Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Life After Coma-Induced Memory Loss May 11, 2023

Show notes

When 30-year-old Marcy Gregg woke up from a coma, 13 years of her memories had disappeared. In her mind, she was still 17 years old. She didn't remember her husband or her three children, including the baby she had just given birth to in the hospital. Everything had vanished. Faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her identity, even turning to alcohol amid her struggle, God brought Marcy to her knees. When she turned to her faith, Marcy found hope, beauty, and healing.

Get your copy of Marcy Gregg’s book, Blank Canvas
See Marcy’s art
Connect with Marcy on Instagram: @marcygregg.

KEY QUESTIONS:

What defines your identity?
Where do you turn when life feels impossible?
Have you even felt angry with God?

KEY SCRIPTURE:

Romans 8:28–30: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and daily devotional.
Follow Joni and Friends on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, and Retreats and Getaways, and offer disability ministry training.

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

How the Church Can Celebrate People with Disabilities May 04, 2023

Show notes

Hannah Snoots director of Special Abilities Ministry at Calvary Community Church in California, joins the podcast to share her story of finding joy, peace, and purpose in the midst of navigating disability. As a single mother raising two daughters with special needs, Hannah leans on the Lord for strength and hope. And having found belonging and love through her local church, Hannah encourages all churches—and believers—to embrace and celebrate people living with disabilities. Connect with Hannah on Instagram @Hannah Jane (@hannahjanesstory) • Instagram photos and videos.

One in five people in the United States have a disability. Many believers living with disability can’t find a church home. You can help Joni and Friends change that! Joni and Friends exists to glorify God as we communicate the Gospel and mobilize the global church to evangelize, disciple, and serve people living with disability.

Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village, CA understands the importance of loving and celebrating people with disabilities. As Hannah can attest, when the church provides respite, love, acceptance, and resources for families with disabilities, God changes lives!

Joni and Friends can help you and your church take next steps to welcome integrate people with disabilities:

Church Training Resources
Videos and Quick Steps to help you get started

KEY QUESTIONS:

Do you believe that God can bring beauty from the ashes of your hardships?
Do you lean into God and his church when life gets hard?
What next step can you/your church take to celebrate people living with disabilities?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Luke 14:21, 23: “Go out quickly in the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame…. Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (NIV)
2 Corinthians 1:3–5: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.”

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and daily devotional.
Follow Joni and Friends on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Why Should We Love the Return of Christ? – John Piper Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

Pastor John Piper joins the podcast to share a hopeful vision for the second coming of Jesus. Hear how anticipating the return of Christ can help people who are suffering with hardship and disability today, plus the importance of cultivating a deep love for the Savior as we await his return.

John Piper serves as founder and teacher at Desiring God and is chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary. For 33 years, Piper served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. He has authored more than 50 books, and more than 30 years of his preaching and writing are available at DesiringGod.org.

KEY QUESTIONS:

What will happen when Christ returns?
How can anticipation of Christ’s return provide help and hope when you’re suffering?
How can you cultivate a deeper affection for the Lord while longing for his return?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

1 Thessalonians 4
1 Corinthians 15
Matthew 13:43
Luke 12:37
2 Timothy 4:8
Galatians 2:20

Read more in Pastor John Piper's book Come, Lord Jesus: Meditations on the Second Coming of Christ.

As you listen, send the podcast team a message with your comments and questions.

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and daily devotional.
Follow Joni and Friends on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

We're Kicking Off Season 5 Next Week! Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to Season 5 of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast!

We are excited to kick off a new series of encouraging conversations about finding hope through hardship, and share practical ways to include people with disabilities in your church and community.

What does it mean to suffer well?
How can we understand and cope with pain, loss, disability, and grief?

This season on the podcast, we will learn how to lean on Christ and redefine our experiences with suffering and disability. We will also hear from people living with disability in their own words.

Each episode this season will feature a guest who will provide insight and biblical encouragement for you—no matter what you are facing in your own life.

Episode One kicks off with renowned pastor, author, and teacher John Piper! Tune in to hear Pastor John’s hopeful vision for the second coming of Christ. And find out how the promise of Jesus returning can help you through today’s hardships and suffering.

Subscribe to the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. And be sure to share it with a friend!

As you listen, send the podcast team a message with your comments and questions.

We pray that you will find encouragement and inspiration as you listen this season!

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and daily devotional.
Follow Joni and Friends on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

How to Help Ukrainians with Disabilities: The Long Road Ahead (Part 2) – Galyna Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, Galyna, the Joni and Friends in-country coordinator—alongside other Joni and Friends partners in the region—has organized rescue efforts and ongoing care for people with disabilities from Ukraine. Galyna gives updates on the continuing war, including what happens to Ukrainian refugees after they cross the border.

You can help send Ukrainian refugees with disabilities the long-term support they desperately need: safe housing, food, hygiene products, medical care, and trauma recovery therapy. Give a gift today to provide complete, Christ-centered care!

