Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

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

It’s remarkable to see how God will use our experiences and challenges to reveal His plan and move our hearts toward His purpose. This week on the podcast, Crystal is sitting down with Jasmine and Joey Tell, a young couple with an incredible story of answering God’s call to serve people with disabilities in Thailand. Listen as they share personal stories of God’s restoration, some of the typical challenges for people with disabilities in Thailand, and how God has called them to empower the local church in disability ministry. Don’t miss this great conversation with an inspiring couple!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 h

After 37 years of marriage, Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada know firsthand the challenges that a married couple can face when disability involved. Today on the podcast, listen as they share stories from their own relationship and how they live out their husband and wife roles in a caregiving marriage. Because caregiving is not a detour for their lives; it is the main road that God has set out for them. Listen as they share the importance of trust and communication, and offer practical advice for other couples in a caregiving marriage.  Find a copy of Ken Tada's new minibook, For Better or for Worse, at joniandfriends.org/podcast.Questions? 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

Following Crystal’s last podcast episode featuring a conversation with Dr. Todd Stryd about caring for someone with schizophrenia, we’re sharing the personal story of a Christian woman who lives with schizophrenia. Her testimony was originally given at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation Conference in 2018 following Dr. Todd Stryd’s message on Schizophrenia, Psychosis, and Scripture – Finding Certainty in Chaos. Listen as she shares honestly about the confusion she faced as a young girl, the fears and uncertainties she continued to experience, and the hope she found through God’s Word. With the support of her family, her church, and a Christian counselor, she recognized that the Lord was calling her to more. Although her relationships have been challenged, the Lord has preserved them. By God’s grace, she is able to faithfully care for her two young children and her husband. Even when she is unrecognizable to herself and to others, God recognizes her, knows her intimately, and loves her. Schi

November is National Family Caregivers Month and this week on the podcast we’re continuing the conversation about caregiving with a focus on how to care for someone with schizophrenia. If you have a loved one afflicted with schizophrenia, you may have wondered about the way forward. Today, Dr. Todd Stryd who serves as a faculty member and counseling coordinator at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation is sharing a road map for how to live with hope and compassion in the midst of schizophrenia. Through his experience as a hospital chaplain, crisis worker, and university counselor, he’s seen how God can empower both you and your loved one to persevere in faith and compassion. Hear how you can advocate for them, encourage their way forward, and connect them to a Christian community.Find resources for caregivers at www.joniadfriends.org/podcastUse the code JONI to download a free copy of Dr. Stryd's article, Caring for Someone with Schizophrenia: www.ccef.org/shop/product/caring-for-someone-with-s

November is National Family Caregiver’s Month, a time to recognize the dedication of family members who provide around the clock care to their loved ones. Today on the podcast, Crystal is chatting with Peter Rosenberger, a dedicated husband and caregiver for more than 30 years to his wife, Gracie. As he’s cared for Gracie who lives with disability and extreme pain, he’s learned so much about perseverance, love, and relationships. As someone who speaks “fluent caregiver,” he’s offering a lifetime of experience to be a lifeline of help to his fellow caregivers. Listen in for hope, encouragement, and some excellent practical advice.Find resources for caregivers at www.joniadfriends.org/podcast Learn more about Peter at www.hopeforthecaregiver.comQuestions? Email us 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 r

This week, Crystal is continuing her conversation with Vaneetha Risner, a special guest who has experienced the powerful presence of God through a lifetime of suffering. If you missed last week’s episode with Vaneetha, you can listen to part 1 to hear her share of God’s faithfulness through a debilitating disease, multiple miscarriages, the death of a child, abandonment, and an unwanted divorce. In today’s conversation, Vaneetha shares honestly about the newer challenges she faces of living with a progressive disease, the transition from being the helper to being helped, and her sage advice for those going through unrelenting hardships. Through her many valleys, Vaneetha could have given up. But in the midst of her suffering, she discovered the goodness of God and His divine purposes. Listen now to hear more of her powerful story.Find your copy of The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering at https://store.joniandfriends.org/product/scars-have-shaped-me-how-god-meets-us-suffering.Learn more

