Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

Dr. Jason Kolb and his wife Amy know firsthand about unexpected turns in life. In January 2023 Jason took a wrong turn at high speed while skiing and landed at the bottom of a 20-foot drop. As an ER doctor, Jason knew he was paralyzed from the chest down and had broken several ribs. Jason and Amy join Stephanie Daniels to share their journey of discovering God's sufficient grace in ways they never could have planned. Their conversation will encourage, challenge, and remind you that no matter what you face, God's grace really is enough.Read more of Dr. Kolb’s storyGet your copy of Dr. Kolb’s book, Down the Mountain: Skiing, Suffering, and Sufficient GraceConnect with him at www.drjasonkolb.com  KEY QUESTIONS:How can you bring community to someone experiencing isolation?Whose burden can you bear?What trial do you need to entrust to God today? KEY SCRIPTURES:2 Corinthians 12:9–10: “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more g

Shawn Thornton, our Joni and Friends President and Chief Ministry Officer returns to the podcast to share his experience and insight on disability ministry in the church. Raised with disability in his immediate family, Shawn has a unique perspective on how the church should care for people who live with disability. Hear how God has used his personal experience to grow him as a pastor and prepare him to reach the global church through his role with Joni and Friends.Listen to part 1 of Shawn’s conversation with Stephanie DanielsGet your copy of Shawn’s book, All But Normal: Life on Victory RoadPrior to leading Joni and Friends, Shawn served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California, where he helped launch a dynamic disability ministry that has become a model for churches nationwide. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Awana Clubs International and on the Board of Trustees of Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California.Shawn and his wife, Lesli, live in Southern Ca

Shawn Thornton is the President and Chief Ministry Officer of Joni and Friends, an international non-profit organization founded by Joni Eareckson Tada that offers hands-on help and Gospel hope to people living with disabilities. With decades of pastoral experience, Shawn most recently served as Senior Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, California where he supported the development of a disability ministry program that provides an example for churches across the country. He and his wife, Lesli, have three adult children—Jon, Katie, and Megan.Get your copy of All But Normal: Life on Victory RoadGrowing up, Shawn Thornton’s life was anything but normal―but then, so was his mother. After waking from a coma following a car crash, Beverly Thornton’s once sweet and gentle disposition had been replaced by violent mood swings, profanity-laced tirades, and uncontrollable fits of rage. Inside the Thornton house, floors and countertops were piled high with dirty laundry and garbage because Bev was u

Vaneetha Risner is no stranger to suffering. Having lived through polio, the loss of a child, and multiple miscarriages, she has wrestled with God and learned to trust in his goodness. Vaneetha joins Stephanie Daniels to share about her journey and how she has continued to hope in God through the darkness of deep pain. Their encouraging conversation will remind you that God sees you and reassure you that you never have to suffer alone.Get your copy of Vaneetha’s devotional, Watching for the MorningFind out more about Vaneetha and connect with her at: www.vaneetha.comLearn more of Vaneetha’s story on previous podcast episodes: Desperate for Hope: Questions We Ask God in Suffering and Finding Freedom Through Forgiveness KEY QUESTIONS:How have you seen God work through the hardships in your life?What struggle do you need to bring before God today, trusting him to meet and sustain you?KEY SCRIPTURES:Psalm 34:3–5: “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he

Kay Warren, known for cofounding Saddleback Church with her husband, Pastor Rick Warren, joins Stephanie Daniels to discuss a deeply personal topic. Kay is the mother of three adult children, including Matthew who lost his life to suicide at age 27 after years of chronic depression. Having walked beside her son through his suffering, and survived the anguish of his death, Kay has experienced firsthand the need for the church, and all believers, to extend compassionate support to people facing mental health struggles. Tune in for this critical call for the body of Christ to support people who battle with depression, suicidal ideation, and despair—providing the love and hope of Jesus in moments of deepest darkness.Help is here! If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, suicidal ideation, or other mental health challenges, you are not alone…Explore resources mentioned in this episode, and encouragement from Joni Eareckson Tada who has herself wrestled with deep depression.Get your copy of Kay Warren’s

Army Chaplain and special needs dad Matt McCraney joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about how the body of Christ can better embrace people living with disabilities. Bringing personal, biblical, and academic perspectives, Matt identifies barriers that keep disabled people from finding their places of belonging in the church and he offers practical ways Christians can better demonstrate the love of Jesus to those living with disability. Matt McCraney has served as an Army Chaplain for 17 years and is a devoted father to a child with autism. He holds a PhD from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Married to his wife Sarah for 20 years, Matt is the proud father of four children and the owner of a beloved dog named Appa.As Matt says: “Sundays are incredibly difficult for families with a disabled child, often because of the attitudes and assumptions of members. To welcome these families, we need to reexamine how we understand disabi

