Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

“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

“Don’t feel pressured to learn everything about autism. Just get to know the one person God brings into your life. Find out what works for them…just like you would in any other relationship. Become a master in loving one person, one family well.”Today on the podcast, Crystal has invited Diane Dokko Kim back to share her perspective on caring for a child with autism. As the mother of two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, Diane understands the challenges and joys of being a special needs mom. Listen as she dispells common misconceptions about autism spectrum disorder, shares personal stories of struggle and hope, and offers practical solutions for others who are caring for a child with autism. Though her son, God has repurposed Diane’s passion for comforting other families with the same comfort she has received from Christ and her mission of equipping churches to welcome families like hers so that the body of Christ is complete.Hear more from Diane Dokko Kim: https://www.joniandfriends.org/spiritual-

For a number of years, Liz Babbitt had worked in special needs ministry providing training for churches and supporting families impacted by disability. But when Liz’s grandson was diagnosed with autism, she gained a whole new perspective on the challenges that many special needs families can face. Today on the podcast, Liz is sharing her experience as the grandmother to a child with autism and the special role she plays in providing support for her adult children and care for her grandchildren. Are you looking for ways to be a blessing to your grandchild with special needs, and also support their parents and siblings? Don’t miss this candid conversation. Because a diagnosis is not the final word on your grandchild’s future. All children are unique and precious, and God has a plan for each life.For more encouragement, order the minibook “My Grandchild Has a Disability” at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastQuestions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends

During this time of "safer at home," many people are experiencing the loneliness of isolation for the first time. But for special needs families, isolation is not just a seasonal challenge, it is often a daily reality.This week as we kick off Autism Awareness Month on the podcast, Crystal Keating is talking with Greg and Gina Hubert, a couple who personally understands the impact of autism on a family. Listen as this hope-filled couple shares candidly about family life and embracing their role as parents to Zach, Tyler, and Tate. Hear how parenting their three sons with autism has deepened Greg and Gina's faith in Christ and introduced opportunities to encourage other families out of isolation by helping churches recognize that all members of the body of Christ are indispensable.Find all resources mentioned on the podcast at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastQuestions or prayer requests? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends.org/donate*Joni and Friends was founded

Do you know someone who has been wounded by the misuse of Scripture? Or excluded from the life of the church because they haven’t been miraculously healed? Crystal Keating is talking again with counselor Darby Strickland who teaches at Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation's online School of Biblical Counseling and trains churches to care well for those affected by abuse. Darby recently shared about trauma and how to care well for someone carrying wounds from a traumatic experience. This week, she’s sharing about another form of deep wounding: spiritual abuse. Listen as Darby explains some of the markers of spiritual abuse and what someone in the role of a “helper” should be aware of when walking alongside someone wounded by the misuse of scripture.Would you like to learn more about ministering to someone in the context of abuse? Becoming a Church that Cares Well for the Abused is a free web-based training helps leaders understand and implement the best practices for handling a variety of abuse sc

Over the past few weeks and even days, the world has changed rapidly. As we come to grips with the effects of a global pandemic, it can be easy to allow fear or anxiety to creep in. But in times like these, it’s important to remind ourselves of the sovereignty of our God who rules over everything, including the coronavirus. This week on the podcast, Crystal Keating is sitting down with Joni Eareckson Tada (with appropriate social distancing, of course!) to put our focus on our God who remains the same – steadfast and trustworthy – regardless of what is happening in the world around us. Listen as Joni shares where she is directing her thoughts and finding peace, and the practical ways that you can show God’s love and care to people in your community.Hear more from Joni: www.joniandfriends.org/a-calming-word-during-the-coronavirusFind all resources mentioned on the podcast at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastQuestions or prayer requests? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends: www.joni

When someone goes through a deeply distressing or disturbing experience, their wounds can last long after the initial encounter. The trauma of a physical, emotional, or even spiritual wound can have a deep impact and often has a messy way of expressing itself. So how can someone carrying a deep wound find hope and healing? Today Crystal is talking with Christian Counselor Darby Strickland about understanding trauma. Darby, who specializes in counseling abuse in marriage, works with individuals, families, and couples, who face a variety of issues. She teaches at Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation's online School of Biblical Counseling and leads a support group for oppressed women. She also speaks at national conferences and trains counselors and churches to care well for those affected by abuse and trauma. Listen as she talks about the impact of trauma and how you can share hope and healing in Christ with someone who has been wounded. Would you like to learn more about ministering to someone in

When parents first learn that their child has a disability, their hearts and hopes are often broken. But their faith doesn’t have to be. On this episode of the podcast, Crystal Keating is sitting down with Diane Dokko Kim. Diane is the mother of two sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum, and author of the book Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent. She’s sharing her journey as a special mom, the personal and spiritual crises she faced following her son’s diagnosis, and her struggle to reconcile faith with disappointment. Speaking openly about the doubts and fears that many parents may be too afraid to voice, Diane’s biblical encouragement will help any mom or dad understand that you aren’t alone. God gets it and His word is relevant to the messy and hopeful spaces of special needs parenting.  Whether by diagnosis, disillusionment, a death—or the death of a dream—everyone gets “crippled” by something. God’s purpose is your transformation into greater Christlikeness and closeness