This week on the podcast, Crystal is talking with a special guest who understands suffering. With the diagnosis of a debilitating disease that led to 21 surgeries by the time she was 13, years in the hospital, and bullying from classmates, Vaneetha Risner encountered extraordinary pain early in life. She then experienced multiple miscarriages as a young wife, the death of a child, abandonment, and an unwanted divorce. And through it all, Vaneetha discovered the goodness of God and His divine purposes in her suffering. Listen as Crystal talks with Vaneetha about her book The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering, and God’s sustaining grace she found in the midst of disability, shame, and grief.Find your copy of The Scars That Have Shaped Me: How God Meets Us in Suffering at https://store.joniandfriends.org/product/scars-have-shaped-me-how-god-meets-us-suffering.Learn more about Vaneetha at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastAnd don’t miss part two of Crystal’s conversation with Vaneetha next week

Nicole Pollastrini is back to the podcast! Last episode, Nicole shared how her daughter’s unexpected diagnosis of Down syndrome impacted her family. Today she’s talking about the community she found through her daughter’s special needs. The diagnosis of disability for Sage opened Nicole’s world to new people facing similar challenges. This community of other parents raising children with special needs gave Nicole and her husband the support they needed to parent Sage. Hear how her involvement in Buddy Break and other church outreaches has made all the difference.If you know a mom whose world has recently been rocked by the diagnosis of Down syndrome for her baby, please share this podcast with her. Nicole’s tender advice would benefit any mom with questions or fears following an unexpected diagnosis for her baby.See a photo of Sage at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastDownload the booklet My Baby Has a Disability: Life-Giving Questions and AnswersFor questions, email podcast@joniandfriends.org*Joni and Friends wa

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Crystal is talking with Nicole Pollastrini, a wonderful mama to three kids. When Nicole and her husband first decided to grow their family, it wasn’t on their radar that their daughter Sage might be born with a disability. Listen as Nicole walks through the thoughts and emotions that she experienced following her daughter’s diagnosis of Down syndrome, and how her outlook has changed over the past three years. Don’t miss this open conversation about the real fears, challenges, and blessings of being a special needs mama.See a photo of Sage at www.joniandfriends.org/podcastDownload the booklet My Baby Has a Disability: Life-Giving Questions and AnswersFor questions, email 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 supp

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and according to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer sometime during her lifetime.* Today Crystal is talking with Amy Brands, a young woman for whom this topic hits very close to home. As a busy 34-year-old mother to a school-aged daughter, Amy was stunned to hear her doctor say the words, “You have cancer.” Listen as she shares her personal breast cancer journey and the advice she would offer to other women who are faced with a similar path.Read more information at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast*www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.htmlFind cancer-related resources from Joni Eareckson TadaDiagnosed with Breast Cancer: Life After ShockFacing Trials with Joy - Cancer and Beyond*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

Kristin Hamer is back on the podcast this week to talk about what it means to incorporate all people in the body of Christ. In a previous conversation, Kristin shared about her disability and her journey of finding contentment and purpose in her visual impairment. Along her journey, one of the influences in her growth was the opportunity to serve as a Joni and Friends Cause 4 Life intern.Listen as Kristin shares about her life-changing experience serving people with disabilities around the world and how the hands-on training with Cause 4 Life changed her perspective on what it means to include and embrace people with disabilities. Because it’s not just about adding another program, it’s about tearing down the barriers…Watch a video of Kristin serving kids with disability in Uganda at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast*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, resp

This week, occupational therapist Jeannie Wronski is back on the podcast to continue our conversation about helping individuals with disabilities thrive. Jeannie will tell you that sometimes when children appear to have a behavioral issues, they may actually have a sensory processing challenge. Listen as she talks through how children with sensory processing challenges perceive the world and the strategies that she uses to help them feel safe and welcomed. She’ll also be sharing some of the creative ways that she encourages kids who have a heightened sense of awareness to connect to God. For more information about practical ways to create an inclusive ministry environment, download your free copy of Pathways to Belonging at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast*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 i

“All people can and should learn the Scriptures. The Bible matters to everybody. We owe it to our friends, no matter what the disability, to open up the Word of God for them and help them be able to receive it.”–Gina SpiveyThis week on the podcast Crystal has invited Carrie Jones, a special education teacher, and Gina Spivey, a special needs pastor, to talk through ways we can make the gospel accessible to everyone. With a passion to help kids of all abilities engage and participate in the body of Christ, they are working to remove any barriers that might hinder a child with special needs from learning the Bible. Listen as Carrie and Gina share ways that you can be proactive in the classroom or at an event so that all kids are loved and successful at learning God’s Word. You won’t want to miss their example of how to encourage children with limited language abilities to memorize Scripture!For more information about practical ways to create an inclusive ministry environment, download your free copy of Pathways

