did you know that Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month is May 15 - June 15? Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics and vocalizations… and it’s a disability that’s not always discussed. This week, Crystal has invited Chris Pearson back to the podcast to talk about the daily impact of Tourette syndrome on his life. Chris shares about the challenges he faced as a child, how he manages his symptoms today, and his advice for anyone who is struggling with Tourette syndrome or a tic disorder. For information and resources, please visit joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more

In Luke 14, we are called to go out quickly into the streets and alleys to bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. Sometimes that can mean stepping far outside of your comfort zone to reach people with disabilities living in extreme isolation. This year, our Wheels for the World team traveled to Haiti where on a shortened outreach due to civil unrest, we were able to provide a record number of wheelchairs and Bibles to people in desperate need! This week, Mike Gaura and Chris Pearson share how God worked through many chaotic situations and unexpected changes to show meet the physical and spiritual needs of many people impacted by disability. See photos and stories at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. Over the past 40 ye

Many weeks of the year, families impacted by disability can struggle with isolation and acceptance, they can feel worn down by routine appointments and the daily needs of life with a disability. But each summer, there is a place for families with special needs to be rejuvenated and refreshed in God’s Word… in an accessible space that fits the needs of the entire family. Joni and Friends Family Retreats are not just a week of fun, they are a week for all families, regardless of ability, to be celebrated, loved, and cared for in a camp environment. Families find acceptance, community with others who face similar challenges, and the love of Christ. But Family Retreats aren’t just for families impacted disability; there is an opportunity for any member of the body of Christ to get involved. Retreats are only possible because of the volunteers who step out of their comfort zone to befriend and serve families impacted by disability for a week. Today, Crystal is chatting with two volunteers, Arielle Mitchell and Jas

No one is an island. We all need community. And for a family impacted by disability, having a community of support to share encouragement and help meet real needs can change everything. On today’s Mother’s Day episode of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, Crystal talks with Cynthia Berry, a woman who has faced a series of challenges: she’s a single mom, an African American woman, and mother to a child with special needs. Through each challenge, Cynthia has found her lifeline of help and support through the community of her church. Listen as she shares what her community taught her about her son how each new challenge has deepened her faith in Jesus. If you feel overwhelmed by your challenges today, please don’t self-isolate. Find a community of support and press in, even if it is uncomfortable. God has given us the local church to provide real community… and you have a story of hope that needs to be shared. For practical tools to help build a community of support for families impacted by disability, downl

When disability strikes unexpectedly and the plans you’ve made for your life are suddenly interrupted, how do you hold on to hope? Where do you find courage to face your new reality? Three years ago, while musician David Francisco was riding his bike, he was hit by a distracted driver and suffered a spinal cord injury. When it seemed he might be facing permanent paralysis, David thought he had lost everything: mobility, a career in music, even the opportunity to have a relationship. But he chose to trust God and make the most of his new reality. Now, three years following his accident, David has regained strength, found love, and just released a new song called Lionheart. Listen today as David and his wife Kristi share their incredible story of redemption and hope! Watch a powerful interview between David Francisco and Joni Eareckson Tada at www.joniandfriends.org/lionheart Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry be

If you are looking for how to welcome families impacted by disability in your church, creating a buddy ministry is one of the best ways to begin! A buddy ministry is more than a program, it’s about building relationships. And serving as a buddy to an individual with disability provides friendship, discipleship, and Kingdom-belonging for the whole family. Listen as Crystal chats with disability ministry leaders Candy Nixon and Sib Charles about the impact that a buddy ministry has on special needs families and the entire church body. Together they share practical ways you can build a successful buddy ministry at your church. For simple steps to help start a buddy ministry at your church, download the free book Call Me Friend at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilitie

“People are people and everybody has a place in the church family. When you get to know somebody, you can help them to be a part of the family. If you never take the time to get to know them, that’s not going to happen.” -Bret Welshymer Everyone who comes through the church doors should feel welcomed and be included. But when a new family at your church includes children or adults with disabilities, how do you gather and train volunteers to meet their unique needs? Today on the podcast, Crystal is talking with ministry experts Bret Welshymer and Lauren Garner about what it takes to serve people with disabilities in your church. Listen as they share practical ways to recruit, train, and encourage volunteers to get to know families impacted by disability. Bret and Lauren offer ways to dispel fears and also share structures for helping volunteers find their place. Everybody needs to be loved and unconditionally accepted – serving families impacted by disability gives you that opportunity! Download 8 Steps to Sta

“For a lot of people who deal with chronic pain it’s like constantly walking in a state of storm… and for someone who only sees sunshine and clear skies, they can’t even comprehend that it’s storming.” Not all disabilities are visible. While on the outside someone may look as if everything is fine, a disability can sometimes be hiding. And for someone living with an invisible disability such as chronic pain or illness, this challenge may leave them feeling misunderstood or unseen. Today, Crystal talks with her good friend Hallie Sheaffer about invisible disabilities. Hallie has fibromyalgia, a disorder that wracks her body with widespread pain, fatigue, and at times even cognitive challenges. Listen as Hallie shares how this hidden disability can affect her daily activities, people’s perceptions of her, and what she has found helpful in her community of support. If you have more questions about healing, suffering, pain, and hope, order a copy of Joni Eareckson Tada's book, A Place of Healing, at www.joniandfr

Like most parents, Steve Bundy was not expecting his child to be born with a disability. Following Caleb’s diagnosis of partial chromosome deletion, Steve felt so alone – he didn’t know where to turn or who would understand. On this week’s episode, he shares a father’s perspective on a road that few parents would choose to travel. But, as Steve eventually discovered, it's a road that has a destination. He talks with Crystal about the hardest, most painful, and most joyful years he could have imagined, and the courage and healing he found through his son’s disability. If you’re a parent, especially a father wrestling with fears and doubts about your child, know that you are not alone. Listen to Steve’s encouragement and advice for any father, then download a free chapter of his book, Another Kind of Courage, co-authored by Doug Mazza. Find Another Kind of Courage at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17

“Respite is for the parents and for the kids. It’s for the whole family to really have an opportunity to just come to a church and know that the church genuinely wants them to be there.” -Gina Spivey, Disability Ministry Leader Families or caregivers who have children with disabilities are often isolated, exhausted, and grieving. It's so invaluable when there is a place for kids to just be themselves, for caregivers to have a break, and for the church to serve well. Listen as Crystal Keating talks with ministry leaders Gina Spivey and Bret Welshymer about how they use respite events as an opportunity to minister to families impacted by disability in their church. They share the importance of respite and practical encouragement and advice for how you can put on a respite event. No matter how large or small, your church can provide this time of refreshment as a way to welcome and embrace families impacted by disability. For more practical advice and tools to execute a successful respite event, download the free