Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

It’s amazing how heavy the weight of emptiness can feel, and how much room something that isn’t even there can take up in our souls. Whether due to loneliness, disappointment, loss, or even a search for purpose, emptiness can seem like our greatest problem. But that’s not how God sees it! When God looks into the empty places of our lives, he sees his greatest opportunity.This week on the podcast, author and teacher Nancy Guthrie is sharing why emptiness has never been, and never will be, a problem to God. With insights from her brand-new book, God Does His Best Work with Empty, she tells how throughout the narrative of Scripture, God is always working to fill up emptiness with his presence. Be encouraged by this hopeful conversation about how your emptiness can be also filled, because God really does do his best work with empty—as he fills it with himself. Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.Follow Joni and Friends on Fa

“If you want to understand how to be more inclusive, get to know someone with disabilities. Get out of your comfort zone.”Last week on the podcast, Joshua Fast shared about raising Malakai, his 6-year old son who was born prematurely and diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy and cerebral palsy. But for Joshua and his wife Nicole, it was during Malakai’s 4-month hospital stay that they saw their church community come around them to provide the life-giving support that strengthened the Fasts as they encountered a series of unexpected challenges.This week, Joshua is back to talk about how his unique journey inspired him to establish a ministry that helps other special needs families find similar support as he teaches church leaders how to better include people living with disability. Through Priceless Youth Ministry, Joshua is demonstrating the value of all people and creating opportunities for everyone to encounter God through fellowship, worship, and the teaching of God’s Word. Listen to learn about the creative w

When Joshua and Nicole Fast became pregnant with their son Malakai, they were thrilled to be growing their family. But when Malakai was born prematurely and diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy and cerebral palsy, they struggled to understand what life would look like for their son and their family. “What are we going to do?” Today on the podcast, Crystal is talking with Joshua about the joy that Malakai has brought to their family and how their struggles have taught the Fasts lessons that couldn’t be learned any other way. Hear how their unique journey with disability has deepened their spiritual life, illuminated the need for more special needs support within the church, and inspired them to help other families in similar circumstances. Learn about Priceless Youth MinistryQuestions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. *Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni

“You may think, ‘I’m ok. I’m going to sit here and watch the news over and over again,” but it’s affecting your entire body… When our spirit dips into God’s Word, it redirects the mind and the body; there is calmness, goodness, peace, and even health.”Did you know that fear can impact your whole body? What you think and what you speak can actually alter your body physiologically. So, what are the effects of living in a prolonged season of uncertainty, stress, and anxiety as we face COVID-19?Today on the podcast, Crystal is talking with Dr. Sam Kojoglanian, an award-winning cardiologist who uses his God-given skills to practice medicine with compassion. Nicknamed “Mender of Hearts,” Dr. Sam joyfully inspires his patients to live healthier, stronger, and more peace-filled lives. Listen as he shares about the interconnectivity of your heart, mind, and body, and the havoc that fear can wreak when you place your focus on information rather than the sovereignty of God. Be encouraged by his contagious joy as he shar

“Perseverance is so key. It means staying the course, not deviating, holding fast…and especially remaining patient. Patience over time leads to perseverance. And perseverance leads to character.”When it comes to character-building, wouldn’t we all love to have a quick fix? But that’s not the way God works. It is a slow process. Through a series of small victories in suffering, our perseverance is strengthened and character is built. Today on the podcast Crystal is sitting down with Joni Eareckson Tada to talk about patience in suffering that leads to perseverance. As Joni celebrates a ministry milestone – broadcasting 10,000 episodes of the Joni and Friends radio program – she’s sharing about the long, slow road of endurance. Through quadriplegia, two rounds of breast cancer, chronic pain, and now a pandemic, hear where Joni finds the strength to continue rolling up to the microphone decade after decade to share encouragement with others in need of hope in their hardship.More from Joni:Perseverance in Sufferi

“We have the hope of heaven, something bigger… so we don’t grieve and sit in fear. We refocus our hearts on God and what he has promised us.”August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month! Today on the podcast Crystal is talking with her good friend, Tracey Motoda, about SMA and how this rare genetic disease impacts Tracey’s everyday life. During these past few months of uncertainty, Joni and Friends has heard from many people with disabilities who are experiencing heightened fear and anxiety. With increased vulnerability to the effects of the virus, Tracey is sharing the emotions she has wrestled with while sheltering at home, but also the gratitude she has found as she has refocused on her heart on God’s promises. Listen as Tracey talks through how she has managed stress both physically and spiritually and the blessings she and her husband have found together in isolation. Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.F

“You may feel alone, like you shouldn’t talk about what is going on, but the worst thing you can do it isolate yourself… When you’re honest and vulnerable, it’s incredible how many places it will take you.”Last week on the podcast, Kimberli West talked about her unexpected battle with invisible chronic illness and how she’s seen God’s hand at work in her hardship. As a young woman with an on-the-go lifestyle, Kimberli had ignored her symptoms until she ended up passed out in the emergency room. Diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases, what she thought would be easily controlled by medication led to 20 surgeries, the loss of 9 organs, and the fight of her life.Crystal has invited Kimberli back to the podcast to talk about the importance of vulnerability and transparency when facing challenges. Chronic conditions can often lead to loneliness and isolation, but vulnerability opens the door for deepening relationships, sharing support, and finding joy in suffering. Listen as Kimberli shares how her transparenc

