Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast

Latest Episodes:

From Heartbreak to Hope: New Life for Vicki’s Wheelchair Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

This episode features the stories two beautiful young women, Vicki and Liz. Though they never met, God wove their lives together through a beloved purple wheelchair and the power of his grace.

Vicki lived with profound disabilities. She also exuded joy and made others happy everywhere she went. When she died unexpectedly the day after Mother’s Day at 27 years old, Vicki’s parents were heartbroken beyond belief. They held on to Vicki’s beloved purple wheelchair, too grieved to let it go. But as God brought healing to their hearts, he also brought Vicki’s parents a beautiful idea: to donate their daughter’s wheelchair.

According to the World Health Organization, the majority of people who need assistive technology—such as a wheelchair—have to do without. Through our Wheels for the World program, Joni and Friends changes the lives of individuals and families living with disability by hand-delivering wheelchairs and Bibles to people in need.  

Each year Joni and Friends collects thousands of used wheelchairs, which get restored to like-new condition by incarcerated men and women in prison-based restoration centers. Working on the wheelchairs allows these individuals to make a difference for others and experience redemptive purpose in their own lives. By the time a wheelchair is restored, delivered, and custom-fitted to its new owner, it carries with it more than one story of God’s grace in action.  

You can join Joni and Friends in serving people with disabilities at home and around the world.

Join a Wheels for the World outreach team

Volunteer locally with Wheels for the World

Donate a used manual wheelchair

KEY QUESTION:

Where can you take a step of faith by extending generosity or support to someone you know who is suffering?

KEY SCRIPTURE:

Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

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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.

Overcoming Fear: A Conversation with Michael Hingson Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Michael Hingson, blind since birth, was born in Chicago to sighted parents who believed in raising their son with a can-do attitude. Treated like all other children in his family, Michael rode a bike, did advanced math in his head, and learned to read and write. He later went to college receiving a bachelor’s and master’s degree in physics along with a secondary teaching credential from the University of California at Irvine. Michael then enjoyed a nearly 30-year career working for high tech companies spending most of his time in management roles.

Michael’s life changed dramatically on September 11, 2001, when he and his guide dog, Roselle, escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One in the World Trade Center moments before it collapsed. Soon after, Michael and Roselle were thrust into the international limelight where Michael began to share his unique survival story and 9-11 lessons of trust, courage, heroism, and teamwork. Mike has served as The National Public Affairs Director for one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the nation, Guide Dogs for the Blind. Currently Michael lives in Victorville, California with Alamo, his eighth guide dog and his rescue feline, Stitch.

Get your copy of Michael Hingson’s book, Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust

Check out Michael’s Unstoppable Mindset podcast

Learn more about Michael’s life and work

KEY QUESTIONS:

How can you lean on God today to overcome fear and move forward?

Who in your church, workplace, or neighborhood might need assistance during a crisis or natural disaster? What can you do to be part of their team in these circumstances?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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.

Joni Eareckson Tada Shares on Healing Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

Don’t miss this installment of Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series where Joni digs into the topic of healing. Imagine you’re an athletic, ambitious teenager looking forward to starting college. It’s a hot day at the beach. On a whim, you plunge into the water and your neck snaps as your head hits the sandy bottom. Life will never be the same…

After her diving accident, Joni recalls fervently asking God for healing—to walk again and regain use of her hands; to get out of bed on her own. Poring over stories of Jesus miraculously healing people, Joni waited for her miracle healing. But God had something different in mind for her.

Joni had good reason to believe that God would heal her after her accident. She looked at Scriptures like Matthew 7:9–11 where God promises good gifts to his children. Wasn’t a healed spine a good gift?

Why, more than five decades later, still in a wheelchair living with quadriplegia, can Joni attest to the fact that God has deeply healed her? It’s because, over years of Bible reading and trusting in Jesus, Joni began to see the heart healing and powerful purpose God intended for her—all while living with paralysis. Joni still hasn’t walked again, squeezed her husband’s hand, or gotten up in the morning on her own. But a deep and lasting healing is hers, through the power of the Lord Jesus.

KEY QUESTIONS:

Where in your life do you need healing?

Might God want to heal you in a way you don’t expect, or maybe wouldn’t choose?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Matthew 7:9–11: “‘Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!’”

