Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Ups and Downs of Marriage Through Disability and Loss – John and Sue Meyer May 21, 2020

Show notes

“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 comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

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*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. For more than 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 180,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.

www.joniandfriends.org*

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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.

A Quarantined Caregiver – Sib Charles May 14, 2020

Show notes

“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.

*Jess Charles went to be with Jesus on May 29, 2022. We pray for Sib and the Charles family as they journey through this great loss, and trust the love and sovereignty of God.

Read Sib's blog post, The Click of the Lock: www.joniandfriends.org/a-quarantined-caregiver-click-of-the-lock

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

National Day of Prayer May 07, 2020

Show notes

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.org

Support Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

Coping in Community Instead of Suffering in Silence – Daryl McKillian Apr 30, 2020

Show notes

“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 pandemic.

Learn More about the Gospel in Hard Time Study: www.joniandfriends.org/the-gospel-in-hard-times

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

Dealing with Isolation When Your Family is Impacted by Autism – Dr Rebekah Dyer Apr 23, 2020

Show notes

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 disability in a creative way during this time of isolation? Send us your stories – we’d love to hear from you! Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends at www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

A Mother’s Perspective on Caring for a Child with Autism – Diane Dokko Kim Apr 16, 2020

Show notes

“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-recovery-for-a-special-needs-mom/

Download a sample intake form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZB9M9WSWqH-3ft19D2k3xnLwnIFgpYO/view

Find more resources for your church: https://www.joniandfriends.org/ministries/church-training-resources/

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

Grandparenting a Child with Special Needs – Liz Babbitt Apr 09, 2020

Show notes

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/podcast

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

Raising Three Sons with Autism – Greg and Gina Hubert Apr 02, 2020

Show notes

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/podcast

Questions or prayer requests? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

Spiritual Abuse – Darby Strickland Mar 26, 2020

Show notes

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 scenarios at church, school, or ministry.

Find all resources mentioned on the podcast at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast

Questions or prayer requests? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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

God’s Sovereignty During a Pandemic – Joni Eareckson Tada Mar 19, 2020

Show notes

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.

Find all resources mentioned on the podcast at www.joniandfriends.org/podcast

Questions or prayer requests? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.org

Support Joni and Friends: www.joniandfriends.org/donate

www.joniandfriends.org*

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.

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