On the past few episodes of the podcast, we’ve been discussing ways to help families thrive – not just meeting the physical needs of a child with a disability, but also the emotional needs of the whole family. This week, Crystal is speaking with Jeannie Wronski who has a fascinating career as a pediatric occupational therapist. Although her work is centered on the physical aspects of a child’s development, Jeannie loves building relationships with the families she serves and using her career as an opportunity to meet the needs of the whole family. Listen as talks through her interesting career journey and why she loves being a pediatric occupational therapist. Joni shares about the first piece of art that she created with her mouth – encouraged by her occupational therapist! www.joniandfriends.org/national-cowboy-day Download a free chapter of Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast. *Joni and Frie

“When we speak of children with special needs, we know there is great diversity in the needs and abilities… But nothing is more important than meeting the emotional need for love. Just as the child’s body craves food, so the child’s spirit craves love. When their love tanks are full, children respond more fully to the rest of life.” On our last episode of the podcast, we heard from Dr. Gary Chapman about how the five love languages can strengthen your marriage and family life… especially when disability is involved. Today, Crystal is continuing the conversation about love languages with Jolene Philo, who co-authored Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities with Dr. Gary Chapman. Drawing on her personal experience of raising a child with a life-threatening medical condition and 25 years of work as an educator collaborating with special education teachers to mainstream children in her elementary classroom, Jolene shares excellent ad

“The demands of caring for children who have medical conditions, developmental or cognitive delays, disabilities, behavior issues, are on the autism spectrum, or have other special needs can stress marriages to their breaking point. That’s the bad news. The good news is that care giving parents who know about and implement the love languages say they are a simple and effective way of filling a spouse’s love tank and reinforcing the glue that bonds them together.” Dr. Gary Chapman Raising kids is daunting but raising children with special needs often brings a new set of challenges. With days regularly filled with doctor’s appointments, meetings with teachers, handling outside caregivers and therapists, and caring for other children, parents can quickly find themselves depleted and their marriages strained. But there is hope! Today on the podcast, Crystal is welcoming Dr. Gary Chapman, best-selling author and counselor who developed the 5 Love Languages. Dr. Chapman has counseled numerous parents of children

“I went through a time where I lost who I was – a deep depression where everything felt so hard. It was a struggle just to get through the day and I was at a point where I was wishing that I wasn’t here anymore… because of how hard days felt, even though I wasn’t living a hard life. It was the mental health that I was struggling with.” -Emily Norton On our last episode of the podcast we talked with Chris and Emily Norton, a couple who is anything but ordinary. Paralyzed in a college football game, Chris trained relentlessly and beat all odds to walk across the stage at his college graduation. Then three years later, he did it again, walking down the aisle to marry his lovely wife, Emily. But in between those two triumphant walks, the couple journeyed through some real challenges. Today they are back on the show to open up about Emily’s battle with disabling depression and anxiety at a time when her life seemed to be going well. They also share about what it’s like to foster and adopt when disability is involv

For Chris and Emily Norton, walking across the stage at his college graduation seemed like an impossible goal. Paralyzed in a football game his freshman year, Chris was given a three percent chance of moving anything below the neck again. But he trained relentlessly. With his then-fiancé Emily by his side, Chris’ triumphant 10 steps were seen by millions around the world! Little did they know, this was just the beginning of Chris and Emily’s incredible journey. Three years later, Chris joyfully conquered another challenge, this time walking seven yards down the aisle after their wedding ceremony with new wife Emily at his side – seven yards that symbolized the seven-year anniversary of his injury. But with all of their triumphs, Chris and Emily have also faced many challenges and struggles. Together they’ve fostered 17 children, adopted 5 daughters, and overcome a season of debilitating depression and anxiety that set in for Emily just two weeks after Chris’ graduation walk. Listen now as Chris and Emily shar

“Suffering is intended to make our souls brave.” It’s a broken world. We all have weaknesses and limitations. Disability. Illness. Loneliness. Heartache. Suffering comes at us in different shapes and sizes. Living through 52 years of quadriplegia, battling two rounds of breast cancer, and dealing with chronic pain, Joni Eareckson Tada knows a lot about suffering. But she also knows about courage and persevering through hardship! Today on the podcast, listen as Joni shares about perseverance and the power of example. Courage breeds courage, so be encouraged as you hear how you can use your brokenness to bless others. Find Joni's book, When God Weeps, at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast. 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 s