Isaiah 55:8–9: “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways.’”

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.

Finding God’s Purpose in Relationships: Rachel and Caleb LeMaster’s Christ-Centered Love Story Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Rachel LeMaster lives with both Turner syndrome and a traumatic brain injury. But she doesn’t let her troubles keep her from pursuing God’s call on her life. In the midst of following Christ’s example, encouraging and serving others, she met her husband, Caleb. Now the two live out their Christ-centered mission to love one another and those around them, all for the glory of God. As Rachel says, “to live is to give!”

Watch Rachel’s 2012 interview
Resources for welcoming someone with a disability in your church
Find opportunities to volunteer with Joni and Friends

KEY QUESTIONS:

How can you step out in faith to serve others?
Where have you seen God turn struggle into celebration in your life?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Romans 8:28: “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.”

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.

Survival to Service: Rachel LeMaster’s Story of Miraculous Healing Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

At age 23, Rachel Bailey (now Rachel Bailey LeMaster) was finishing a college certificate in nutrition and personal training. Living with a genetic condition called Turner syndrome, Rachel had weathered experiences of bullying and exclusion, but she found purpose and strength through her faith and community. Seeking ways to share the Gospel through her life, Rachel hoped to serve as a missionary one day. But all her plans got upended in 2011 when a truck smashed into her car on her way to work, causing catastrophic injuries including internal decapitation (the severing of the skull from the spine). Tune in to hear Rachel’s conversation with hosts Crystal Keating and Stephanie Daniels, exploring Rachel’s story of trauma, resilience, and discovering fresh drive to serve others in need of hope and healing.

While the kind of trauma Rachel Bailey LeMaster suffered in her car accident normally results in paralysis or death, she has made a stunning recovery, which she attributes to the grace of God and the quick, skillful action of the first responders and medical professionals. Since the moment Rachel awoke from her month-long coma, she has sensed God’s nearness and trusted him to see her through. Today she shares her powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and hope in Christ with many.

Learn more about Turner syndrome
Watch Rachel’s 2012 interview
Resources for welcoming someone with a disability in your church

KEY QUESTIONS:

What do you feel you cannot do? Take a moment to look for what you can do instead.
What purpose(s) beyond your own is God inviting you into today?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

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.

Challenges, Faith, and Joy: Crystal Keating Interviews Stephanie Daniels Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

Tune in as host Crystal Keating talks with Stephanie Daniels, who is sharing the mic this season. Stephanie opens up about poignant aspects of her story, including the challenges navigating the disabilities of aging parents, and coping with the onset of an autoimmune disease, all while seeking God’s guidance. Don’t miss this encouraging episode that will inspire you to praise God in all circumstances and tap into the deep, peaceful joy that comes from trusting Jesus.

Crystal Keating has been part of Joni and Friends for over 10 years helping the ministry answer thousands of calls, letters, and messages about disability and holding fast to hope in Jesus through life’s greatest hardships. Crystal and the Response Team offer resources, share encouragement from God’s Word, and connect those in need with Christ-honoring, disability-friendly churches. Her prayer for the Ministry Podcast is that each conversation will help listeners and their loved ones “bear much fruit” (John 15:8) in acts of love throughout the disability community.

Stephanie Daniels serves as Community Engagement Specialist at Joni and Friends and she is always ready to share words of biblical encouragement on the Joni and Friends social media accounts. She has a heart for worship and is passionate about encouraging, equipping, and empowering the body of Christ. Stephanie hopes the podcast will encourage everyone who hears it and inspire each listener to lean even more deeply into Jesus.

Send a message to Crystal and Stephanie!

KEY QUESTIONS:

What can you praise God for right now? (Go ahead, do it!)
Where do you get your sense of value?
What life struggle can you lay before the Lord today, exchanging anxiety for the peace of Christ?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Psalm 96:1–3: “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”
John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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.

Joni Eareckson Tada Shares Her Heart on the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Law of Love Needed for True Transformation Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

Don’t miss this installment of Joni Eareckson Tada’s “Heart of the Founder” series, as she shares about her experience serving on the National Council on Disability, contributing to the drafting and passage of the groundbreaking 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

Hear Joni’s reflection on the power of the law compared to the power of the Gospel: while the law can change discriminatory structures, the Gospel is the only thing that can change hearts, bringing about culture change that provides true belonging for people living with disability.