Lars Nelson, a member of New York City Ballet’s corps de ballet, joins Stephanie Daniels to share about his faith journey, career, and passion to see people with disabilities served and included by the church. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he began dance training at the age of 11, studied at the School of American Ballet, then joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet in 2011. He is husband to Tanya and also brother to Eric, who lives with cerebral palsy.Learn more about Lars Nelson and hear why he names Joni Eareckson Tada as his hero!Find out more about our Wheels for the World® program, which hand-delivers wheelchairs and Bibles to people with disabilities in developing countries, all in the name of Jesus.Learn more about our Family Retreats. Discover our free resources to help your church fully embrace people living with disability.KEY QUESTIONS:Does your church, neighborhood, and community embrace people living with disabilities?How can you welcome people with disabilities into your persona

Author, speaker, and special needs mom Jess Ronne joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about her family’s story of beauty emerging from the ashes. She also offer insight into tangible ways to support families facing difficult seasons. Jess is the founder of The Lucas Project, named after her son with profound disabilities, which provides recognition and respite for parent caregivers. She and her husband Ryan, both of whom lost spouses to cancer before blending their families, have eight children, an encouraging story of finding hope through hardship, and a heart to serve others coping with deep and complex suffering.Learn more about The Lucas Project, which provides resources, respite, and recognition for parent caregivers of children with disabilities.Explore Jess’s books:Caregiving with Grit and Grace: For caregivers, this book offers solace for your journey and extends a heartfelt invitation to view your role through the lens of eternity.Sunlight Burning at Midnight: Jess’s memoir offers an inspiring and encour

Meet special needs parents, business partners, and Christ-loving power couple Clifton (Cliff) and Lorraine Marshall. In an inspiring conversation with Stephanie Daniels, Cliff and Lorraine share about meeting on a blind date, forming a blended family, raising a child with a disability, and growing in faith—and love for one another—through life’s seasons and challenges. Tune in to be encouraged in your career, family life, and daily struggles and be equipped with Scriptures to bring you fresh hope and joy.Families navigating disability often name respite care as their top unmet need. If someone you know needs encouragement, respite, and an experience of true belonging in the body of Christ, invite them to check out our Joni and Friends Retreats & Getaways!For spouses living with disability in the family, like Cliff and Lorraine, Joni and Friends Marriage Getaway offers rich community with other couples who understand the unique challenges of disability. Learn more about this unique opportunity for encourag

Larah Roberts, a dedicated mom, wife, and Christ-centered disability advocate, joins Stephanie Daniels to talk about raising children with autism as thriving followers of Jesus. Larah shares from her own family’s experience and her wisdom as the founder of the organization Raising Autistic Disciples. Don’t miss Larah’s heartfelt encouragement for individuals, churches, and communities to fully include, support, and disciple families navigating life with disability.Explore free Joni and Friends resources that will empower you and your church love and serve individuals and families living with disability.Learn more about Larah Roberts and Raising Autistic DisciplesGet your copy of Larah’s book, How to Advocate & Stay Christian: For Parents of Special KidsKEY QUESTIONS:How can you take comfort today in God’s ever-present, changeless love?What spiritual rhythms help you draw near to God and cherish his Word?Who can you reach today with a word of encouragement or gesture of inclusion?KEY SCRIPTURES:Hebrews 13:

Discover more about Joni’s heart on the ADA: Did The Americans With Disabilities Act Really Guarantee Change? | Joni and FriendsAt a celebratory reception after the signing of the ADA, Joni recalls hearing these words spoken by colleague Paul Hearne: “[The ADA] will provide greater access to public accommodation. Wheelchair users will no longer have to be carried up the steps of a restaurant. And one day buses across America will be outfitted with mechanical lifts. There’ll be no barriers to public transportation…. But the ADA will not change the heart of the employer. The law will not change the heart of the maître de in the restaurant.” Key Questions: How can you create spaces that are accessible and inclusive for people with disability? How is Jesus calling you to love and advocate for people living with disability? Key Scriptures:1 Samuel 16:7: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People l

Learn more about Maggie Bushway and purchase your copy of her book, Pearls, A Memoir on Childhood Brain Cancer and Hope.Get your copy of Joni Eareckson Tada’s powerful book (one of Maggie’s favorites!), A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty.Receive biblical encouragement from Joni as you walk through cancer and other tough trials with her booklet, Facing Trials with Joy: Cancer and Beyond.KEY QUESTIONS:What pearls has God made through your suffering?Do you see weakness and pain in your life as opportunities to lean into God’s strength?Do you know a person or family walking through deep suffering? Do something to encourage them today (deliver pizza, pay a visit, or write a note).KEY SCRIPTURES:2 Corinthians 12:9–10: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in we

