Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

Joni and Friends team member Wilame Leal Silva 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 severely disabled and not live long. Grieved facing the loss of their son—and pressured to terminate the pregnancy—Wilame and Erica experienced disability in a new way. And while their son—to doctors’ amazement—was born without a disability, Wilame and Erica live with lasting deep empathy for families living with disability. Wilame joins the podcast to tell his family’s story, and share how God led him into disability ministry. Wilame Leal Silva currently serves with Joni and Friends as International Regional Director, Western Hemisphere.Explore disability ministry training and resources for you and your church. Get involved with Joni and Friends international ministry

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 caregivers with Christ-centered respite, community, and encouragement. She joins the podcast to offer help and hope to caregivers, and the communities called to support them.“God placed the idea of the Caregiving Support Network on my heart when I was still caring for Mom around 2015. I knew other caregivers had to be facing the same hardships and joys, and was compelled to tell them that they were not alone. Through God’s providence and grace, the Caregiving Support Network was founded in 2022.” – Rebekah DowhyLearn about the Caregiving Support NetworkMore encouragement for caregivers from Joni and Ken KEY QUESTIONS:Do y

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 got to love and care for Grace, walking her home to heaven. Tune in to hear Cami’s story, and learn how God can meet you with his peace and strength, even in the most devastating circumstances.After Grace’s death, Cami went into the healthcare field for several years. She has since returned to her teaching career in Wisconsin, as a Special Education Teacher, hoping to help those who find themselves in situations similar to what she experienced.Get your copy of Cami’s book: Walking Her Home: Learning to Say, “Your Will, Not Mine” KEY QUESTIONS:How has God shown up for you in painful moments or seasons?What do you do w

“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 ministries at Covenant Theological Seminary and visiting instructor in the seminary’s educational ministries program. Previously she served as the director of Mission to North America’s Special Needs Ministries. She is also a speaker and author of a devotional called Parenting and Disabilities: Abiding in God’s Presence.People of all abilities have spiritual gifts to offer in your church.Listen as Stephanie talks about how to build a social ramp so that all gifts can be employed in the body of Christ. Because as we’re saturated in the Gospel and develop more of a biblical worldview, we’ll look expectantly for God-given gift

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 God can speak to every person, regardless of life circumstances.You can be part of bringing the Joni and Friends vision to life: A world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Explore resources for building disability ministryVolunteer with Joni and FriendsSupport Joni and Friends financially KEY QUESTIONS:Why do churches struggle to become “disability friendly”?How can biblical counseling bring people with disabilities into the church?How can your church and community become more disability friendly? KEY SCRIPTURES:Luke 14:21, 23 (NIV): “Go out quickly in the

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 from the University of Aberdeen. He serves as Adjunct Professor of Theology and Assistant Director of the Doctor of Ministry KSP at Denver Seminary and as President of J.D. Kim Ministries. Learn about J.D. Kim Ministries KEY QUESTIONS:How does living with disability impact your sense of identity?What makes life purposeful?When have you felt God “take your hand”? KEY SCRIPTURES:Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the ri

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 more about Laura  Key Questions:How can you open the door to meaningful talks with children about disability, compassion, and diversity?What is the difference between “inclusion” and fostering genuine friendship?Do you recognize the image of God in all people, regardless of disability? Key Scriptures:Genesis 1:26–27: “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he cr

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 counseling practice, and through speaking and writing, Darby comes alongside pastors, counselors, and others who seek to help those suffering abuse, oppression, and trauma.  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 Abuse: Help for the SuffererDomestic Abuse: Recognize, Respond, Rescue KEY QUESTIONS:What is spiritual abuse?What are signs of spiritual abuse?How can people with disabilities be especially vulnerable to spiritual abuse?What can be done to help and heal people wounded by spiritual abuse? KEY SCRIPT

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 Abuse: Help for the SuffererDomestic Abuse: Recognize, Respond, Rescue Help your church care for people who have suffered or are suffering trauma and abuse: Church Cares | Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused KEY QUESTIONS:What is trauma?What are signs of woundedness caused by trauma and abuse?How can churches care well for the abused? KEY SCRIPTURES:“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Luke 4:18“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn

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 living with neurological disease to reflect on the experience of illness and disability, the care of the chronically and terminally ill, the relationship between health care professionals and patients, and the meaning of suffering and healing, both in the context of Western culture and within the context of intentional Christian community. Explore Books by Kay Toombs:www.homesteadheritage.com/books; www.amazon.com/booksThe Meaning of Illness: A Phenomenological Account of the Different Perspectives of Physician and PatientHow Then Should We Die: Two Opposing Responses to the Challenges of Suffering and DeathLiving at