Everyone is indispensable to the body of Christ, regardless of our abilities or giftings. So how can we create an inclusive environment where all people are welcomed and embraced into the fabric of the church, home life, and community? Is there anything that you can do to bridge the gap between the isolation that is often created because of disability and the community of a vibrant, inclusive church? Today, Crystal Keating is sitting down with guests Greg Greer and Jamia Cinelli to discuss some of the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of people impacted by disability and ways we can remove social and physical barriers, especially in the church. Hear how a church’s culture can be transformed when all parts of the body of Christ are included.Download Pathways to Belonging Church Training Resources: www.joniandfriends.org/churchQuestions? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgFind all resources mentioned on the podcast at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Ear

When you receive the unexpected news that your loved one has cancer, how do you hold on to hope? This week on the podcast, Crystal is talking with Randy Alcorn, founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries and author of more than 50 books including The Treasure Principle and New York Times Best Seller Heaven. For this conversation, Randy is sharing candidly as the loving husband to his wife, Nanci, who has been battling significant colon cancer since 2018. Randy and Nanci have spent years ministering together to fund missions, sponsor pro-life causes, and feed the hungry, and now walking together through this difficult season has been no different. Listen as Randy shares about their journey, where they find real hope, and practical ways that can encourage someone in your life facing similar challenges.Questions? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org.Find all resources mentioned on the podcast at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast.*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving acci

In the midst of challenging circumstances, how can you have a thriving marriage? Are there practical ways to strengthen your love for your spouse? This week on a special Valentine’s episode of the podcast, Crystal is chatting with Greg and Gina Hubert, a couple who’s been married for more than 30 years. When Greg and Gina first said “I do,” they didn’t expect that their family would be impacted by disability… that all three of their children would be diagnosed with autism. But as they’ve walked through seasons of disability, their marriage has gotten stronger. What is their secret? How have they beaten the odds? Listen as they share their story, how God has used disability to strengthen their love for one another, and practical ways that any couple can strengthen their marriage in the midst of challenging circumstances.Questions? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org.Find all resources mentioned on the podcast at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast.*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada

The Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast has returned for a second season, bringing you real conversations about disability and sharing hope through hardship! Today, Crystal Keating is kicking off season two with Ashley Hall, a Joni and Friends ministry partner who serves in Uganda training teachers, church leaders, and other service providers on how to include people with disabilities.Prior to ministry service, Ashley worked in special education in Southern California. With a heart to serve people with disabilities in Africa and training as a Joni and Friends Cause 4 Life intern, God called Ashley out of the special education classroom to Uganda where she’s been living out her passion for equipping young professionals for disability ministry. Listen as Ashley talks about life in Uganda, her community approach to inclusion, and shares stories of how God is transforming hearts across churches and communities so that all people will have a seat at the Luke 14 banquet table.Learn more about Cause 4 Life at www.joni

Every person has important gifts that need to be shared with others and the church, but many families face real challenges with finding acceptance and a place to serve. Today on the podcast, Crystal is sharing a powerful message of hope from Emily Colson, daughter of the late Chuck Colson and mother to Max, her adult son who has a diagnosis of autism. Emily’s perfect world turned upside down following a painful divorce when Max was just a baby. As Max grew, challenges with autism became increasingly difficult for Emily…she was able to go out less and less and eventually even stopped going to church altogether. Emily never imagined that she’d be so disconnected from the spiritual life of the church because of Max’s diagnosis. But God used the words of Joni Eareckson Tada to encourage Emily’s heart: “Your church would be so blessed to have people with autism running up and down the aisles.” Emily took those words to heart and decided to find a way for her family to cross the threshold of the church. Listen as E

With Christmas around the corner, does it seem like everyone else is oozing holiday cheer? While the rest of the world is wrapped up in red and green, you’re the only one feeling blue? December is presented as a month of celebration and belonging – a time of happiness, when everything goes right. But so often that is just not the case. For many people, the holidays intensify feelings of loneliness, grief, or depression. And instead of feeling happy, we’re reminded of the way things are not, of losses or of the things we’ve hoped for that haven’t happened yet. This week on the podcast, Crystal is talking about depression with Dr. Todd Stryd, a faculty member and counseling coordinator at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation. Listen to their encouraging conversation to hear how depression is approached in Scripture and how we can respond this Christmas season.Find more resources for dealing with depression at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastQuestions? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org*J

Last week on the podcast, Crystal talked with Jasmine and Joey Tell, a young couple who is working to transform the lives of people impacted by disability in Thailand. Today, Jasmine and Joey are back on the show to share more about their ministry and the impact that providing a wheelchair has on a person in need of mobility, as well as their family, their community, and their church. Hear how a wheelchair given in Jesus’ name is the perfect gift – how wheelchairs are opening doors for the Gospel in Thailand. Give the Perfect Gift!Learn more about the show at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastQuestions? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org*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 disab