Joni and Friends

“This week will change your life.” That's what Kate Walsh kept hearing from other volunteers and staff as she headed into serving at her first Family Retreat. She didn’t believe them at first, but now she knows they were right. At Family Retreat, the Lord showed Kate an environment where everyone could freely praise him, regardless of their abilities. Filled with many opportunities for accessible praise, including group prayer, morning teaching sessions, and times of testimony, for Kate, the most impactful moment was the accessible worship session. "Everyone who wants to be onstage is there. Two young women with autism stand by the guitarist, raising their hands to the heavens. A nonverbal, paralyzed woman in a wheelchair sits just below the stage, crying out to God. A deaf man with Down syndrome sits on the edge of the stage, signing words of praise. As I sit in the audience, I realize I have never seen anything like this—a place where people with disabilities have equal access in a space of worship. I know this is what the kingdom of God will be like, and I am filled with anticipation as I wait for it." - Kate The Joni and Friends internship program is all about exposing interns just like Kate to the biblical view of disability. We are giving hands-on experience and equipping students to become leaders in disability ministry so they can transform lives through the Gospel, impact their churches and communities for Christ, and advocate for those living with disability. Share this post with someone who might want to learn more! And continue reading about Kate's experience below. https://lnkd.in/gvXudzid #FamilyRetreat #Internships #VolunteerOpportunities #DisabilityMinistry

Our founder, Joni Eareckson Tada, was honored to receive the inaugural Legacy Leader Award from The Global Leadership Network. This award celebrates her decades of impact on the lives of countless individuals with disabilities worldwide. In her keynote, Joni reminded the audience that “the most effective leaders do not rise to power in spite of their weakness; they lead with power because of their weakness.” We are incredibly thankful for Joni’s 45 years of leadership over Joni and Friends, which has allowed us to serve over 14 million people with disabilities worldwide. Read more about Joni's exemplary service → https://lnkd.in/ea36GBAu #GlobalLeadershipSummit #GLS24 #Ministry #Disability #Leadership

Joining us on the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast is renowned author and avid investigator of the mysteries of the Christian faith, Philip Yancey. In this episode, Philip and our host, Crystal Keating, delve into his latest book, "Undone: A Modern Rendering of John Donne's Devotions", which recasts the longing devotions of 17th century poet John Donne, who had raw confrontations with God and offers, in his hard-fought words, universal truths on how to live and die well. Philip also opens up about his own recent hardships, including diagnoses of Parkinson’s disease and cancer, and points to the life-giving truth while God may not remove our suffering, he is always faithful to redeem it. Listen below! 🎧 https://lnkd.in/eKJABxPC #Podcast #Faith #PhilipYancey #Author #Grace #Mercy #Disability #Hope

Exactly one year after breaking ground, we’re thrilled to announce the grand opening of Joni’s House Brazil in Campo Largo! 🇧🇷 Located in the state of Paraná, which is home to roughly 2.2 million people living with disability, Joni’s House Brazil is raising the standard of care for people with disabilities as the program meets the critical needs of the local community. We offer spiritual counseling, medical care, job training, a wheelchair storage repository, and a residential space for families seeking care at Hospital do Rocio who cannot afford hotel rooms. Alongside First Baptist Church of Curitiba, and local leaders including the Mayor of Campo Largo, we’re honored to provide life-giving care to people living with disability in Brazil. This is more than just a building—it’s a testament to the power of community and faith! Read more about what's happening in Brazil. 👇 https://lnkd.in/eUGRMiGF

When our founder, Joni Eareckson Tada, was first approached by the Ambassador Advertising Agency in 1981 and asked to consider sharing her wisdom and insight on the radio, she couldn't fathom why people would want to listen to her. They told her that many people who tune into Christian radio—though they may not be dealing with quadriplegia—are battling discouragement, depression, pain, and loss, just like her. More than 40 years later, Joni has been reaching the hearts of millions with the hope of the Gospel through her radio programs! Read more about how Joni got started on the radio. 📻 https://lnkd.in/eS5mAGmg #NationalRadioDay #Radio #RadioMinistry #Disability #Faith #JoniEarecksonTada

Did you know?! It's #NationalNonprofitDay and today, we are celebrating all that the Lord has done and continues to do through the ministry of Joni and Friends. We are honored to be able to bring practical help and Gospel hope to individuals and families living with disability around the world! #Nonprofit #Disability #Ministry #Faith 

Last month, Edward, one of our dedicated volunteers, had the honor of throwing the first pitch at the Frisco RoughRiders stadium, the minor league affiliate of the Texas Rangers Baseball Club! Thank you Frisco RoughRiders for having us be a part of this amazing, family-friendly, disability-inclusive event! #Nonprofit #Disability #Baseball #MLB

Last month marked 57 years since our founder, Joni Eareckson Tada, was paralyzed in a diving accident. Watch as she shares with The 700 Club how God's faithfulness has helped her build an international ministry that proclaims the good news of Christ around the world. #Faith #Disability #Quadriplegia

If you are married with a disabled spouse, you may experience spouse caregiver burnout, resentment, or loneliness. So what does it mean to support each other "in sickness and in health"? Joni Eareckson Tada and her husband, Ken, joined the Crazy Little Thing Called Marriage podcast by Focus on the Family to discuss caregiving in marriage. Listen and be blessed as they talk about their incredible love story of hope, resilience, and God-given strength. https://lnkd.in/edJzwKh9 #Marriage #Disability #Caregiving

Joni and Friends is grateful for every volunteer who shares their time, talents, and treasure at our Family Retreats. These retreats are designed to bring meaningful fellowship, hands-on help, and Gospel hope to families living with disability around the globe. Our volunteers work as the hands and feet of Jesus as we minister to these precious children of God. The need is great. Would you consider volunteering at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat? https://lnkd.in/ecMBz6pk #Disability #Volunteer #Service #JoniAndFriends