Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

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

When Shauna arrived at the doctor’s office for her four-month ultrasound, the question on her mind was what color to paint the nursery. But after an unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome, she and her husband left with more questions than answers. “I pinched myself. I literally pinched myself. The one and only time I’ve done that in my life. Because it was so surreal. This is not supposed to be happening to me. This is not supposed to be happening to my baby.” Where do we turn when it seems that God has given us more than we can handle? Today on the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, Crystal is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day with Shauna Amick, the mother of a now teenage daughter with Down Syndrome. Listen as Shauna shares her heartaches, joys, and why today she can genuinely celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Download the free booklet From Fear to Hope 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

One of the places where families impacted by disability should feel most welcomed is at church. But when it comes to building an inclusive environment, people and churches often struggle with where to begin. Today on the podcast, Crystal talks with two ministry experts, Liz Babbitt and Lauren Garner, who discuss what it means to really welcome someone with a disability. Listen as they talk through some of the barriers and challenges you may be facing at your church, and the first steps you can take to bridge the gap and include all people. When it comes to disability ministry, you don’t need to be an expert, you just need a willing heart. Download the free eBook Start with Hello 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

More than 70 million people around the world are in need of a wheelchair, but only 10% have access to one.* During March, Joni and Friends is celebrating Wheelchair Collection Month to bring awareness to this need and help solve the global mobility crisis. Today, Crystal Keating talks with Elizabeth Kelly who oversees wheelchair collection for the Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program. Elizabeth shares how God redeems thousands of broken and discarded wheelchairs every year, turning them into a beautiful gift for people in desperate need around the world. And you can get involved – hear how you can help recycle and redeem wheelchairs right in your community. Whether you help by spreading the word, donating a wheelchair, or collecting used wheelchairs in your community, you can make a global impact! *Statistic from the World Health Organization www.who.int/phi/implementation/assistive_technology/wheelchair-publications/en/ Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving acci

There’s a difference between ministering to someone who has a disability and really doing life with them. While barriers like staircases and narrow doorways may keep someone with a physical disability from entering a space, there are other barriers that keep them from genuine, deep friendship. How can we take steps to tear down walls that isolate someone from community when they have a disability? How can we build true mutual friendships? Today on the podcast, Crystal Keating is talking about friendship with Tracey Motoda, her good friend who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and is a wheelchair user. We all want to be known and have relationships with other people, so listen as Crystal and Tracey share ways that you can really do life with a friend impacted by disability – what it means to have a deep, mutual friendship. 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 ta

You don’t really know a person until you’ve heard their story. For so many families impacted by disability, that story includes unique challenges and demands that can be exhausting and relentless. Responsibilities are often 24/7 in order to meet the needs of a child, spouse, or grandparent with a disability. Today on the podcast, Crystal talks with Sib Charles and Candy Nixon, two people who understand first-hand the need for support. How can you come alongside a family impacted by disability? How can you advocate? How can the church embrace families in need of support beyond Sunday morning programs? Sib and Candy use their personal experiences and years of serving in disability ministry through Joni and Friends to offer practical, even simple ways that anyone can welcome and embrace a family impacted by disability. 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, re

In the middle of his successful career in the biotech industry, Kevin Stark unexpectedly became a quadriplegic. A few years later, he met his lovely wife, Jamie, and they fell in love. On this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, Kevin and Jamie Stark give honest insight about marriage and the role that disability plays in their relationship. They share what it really means for any couple to say “for better, for worse…in sickness and in health…till death do us part.” 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 150,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,

Walking a mile in someone’s shoes is a great way to understand their personal struggles and perspectives. While Tracey Motoda and Scott Bankhead don’t put that much wear on their actual shoes (they are both wheelchair users), we can certainly gain a lot of perspective from their own personal experiences of living and working in a wheelchair. In part 2 of their conversation with Crystal, Tracey and Scott reflect on some of the challenges they have faced because of their physical disabilities. And it’s not just battling staircases, they share ways to break down the visible and invisible barriers that may be keeping anyone from fully experiencing friendship with people impacted by disability. 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 grow

Do you have questions about disability etiquette? You may have heard the “do’s and don’ts” of communication and interaction, but what is someone with a disability really looking for? In part 1 of our Crystal’s conversation about disability etiquette, she talks with her friends Tracey Motoda and Scott Bankhead, both wheelchair users with physical disabilities. They share personal experiences – what has been helpful and what has been hurtful – as well as ways to identify and remove the barriers and misunderstandings about having a relationship with someone who has a disability. Learn how you can build genuine friendships with people impacted by disability in your community. 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 thousan