Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

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

Caregiving for a person with exceptional needs—whether it’s a child, spouse, parent, or friend—can be overwhelming. Mary Tutterow, author of The Heart of the Caregiver® study series, joins the podcast to share how peace is possible for caregivers in all circumstances.Mary didn’t expect to become a caregiver. She was a partner in an international marketing firm and a part-time local news anchor when her baby was born with cognitive and physical challenges, as well as an active seizure disorder. Mary quickly found herself overwhelmed as a caregiver, managing endless daily tasks while shouldering burdens of grief and anxiety. Mary created her study series for others who are exhausted by the responsibilities and emotions of caring for someone with disabilities, chronic illness, or age-related issues and the most recent addition to her series is The Peaceful Caregiver™. She also leads online and in-person small groups for parents and caregivers as well as workshops, webinars, and retreats. KEY QUESTIONS:What can h

Joni and Friends New England Area Director Maria DeGenova joins the podcast to share how God brought her deep healing through serving families living with disability. Maria is one of four sisters—and a twin! Two of her sisters deal with mental health struggles and learning disabilities. Like many siblings in households navigating disability, Maria needed God’s help to understand her own identity, story, and calling. And she wants you to discover what she has: that God is close and trustworthy, and that he has a good plan for your life.Maria’s life changed when she volunteered at Family Retreat. Serving families living with disability, she discovered the presence and hope of Christ like never before. Today Maria serves as the Area Director in New England, overseeing staff, volunteers, and programs that bring hands-on help and the love of Jesus to people with disabilities locally and across the globe.You can follow God’s call to serve people living with disability:Apply to volunteer with Joni and FriendsExplore

As a young child, Kyle Campbell was diagnosed with an inoperable brain stem tumor, which caused symptoms from difficulty speaking and swallowing to nausea and general ill health. While radiation therapy in his teens alleviated some of Kyle’s symptoms, effects of the tumor (and side effects of his treatments) persist to this day. Now a husband, father of three, and author, Kyle is living a full, meaningful life. Through his difficulties, Kyle has developed a deep trust in God and has learned to live on purpose with faith, focus, and flexibility.Get your copy of Kyle’s book: Beyond Belief: How Living with a Brain Stem Tumor Brought Faith and Purpose to LifeKyle Campbell is a Christian, a preacher, a poet, a philosopher, a professor, and an advocate… but some of his favorite identities are husband and father. He has a BA in Philosophy from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo, and an MA in Rehabilitation Counseling from California State University, Fresno. Kyle currently holds a position serving students i

Vaneetha Risner joins the podcast again to talk about finding true hope in suffering. With a story that includes childhood bullying, losing an infant son, developing post-polio syndrome, and going through an unwanted divorce, Vaneetha has wrestled with God. But through her hardships, God has met Vaneetha in an unmistakable way and she has learned to trust him.With a passion for helping others find hope in their suffering, each of her books encourages readers to turn to Christ in their pain. Her newest Bible study, “Desperate for Hope: Questions We Ask God in Suffering, Loss, and Longing,” provides encouragement to find Christ in the midst of pain. Her study answers questions that believers often face when suffering strikes. KEY QUESTIONS:If God loves me, how could he let this happen?How can I know God’s presence when he feels so distant?What if this never gets better? KEY SCRIPTURES:2 Corinthians 4:16-18: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed

When 30-year-old Marcy Gregg woke up from a coma, 13 years of her memories had disappeared. In her mind, she was still 17 years old. She didn't remember her husband or her three children, including the baby she had just given birth to in the hospital. Everything had vanished. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her identity, even turning to alcohol amid her struggle, God brought Marcy to her knees. When she turned to her faith, Marcy found hope, beauty, and healing.Get your copy of Marcy Gregg’s book, Blank CanvasSee Marcy’s artConnect with Marcy on Instagram: @marcygregg.KEY QUESTIONS:What defines your identity?Where do you turn when life feels impossible?Have you even felt angry with God? KEY SCRIPTURE:Romans 8:28–30: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he p

Hannah Snoots director of Special Abilities Ministry at Calvary Community Church in California, joins the podcast to share her story of finding joy, peace, and purpose in the midst of navigating disability. As a single mother raising two daughters with special needs, Hannah leans on the Lord for strength and hope. And having found belonging and love through her local church, Hannah encourages all churches—and believers—to embrace and celebrate people living with disabilities. Connect with Hannah on Instagram @Hannah Jane (@hannahjanesstory) • Instagram photos and videos.One in five people in the United States have a disability. Many believers living with disability can’t find a church home. You can help Joni and Friends change that! Joni and Friends exists to glorify God as we communicate the Gospel and mobilize the global church to evangelize, disciple, and serve people living with disability.Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA understands the importance of loving and celebrating people with dis

Pastor John Piper joins the podcast to share a hopeful vision for the second coming of Jesus. Hear how anticipating the return of Christ can help people who are suffering with hardship and disability today, plus the importance of cultivating a deep love for the Savior as we await his return.John Piper serves as founder and teacher at Desiring God and is chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. For 33 years, Piper served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He has authored more than 50 books, and more than 30 years of his preaching and writing are available at DesiringGod.org.KEY QUESTIONS:What will happen when Christ returns?How can anticipation of Christ’s return provide help and hope when you’re suffering?How can you cultivate a deeper affection for the Lord while longing for his return?  KEY SCRIPTURES:1 Thessalonians 41 Corinthians 15Matthew 13:43Luke 12:372 Timothy 4:8Galatians 2:20  Read more in Pastor John Piper's book Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ.As you listen, s

Welcome to Season 5 of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast!We are excited to kick off a new series of encouraging conversations about finding hope through hardship, and share practical ways to include people with disabilities in your church and community.What does it mean to suffer well?How can we understand and cope with pain, loss, disability, and grief? This season on the podcast, we will learn how to lean on Christ and redefine our experiences with suffering and disability. We will also hear from people living with disability in their own words.Each episode this season will feature a guest who will provide insight and biblical encouragement for you—no matter what you are facing in your own life.Episode One kicks off with renowned pastor, author, and teacher John Piper! Tune in to hear Pastor John’s hopeful vision for the second coming of Christ. And find out how the promise of Jesus returning can help you through today’s hardships and suffering. Subscribe to the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast whereve

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, Galyna, the Joni and Friends in-country coordinator—alongside other Joni and Friends partners in the region—has organized rescue efforts and ongoing care for people with disabilities from Ukraine. Galyna joins the podcast to give updates on the continuing war, including what happens to Ukrainian refugees after they cross the border.You can help send Ukrainian refugees with disabilities the long-term support they desperately need: safe housing, food, hygiene products, medical care, and trauma recovery therapy. Give a gift today to provide complete, Christ-centered care! KEY QUESTIONS:What happens to Ukrainian refugees with disabilities after they cross the border?What long-term needs do Ukrainian refugees face?How can you help Ukrainians with disabilities?KEY SCRIPTURES:“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians