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ShareTeaching the Teacher at Family Retreat
Ty Coleman is a special education teacher in Laffayette, Pennsylvania. At the end of the school year, instead of taking a vacation, Ty heads to Family Retreat, where he serves kids and families with disabilities as a Short Term Missionary (STM) with joy and passion. Why? “At Family Retreat people with disabilities are happy and celebrated,” says Ty. “We see ‘God smiles’ all day long. God’s love is here in what one person does for another. At Family Retreat we’re all unified, we’re all unique and celebrated. Family Retreat is how God intended us to be!” Ty’s job as an STM is demanding as he serves Danny, who has developmental...
New Soul Surfer Devotional
Brand new to the Joni and Friends store is Bethany Hamilton’s Soul Surfer devotional. Best known for her remarkable return to surfing after losing her arm in a shark attack, Bethany’s triumph over adversity has inspired millions of people. In her contemporary devotional, Bethany has carefully selected scriptures that guide young women to rely on God in times of uncertainty, as well as prayers to focus on and wipeouts to avoid. No matter how great or small your adversity, let Bethany’s devotional encourage you to rely on God in the midst of your suffering. Also makes a great gift for a young woman you know!
A Life God Changed through You...
Genecis is a little girl with shining eyes filled with love. But she can’t express it. Born with cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, Genecis has never spoken and cannot walk. But when she was lifted into a shiny new pediatric wheelchair, joy burst over her little face. That's when we introduced a communication board to Genecis’ mom, Luisa – she opened a book filled with simple signs that her daughter could point at to communicate her needs and thoughts (things like “eat,” “tired” “happy” “sleep”). Luisa and Genecis picked out their very own signs and a communication board was made. Seated in her new wheelchair with her brand new communication board on her lap...
An Oasis of Hope for Families
God is using you to wrap His arms around families affected by disability or injury at Family Retreats here in the U.S. and at international locations worldwide. For our brave servicemen and women returning home from war with life-changing injuries and disabilities, Joni and Friends offers Wounded Warrior Getaway – the only military partnership program designed to minister to the needs of a soldier and his or her entire family. When weary and hurting families arrive at Family Retreat or Wounded Warrior Getaway, they find an...
Wheelchair Collection at the IDC on July 13
On July 13, 2012, Joni and Friends Wheels for the World plans to hold a wheelchair collection at the Joni and Friends International Disability Center. The event will be held from 1p.m. to 7 p.m. and anyone, from individuals to businesses, can bring wheelchairs, collapsible walkers, aluminum crutches, and canes for donation. Joni and Friends volunteers and local Chair Corps representatives will be available to accept the items. After the articles are restored, they will be sent...
Update from Our Interns in Haiti
Thank you for praying for our Cause 4 Life interns who have been serving this week in Haiti at two churches and a special needs orphanage. We’ve received a great report from our Internship Director who writes from Haiti: “These orphans with special needs are rarely visited, but we’re here to show Christ. We’ve been sharing the gospel through songs, skits and crafts, expressing God’s love through a much needed warm embrace. You should see the joy on the children’s faces!” While in Haiti, the interns are providing training in special education and occupational therapy to caregivers at the orphanage as well as teachers and parents at two churches. Many families affected by disability don’t yet attend church, but the team is helping the churches reach local families by providing the very first special needs classroom in Haiti! Please continue to keep the interns in your prayers as this life-changing experience confirms their call to serve children and families affected by disability!
Joni and Friends Television Broadcast in Korea!
More new and larger international audiences than ever are able to watch the Joni and Friends television program as it is now being broadcast in Korea on the CGNTV network, with carriage in both China and Japan. The Korean network will both dub and subtitle the program in the native languages of the countries where it is being broadcast. Simultaneous with the television program’s launch in Korea, ministry founder Joni Eareckson Tada’s most recent book, “A Place of Healing,” was translated into Korean and is now available for purchase in bookstores and online.
“The Joni and Friends television series is a vital tool providing encouragement and strength to those affected by disability,” said Joni and Friends President Doug Mazza. “It also delivers the Gospel message with a sense of hope and purpose for those who...
A Newlywed's Word of Wisdom
When Ken asked Joni to marry her, neither was sure what was going to happen in a marriage with disability. What they did know, however, was that Christ was going to have to be at the center of their commitment to one another. Watch this video to hear Joni and Ken as newlyweds speak at a Billy Graham Crusade (1983) about the need for Christ in all types of relationships, especially in those affected by disability.
Heading for Haiti
Ten of our interns are heading to Haiti today after spending nearly 2 weeks studying disability ministry and the Word of God – their classroom text was Life in the Balance which covers a biblical perspective on the sanctity of life, autism, challenges of special needs families, healthcare, and the genocide of unborn infants with disabilities. This week I had the pleasure of joining the Joni and Friends leadership in 'praying over' these...
Mikayla Scales the Climbing Wall at Family Retreat!
“There’s something at Family Retreat you can’t get anyplace else,” says Wanda Robinson, mom of 13-year old Mikayla, who uses prosthetic legs. “It’s God’s peace reviving my spirit and inspiring me to continue. It’s a place of safety and unconditional love.” “We’ve tried other camps,” says dad, Michael. “But the only thing Mikayla got to do was crafts—while the other kids did outdoor stuff.” Not at Joni and Friends Family Retreat! “This week I’m climbing the rock wall, zip-lining, paintballing, and MORE!” says Mikayla. For Mikayla, being a teenager with a disability is an uphill climb. People stare. Even her friends don’t understand how hard it is for her to keep up with them. But it’s different at Family Retreat. “I don’t feel alone anymore,” says Mikayla. “Family Retreat gives me more confidence to go back out in the world and be strong in Jesus!” Thank you for sending special needs families to Family...