KEY QUESTIONS:

What happens to Ukrainian refugees with disabilities after they cross the border?
What long-term needs do Ukrainian refugees face?
How can you help Ukrainians with disabilities?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6–7
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:34

Learn more about Joni and Friends efforts in Ukraine and Eastern Europe.

Help support Ukrainian refugees with disabilities.

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's radio podcast and daily devotional.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

How to Help Ukrainians with Disabilities (Part 1) – Galyna Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine, bringing violence, destruction, and terror to Ukrainians, Galyna, the Joni and Friends in-country coordinator in Ukraine, has orchestrated ongoing rescue and care for people with disabilities in and around the warzone.

Galyna joins the podcast to share how God has strengthened and equipped her and other Joni and Friends partners to serve vulnerable people in the midst of severe danger.

KEY QUESTIONS:

Whose needs can you put above your own today?
How can you help people with disabilities in Ukraine?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.” Psalm 31:1–2
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48

Help support Ukrainian refugees with disabilities.

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's radio podcast and daily devotional.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

How to Advocate for People with Disability and Dwarfism – Angela Muir Van Etten Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

"Advocacy makes change possible when people call out what is wrong, care enough to stand up for what is right, commit to the cause for as long as it takes, and have confidence in God's power to change hearts." -Angela Muir Van Etten

Learn more about Angela
Get your copy of Angela’s book, “ALWAYS AN ADVOCATE: Champions of Change for People with Dwarfism and Disabilities”

Advocacy Resources:

Find your state’s Protection & Advocacy resources
Learn more about Centers for Independent Living
Get resources and confidential assistance through 211

KEY QUESTIONS:

What are the keys to effective advocacy?
What is an ally?
Where can you find help to advocate for yourself or a loved one?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8–9
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's radio podcast and daily devotional.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Weak Woman, Strong God – Dr. Jean Sutherland Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

When an unexpected disability or disease turns your life on end, how do you journey through each day without letting fear, depression, or discouragement overtake you? Dr. Jean Sutherland can answer this question from personal experience; she has leaned on the Lord through three bouts of aggressive cancer (and treatments) that have significantly altered her life, abilities, appearance, and even the way she eats and speaks. Dr. Sutherland joins the podcast to share how God has sustained her through suffering and taught her to rely on his strength in her weakness.

Like Dr. Sutherland, Joni often leans on Scripture and hymns during long, difficult nights. She shares some of her favorites in her book Songs of Suffering. If you or a loved one needs encouragement this season, Songs of Suffering will help you find faith, peace, and comfort in the fight.

Listen to Dr. Jean's Spotify Playlist of Hymns

KEY QUESTIONS:

When unexpected difficulties come do you fall into fear, depression, or discouragement?
How can you trust God in your weakness today?
How might God work through you to show himself to others?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:1–3
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 5:6–7

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's radio podcast and daily devotional.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

How to Help Relieve Exhaustion and Isolation for Families Living with Disability – Jennifer Evans Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

A recent Joni and Friends survey identified respite care as the top unmet need among families living with disability. Many parents and caregivers who lack respite care options have to just keep going despite exhaustion, isolation, and discouragement. Disability advocate Jennifer Evans joins the podcast to talk about the gift of respite—how providing this type of rest can enable families to experience the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Download We’ve Got This and other Respite Care Resources

Discover all of the Joni and Friends Church Training Resources

About Jennifer Evans: As disability advocate, author, and speaker, Jennifer’s work address topics of overcoming addiction, burnout, and mental health challenges. Jennifer has served at Joni and Friends Arizona, and as Executive Director for Grace Sober Living, a nonprofit organization that provides Christ-centered recovery care and housing to people overcoming addiction.

Jennifer has also worked as director of a public health charity where she developed community-based hearing healthcare programs.

KEY QUESTIONS:

What is respite care?
How can respite care build relationships?
How can churches provide respite?
What do respite care volunteers need to know before they serve?

KEY SCRIPTURE:

“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12–14

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's radio podcast and daily devotional.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.

Out of Addiction to Freedom: The Road to Recovery – Jennifer Evans Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

Jennifer Evans is a humanitarian, author, and speaker whose work address topics of overcoming addiction, burnout, and mental health challenges. Jennifer has served at Joni and Friends Arizona, and as Executive Director for Grace Sober Living, a nonprofit organization that provides Christ-centered recovery care and housing to people overcoming addiction.

Jennifer has also worked as director of a public health charity where she developed community-based hearing healthcare programs. She is a native Arizonan and graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.

RECOVERY RESOURCES:

KEY QUESTIONS:

How do you heal from addiction?
How does community promote recovery?
How can the church help people who struggle with addiction?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

“Then he said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.’” Matthew 18:3–4 (NLT)
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11–13

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Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's radio podcast and daily devotional.
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Your support makes this podcast possible!

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by international disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, and Retreats and Getaways, and offer disability ministry training and higher education through the Christian Institute on Disability.

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 person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.