Ministries We Support: Joni And Friends

Richard.Vincent.Rose. Writes About “Joni and Friends”

I first saw Joni on the cover of a Gospel tract, many years ago, and immediately felt the call to help her ministry in any way I could. I know that with God, all things are possible … yet, from the first time I read her story, then began to read her words, then heard her speak, it was clear that with Joni, God had done something very special …

Her love for the unloved, her compassion for those hurting, her concern for the disabled, and the way her love of Jesus shines forth, I can honestly say that “when I look at her, when I hear her speak, it is Jesus that I see.”

As she has for millions around the globe, Joni Eareckson Tada has inspired and encouraged me, often in ways that can’t be explained, only felt.

I love to share her story, and in fact, I just gave a copy of the audio book of her autobiography, the 25th Anniversary Edition (narrated by the author, of course), to a dear sister who is considering working with special needs children. A young lady who just happens to also be an artist.

I have been blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with special-needs children, including the severely handicapped population. I just can’t put into words how special this ministry is, and the impact which Joni and Friends is having spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a broken, hurting world.

On a personal note, as I writer and speaker, I admire, respect, and am encouraged by the work of Joni Eareckson Tada, more than any person I have ever been blessed to hear or read.

As I write this, it occurs to me that Joni embodies the very essence of “Why, Pastor, Why.” From watching her speak, hearing her words of comfort, speaking God’s Word, there is no doubt why “God brought her out.” God knows what He is doing. There was no other person on earth who could do what Joni has done, that, in spite of circumstances, “serving Him with all her heart would be her life’s goal.”

What an honor to be allowed the privilege to ask you to join Joni and Ken’s ministry, and help in any way you can.

Blessings to you, and your family,

Richard.Vincent.Rose.

Joni and Friends was established in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada, who at 17 was injured in a diving accident, leaving her a quadriplegic. Since its inception, Joni and Friends has been dedicated to extending the love and message of Christ to people who are affected by disability whether it is the disabled person, a family member, or friend. Our objective is to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of this group of people in practical ways.

Joni and Friends is committed to recruiting, training, and motivating new generations of people with disabilities to become leaders in their churches and communities.

Today, the Joni and Friends International Disability Center serves as the administrative hub for an array of programs which provide outreach to thousands of families affected by disability around the globe. These include two radio programs, an award winning television series, the Wheels for the World international wheelchair distribution ministry, Family Retreats which provide respite for those with disabilities and their families, Field Services to provide church training along with educational and inspirational resources at a local level, and the Christian Institute on Disability to establish a firm biblical worldview on disability-related issue.

From local neighborhoods to the far reaches of the world, Joni and Friends is striving to demonstrate to people affected by disability, in tangible ways, that God has not abandoned them – He is with them – providing love, hope, and eternal salvation.
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