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?

RESOURCES:

Resources to help your church welcome and embrace people with disability.
5 Steps to Starting a Special Needs Ministry.
Irresistible Church training series minibooks featuring 12 aspects of serving families living with disability.

EPISODE SOURCES:

Children with disabilities are up to three times more likely to be bullied than their peers.
Adults with autism are more likely to report loneliness and social isolation.
Public schools have developed campaigns against the use of derogatory language against special education students.
Up to 85% of churches don’t have any level of special needs ministry.

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.

Meet Quadriplegic Pastor Joel Vander Molen Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

Joel Vander Molen is a disability awareness speaker, web developer, and substitute preacher living in Iowa. When Joel was involved in a motor vehicle accident as a small child, he received a high-level spinal cord injury and became unable to breathe without assistance, losing feeling and control over anything below his shoulders. With faith in God and steadfast help from loved ones, Joel completed school and went to college, even living independently in his own dorm room. Through his decades as a quadriplegic, life hasn’t been easy, but he has learned to look to God first, trusting him in all circumstances.

Get a copy of Joel’s book, The Quad Life: Unexpected Times Abound, Reliance on God a Must

“God has allowed me to serve him in ways my parents and I never imagined. He has enabled me to show that anyone can be active if they choose to be. I have been given opportunity to speak with many children and adults and help them learn different perspectives, and I was able to write an entire book, just by using a mouth stick.” – Joel Vander Molen

KEY QUESTIONS:

Think of a hardship you live with or have lived through. How can God use you to encourage others facing similar struggles?
What can your church and community do to better welcome people living with disabilities?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Matthew 19:26: “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
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.”

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.

Vicki Zoradi: Quadruple Amputee, Fueled by Faith – Part 2 Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Vicki Zoradi returns to the podcast to share more about her story of growing in faith following a battle with severe sepsis that led to the loss of her hands and legs. In this second conversation, Vicki talks about how her faith in God and her relationships—particularly her marriage—have carried her through grief and struggle.

Through a steadfast dependence on Jesus and with the support of her family and friends, Vicki has not only found comfort to carry her through suffering; she has also discovered a new calling. Today, as an author and speaker, fitted with prosthetic arms and legs, Vicki uses her story to point others to the Gospel amid their own trials.

Speaking a mighty word of Scriptural encouragement, Vicki invites you to bring your deepest griefs to Jesus, trusting him to anchor and restore your soul amid life’s storms.

Learn more about Vicki Zoradi

Purchase Vicki’s inspirational autobiography: Tested by Fire, Fueled by Faith

KEY QUESTIONS:

How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in a time of pain?
Who in your life needs a helping hand or a word of encouragement from Scripture today?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

Romans 8:18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Hebrews 6:18–20: “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

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.

Vicki Zoradi: Quadruple Amputee, Tested by Fire – Part 1 Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

Listen as Vicki Zoradi shares her striking story of faith tested by fire. On her 60th birthday, shortly after receiving a Teacher of the Year award, Vicki was diagnosed with a seemingly harmless kidney stone. But when the kidney stone became lodged between her bladder and kidney, Vicki’s health took a frightening turn.

After surviving a life-threatening bout with sepsis and the loss of her hands and legs, Vicki leaned on God to navigate through her grief and drastic life change. Since then, through a steadfast dependence on Jesus and with the support of her family and friends, Vicki has not only found comfort to carry her through suffering; she has also discovered a new calling. Today, as an author and speaker, fitted with prosthetic arms and legs, Vicki uses her story to point others to the Gospel amid their own trials.

During part one of Crystal Keating’s conversation with Vicki, you’ll be encouraged to bring your most acute pains and toughest struggles to the One who can provide true, lasting hope and healing through every hardship.

Learn more about Vicki Zoradi

Purchase Vicki’s inspirational autobiography: Tested by Fire, Fueled by Faith

KEY QUESTIONS:

When have you seen hope or healing occur in a situation where it seemed to be “too late”?
What weakness in your life can you give to God right now, inviting him to let his strength and glory shine through?

KEY SCRIPTURE:

2 Corinthians 12:9 “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.”

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.

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