Abigail Brown has been living with dystonia since the age of three. You may remember her Season 3 podcast episode where she shares about living joyfully with dystonia. Abigail is the founder of Silent Inspirations, a creative studio that offers stationery and home decor based on her original artwork.To encourage women who feel alone or stuck, whether because of a disability or other challenges, Abigail wrote her book, Unstuck: Moving from Resentment to Resilience While Living with Dystonia (using only her left thumb).KEY QUESTIONS:Do you feel stuck or isolated in some area of life?What blessings can you see in your life today?What negative thought patterns give you trouble? Ask God to help you displace them with praise!KEY SCRIPTURES:Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”Romans 8:26: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. And you can be part of making this vision a reality! When you volunteer with Joni and Friends, you will transform lives by delivering hands-on help and the love of Jesus Christ to the people we serve.Find volunteer opportunities near you!Join one of our Wheels for the World™ outreach teams!KEY QUESTIONS:What does God say “qualifies” a person to share the Gospel? How can you take part in welcoming people with disabilities into your church and community?Where might God be calling you to serve?KEY SCRIPTURES:John 9:1–3: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”Romans 10:15: “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful a

Joni and Friends staff member Sarah Fuller returns to the podcast to share how, with three biological children of their own, she and her husband sensed God calling to also serve as foster parents. In conversation with Stephanie Daniels, Sarah tells how her whole family has taken part in loving and sheltering children in foster care, and welcomed a child with disabilities into their family permanently through adoption. Hear how God can use a faithful “yes” to weave his grace and redemption into stories of complexity and brokenness.Get your copy of Joni Eareckson Tada’s powerful autobiography! Hear more conversations about adoption and foster care:Creating a Peaceful Home: Parenting Wisdom from a Mother of Ten!: Do you know how to create lasting peace in your home? Laura Hernandez shares her story of raising ten children (biological and adopted), some living with hidden disabilities. Hear how Laura transformed from an overwhelmed do-it-all mom to a parent who leans on the Lord to create a peaceful, Christ-cente

Joni and Friends staff member Sarah Fuller joins Stephanie Daniels to share her story of God’s faithfulness in calling her into missions, special education, and disability ministry. As a mom, Sarah has invited her children into service opportunities—often volunteering with Joni and Friends—which has shaped their hearts and the trajectories of their lives. Sarah shares how God uses everything from childhood dreams to disappointments to deep experiences of grief to guide and direct the steps of those who love and trust him. Like Sarah and her family, you can have a life-changing experience volunteering with Joni and Friends!Explore volunteer opportunities!Learn more about our Joni’s House programs internationally and in the United States.And if you are interested in learning more about starting a disability ministry in your church, we invite you to explore the free resources we have available. Inspiring books mentioned in this episode:The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party – This beautifully illustrated, bib

Joni and Friends team member Randy Schwartz joins Stephanie Daniels to share about coming to faith as an adult, being a special needs dad and devoted husband, and learning to trust God with all aspects of life. When his younger son was born with spina bifida, Randy and his wife turned to Jesus, relying on his grace day by day.Listen to our Season 6 conversation with Dr. Benjamin Warf, a neurosurgeon at Boston Children’s Hospital, who has a passion for training the next generation of surgeons and improving access to quality care. Dr. Warf shares his story and encouragement for families—fathers in particular—who live with disability.More resources:Dig into God’s Word with Joni Eareckson Tada’s Bible reading plan!Discover books to disciple the children in your lifeLearn more about Joni and Friends Family RetreatKEY QUESTIONS:How can you depend on God’s strength for today instead of your own?Where have you seen God at work in your story? KEY SCRIPTURES:John 9:1–3: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.

Learn more about Mandy Meehan and her faith journey while seeking to heal from fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other chronic conditions. KEY QUESTIONS:Do you entrust your physical, emotional, and spiritual weakness to God? Are you willing to talk about your struggles with a trusted person/people in your life? How can you rest in the Lord today, trusting in his biblical promises? KEY SCRIPTURES:Second Corinthians 4:7–9: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”  You make this podcast possible! Thank you for your support.Find all podcast resources and message our team. Follow Joni and Friends on  Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every

Learn more about Mandy Meehan and her faith journey while seeking to heal from fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and other chronic conditions.Discover more inspiring stories of God’s faithfulness amid difficult chronic illnesses:Living with Chronic Illness | Joni and FriendsWhen Skies Aren’t Blue: A Doctor’s Journey to Hope Amid Chronic Illness | Joni and FriendsKEY QUESTIONS:Where have you seen God’s gracious hand at work through hard times in your life?How can you serve someone today, even as you face your own limitations?Are you willing to ask for help? (Give it a try!)KEY SCRIPTURES:Isaiah 40:29–31: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”Roman 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according t

Struggling with mental health can be part of being human in a broken world. Disciples of Christ have never been promised a trouble-free life. As many faithful believers, including Joni Eareckson Tada, can attest, grappling with depression and other mental health challenges, and even crises, is often part of the Christian walk. Our guest today, Joni and Friends staff member Kali Lilienthal, shares her story of how God has worked through medical and mental health professionals, community, Scripture, and prayer to turn her season of difficulty with depression and anxiety into one of deepening faith in Jesus. Don’t miss this encouraging conversation, which will remind you that you and your loved ones are never alone, even as you walk through dark valleys. View Joni Eareckson Tada's New Life Painting---When a broken neck upended her plans at age 17, Joni Eareckson Tada thought life was over. She fell into a deep depression. And over decades, Joni’s paralysis and pain often made her feel like giving up. But God’s p