“I used to say to God, ‘Why me? Why did this happen to me?’ as most people do, but now I have changed that to ‘Why did he choose this for my life to live out his purpose? Why am I special?’”Kimberli West was young and always on the go until unexpected illness completely changed her life. After ignoring her subtle symptoms, Kimberli passed out at the emergency room where she was diagnosed with severe ulcerative colitis, inflammatory joint disease, and chronic anemia. But at barely 30 years old, what she thought could be easily controlled by medication led to nearly 20 surgeries and the fight of her life.Today on the podcast, Crystal is talking with Kimberli about her health battles and life-altering hidden disability. After losing everything in her life that she had valued at the time of her diagnosis, Kimberli is learning to find joy in her suffering. Hear her powerful story and how she’s using her health challenges to bring attention to God’s sustaining power and provision in the midst of challenging chronic

“God has taught me that he wants to display his power in my life in far more glorious ways than if I were to jump out of this wheelchair.” -Joni Eareckson TadaToday marks an extraordinary anniversary for Joni Eareckson Tada: 53 years since she took a dive that redirected the course of her life. Becoming a quadriplegic without the use of her hands at age 17 brought unexpected struggles… a battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and desperate prayers for healing. Do I not have enough faith?  But as Joni has trusted God over the past 5 decades, he’s been faithful to heal her in another way, a more important way. Because the good of the soul is more important than the good of the body. Today on the podcast, Crystal is sitting down with Joni to have an honest conversation about healing and why God allows hardships and pain to remain in our lives. Even though Joni hasn’t received physical healing, she shares about God’s unmistakable power in the deeper way that she has been healed.  Are you are struggling with a

“On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…”–1 Corinthians 12:22Do you have a plan for welcoming and including any person that comes through the door of your church? Today on the podcast, Crystal is joined by Bret Welshymer and Ryan Faulk to talk about how we can each be the heart and hands of Jesus to people who are marginalized because of a disability or chronic health issue. So often, barriers that prevent everyone from feeling welcomed are unknowingly created in our communities. Listen as Bret and Ryan share examples of these visible and invisible barriers and the simple steps you can take to embrace everyone, regardless of the size of your church. Joni and Friends is committed to providing resources and supporting you as you make changes to become an accessible church that allows everyone to fully participate!Free resources to help your church become more accessible.Learn how to start a special needs ministry.Find answers to common questions.Learn how to adapt curric

“To open up your hands and freely give to help others is the key to a happy life.”Is it possible to live a life that pleases God and helps others, but is also the best for us? Last week on the podcast, Crystal was joined by Randy Alcorn for an insightful time of Q&A about heaven. Today Randy is back on the show to talk about generosity and the contagious gladness of giving. As we face uncertain times, it can be easy to focus on our challenges and overlook God’s provision as the ultimate giver. But what if we’re missing out on the good life by not generously giving of our time, resources, and treasure that will impact God’s kingdom for eternity? Where you put your treasure, your heart will follow. Listen as Randy shares life-changing biblical principles of generosity and stories of how you can put these radical principles into practice today. Learn how you can cultivate a love for the things that move God’s heart through giving.Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni

We all have questions and speculations about what heaven will be like, but what does the Bible really have to say about eternity? Does scripture tell us what we will do there, or provide answers to heart-wrenching questions such as what happens to a believer who commits suicide or where do babies go when they die?Today on the podcast Crystal is joined by Dr. Randy Alcorn, founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries and the author of more than 60 books, for an insightful time of Q & A about heaven. As a leading authority when it comes to a biblical perspective of heaven, Randy is sharing from his extensive research on the topic to provide scripture-based answers about eternity. In this podcast Randy will challenge what you thought you knew—you won’t want to miss this fascinating conversation!For more information about heaven, read Heaven Your Real Home...From a Higher Perspective by Joni Eareckson Tada Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends to

“Dads really need men to walk shoulder to shoulder with them and say, ‘I am here for you. You can be vulnerable with me. It’s ok to not always be strong. I am here to help.’”This week on the podcast, David Smith is joining Crystal to share his story and a powerful word of encouragement to other special needs dads. As a dedicated pastor and husband, David – like many men – saw himself as a ‘fixer.’ When he and his wife Heather decided to start a family, they followed God’s call to adopt three children, not knowing what the next day may bring. But through fatherhood and the unexpected challenges of raising kids with special needs, David discovered an even greater reliance upon the Lord. Today he serves other families impacted by disability through Joni and Friends Missouri and has a gift for encouraging other dads in need of community. With Father’s Day around the corner, don’t miss this powerful conversation – share it with a special needs father in your life!Read more from David on the Joni and Friends Blog.Q