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 living with neurological disease to reflect on the experience of illness and disability, the care of the chronically and terminally ill, the relationship between health care professionals and patients, and the meaning of suffering and healing, both in the context of Western culture and within the context of intentional Christian community.Living with multiple sclerosis since 1973, Kay has expressed how her life experience with disability and illness has driven her work. In an interview for the Baylor Arts & Sciences publication “Collegium,” she said:“The whole focus of my work has been to show the difference betwe

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 on the Lord.Laura works as a coach, educating mothers in areas such as:The invisible disability of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisordersIdentifying and learning about disability as an adoptive parentPractical ways special needs parents can systematically bring calm to the chaos at homeLearn more from Laura KEY QUESTIONS:How can parents create a peaceful home amid challenges?What do adoptive parents need to know about identifying signs of disability and caring for children with special needs?How can churches support adoptive and special needs parents? KEY SCRIPTURES:“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me

“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 the tremendous weight of grief.While most of us will probably not experience such a catastrophic loss in our lifetime, we will all face some sort of loss. Whether in the form of disability, chronic illness, crushing disappointment, or the death of a loved one, the experience of loss is universal. Are you wondering if you will ever heal or what God’s plan is for you in the depth of your pain? Be encouraged as Jerry helps put words around sorrow and offers hope for how to grow with grief. Through God’s transforming grace, new life is possible. Resources:Read A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows through LossVisit Jerry'

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 through trials.Cameron Horner Ministries began as churches, schools, and other groups began asking Cameron to come share his journey of faith and perseverance. Cameron has a unique take on suffering and desires for the church to grow in their understanding of how to relate to the pain that we all experience in life.Cameron has a heart for helping churches with the topic of disability. He is a resource for churches and other organizations as they minister to the disabled community.Hear Cameron share about his experience participating in the church as a person with a disability. KEY QUESTIONS:How has God worked in and

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 graduate of the Billy Graham School of Evangelism, uses dogs to bring comfort and joy to people facing hardships, from disability to PTSD. In this episode, Larry talks about how therapy dogs can help people to receive the love of God. He also offers practical advice to improve your prayer life and ways to help you shine the light of Christ in your community.Learn more about Canines for Christ. KEY QUESTIONS:Is prayer a consistent part of your life?How can you be God’s light in your community? KEY SCRIPTURE:“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he

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 individuals and families living with disability—and how getting involved as a volunteer can transform your life!You can follow God’s call to serve people living with disability:Apply to volunteer with Joni and FriendsExplore job opportunities at Joni and Friends KEY QUESTIONS:Where is God calling you to step out of your comfort zone to serve him and others?What barriers prevent you from stepping out in faith to serve? KEY SCRIPTURE: “Go out quickly in the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…. Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that

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 she finds strength to continue on in the midst of new challenges and what she has learned about the power of example. Courage breeds courage, so be encouraged that your brokenness can be used to bless others.After becoming a quadriplegic at seventeen, Joni thought a lot about the topic of suffering. If God is loving, why is there suffering? When bad things happen, who’s behind them—God or the devil? Joni considers these questions and more on our blog, joniandfriends.org/blog. Additionally, her book, Songs of Suffering, includes some of Joni’s favorite Scripture passages and hymns for hard times. KEY QUESTIONS:Where can you find courage to endure your suffering?How

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 joins the podcast to talk about living with a progressive disability, his experience as a pastor for 10 years, and how God’s strength shines through brightest in our own weakness.Christopher earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ministry Leadership from Moody Bible Institute and has his Master of Divinity degree from Carolina University. After serving for 10 years as an associate pastor, he founded an online ministry, Wheel Truth Media, to help Christians grow in their faith.Watch Christopher’s testimony KEY QUESTIONSDo you trust God with your life?How have you seen God’s strength shine through your weakness? KEY SCRIPTUREPhilippians 1:20–21: “I eagerly expect and

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 share how her faith in Christ has sustained her through the trials of chronic illness and to help you find hope amid your own hardships. Sarah is the author of He's Making Diamonds: A Teen's Thoughts on Faith Through Chronic Illness and the host of the Diamonds conference, a free online conference for Christians with chronic illnesses.  Learn more at sgwilloughby.com, Instagram: @sgwilloughby, and Twitter: @sgwilloughby. KEY QUESTIONS:Do you turn to God in your suffering?How can you find hope while dealing with chronic illness or pain? KEY SCRIPTURE:“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, c

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 Europe to Africa. A lifelong learner who holds a doctorate in Christian counseling, Larea loves to watch God meet his people’s needs and transform their lives.Like Larea you can follow God’s call to serve people living with disability:Apply to volunteer with Joni and FriendsGive to Joni and Friends Nashville today KEY QUESTIONS:Do you know God’s call for your life?How can your church/community provide inclusion, equity, and equality for people navigating disability and poverty?How can you start making a greater difference? KEY SCRIPTURE:Matthew 22:36–40: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your he