“A great definition of justice is love in action… Real love takes action. Real love touches hurting people.”What does the Bible have to say about God’s heart for the oppressed? Is there instruction for how we should respond in the face of injustice? In Micah 6:8 we read, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Today on the podcast, Crystal has invited Pastor Kempton Turner, minister at City of Joy Fellowship in East St. Louis, Illinois, to join her for a conversation about divine justice. What does it mean to act on behalf of those who are without a voice or a seat at the table? With national and global conversations focused on racial oppression, we must let the Word of God lead us. Listen as Pastor Kempton shares biblical examples of compassion and practical ways you can step outside of your comforts to demonstrate love in action to those who are hurting.Watch Pastor Kempton's story: From Sin to E

“Many families of children with disabilities seek support from a faith community more than anything else in their community. Their priority in seeking a church is not always a place where they feel they can grow spiritually, but rather a place that will accept their child.” –Dr. Rebekah DyerAs regions of the United States begin lifting social distancing restrictions, we all have an opportunity to rethink how we connect with one another. Are we really offering an inclusive environment at our churches and in the classroom? On the podcast this week, Crystal has invited Dr. Rebekah Dyer back for another conversation about inclusion for families impacted by disability. As a professor at Grand Canyon University with 18 years of experience in special education, Dr. Dyer has seen the barriers that school and church classrooms face when trying to open their doors to children and adults with disabilities. Listen as she shares her passion for integrating kids with disabilities at school and church, and the different mod

“Why us? We don’t know what the future holds, but to know that we as a couple have been there and lost a child, and are we’re still functioning… to carry that with us is not just Rachel’s legacy, but it’s a legacy of God’s ministry in our lives.”Journeying together through ministry, disability and loss, John and Sue Meyer have found themselves in a “new normal” at different points of their marriage. But with each new challenge, they have clung to Christ as their foundation and strength.After the loss of their daughter Rachel who lived with significant disabilities for 27 years, God is leading John and Sue into a new season of ministry. Working with Joni and Friends, they are using their passions and example to teach and counsel Word of Life missionaries and students. Listen as John and Sue join Crystal on the podcast to share their encouraging story, revealing the spiritual ups and downs of a marriage through the demands of special needs parenting, and their journey through loss and grief. Questions or commen

“The Lord is teaching me so much. I feel like this is a chance for a reset on so many levels… What really matters is being at peace with my husband, myself, and most importantly my God.”As we continue in this time of unexpected isolation and social distancing, many people who serve in caregiving roles are feeling a new weight of responsibility. To protect the health of their loved ones, family caregivers who typically rely on help from outside the home have had to quickly move into the role of primary caregiver. With so many new pressures and uncertainties, caregivers are on the brink of exhaustion! Today on the podcast, Crystal is joined by Sib Charles, who for the first time in her 28 years of marriage to her husband Jess has been thrust into the role of his primary caregiver. Listen as Sib shares candidly about her recent struggles during this time of isolation, and the encouraging lessons that God has taught her over the past two months as a quarantined caregiver.Read Sib's blog post, The Click of the Loc

Today is National Day of Prayer. During this unprecedented time, aren’t we recognizing our dependence on God and how important it is cry out to Him in our time of need? The theme for this year’s observance is taken from Habakkuk 2:14, “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” With so many people facing fear and isolation, we have an opportunity to join our voices together and call upon the name of the Lord. On this special episode of the podcast, you’re invited to join Joni and Friends leaders and special guests as we pray God’s glory across the earth, covering national topics with a special disability focus.Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org/donate*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 rec

“In order to bear God’s image, we need relationships and community.”As we continue into this unprecedented time of shelter at home, isolation and loneliness have become a common experience. But the past few weeks have also offered a new understanding of what it means for someone to be homebound and feel disconnected. Now, more than ever, we are recognizing how vital it is to cope in community instead of suffer in silence. So what are some of the barriers that keep us from being transparent with one another and choosing isolation over community? Today on the podcast, Crystal is talking with Daryl McKillian, Co-pastor of Reconcile Church LA and Senior Manager of Theological Engagement at the Joni and Friends Christian Institute on Disability. In this conversation, Daryl is taking a deep dive into Scripture to show why it is so important to cope in the context of community whether you are rejoicing or suffering. Daryl is also offering practical ways that community can be lived out, even in the midst of a pandemi

As the coronavirus outbreak keeps parents and children at home, everyone is facing a disruptive new normal. But for many families impacted by autism, the loneliness of increased isolation and lack of routine presents additional challenges. So how do special needs families cope? Are there creative ways that you can encourage someone while still maintaining physical distance? Today on the podcast, Crystal is speaking with Dr. Rebekah Dyer, an autism expert and professor in the college of education at Grand Canyon University. Dr. Dyer been in the field of special education for 20 years and offers a positive perspective on sheltering in place for families impacted by autism. She also sharing some creative and inspiring ideas for how you can reach out to those families feeling the weight of isolation.Bonus: Following Dr. Dyer’s interview, we’ve included a brief Q&A with special needs parents who are answering some of your frequently asked questions about autism.Are you reaching out to someone impacted by disab