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ShareWe're Heading to DC...
Today Ken and I will be flying to Washington DC to attend a memorial service for Chuck Colson at the Washington National Cathedral. Please pray for safety as we travel, as well as a chance to encourage the Colson family and our friends at Prison Fellowship Ministries who will be attending the service. If you have a minute, watch this video…
Let the Little Children Come to Jesus
When Jesus blessed the children, I'm certain their smiles touched his heart… Just like they touch ours! Just look at how happy three-year-old Carlos is with his new pediatric wheelchair (he has cerebral palsy and this style wheelchair will 'grow' with him)! Carlos' parents have a hard life, but still, they want the best for their son – so when they heard that Wheels for the World was coming to Mexico, they made the long hike with their son to Guadalajara’s Getsemani Baptist Church. His parents heard the Gospel of Christ and their little boy even got something extra to smile about – a teddy bear made by the sewing team. Yep, it's what Wheels for the World is all about, and I can't thank you enough for your prayers and support that make outreach like this possible!
In My Mother's Words
In celebration of Mother's Day this weekend, Joni and Friends is rebroadcasting two wonderful interviews I recorded with my mother before she went home to be with the Lord in 2001. So take a moment and listen in over on our radio page, both today and tomorrow – Lindy Eareckson was a most remarkable woman and I think her buoyant optimism, love for hymns, and stalwart, strong constitution comes shining through on both these heartwarming interviews.
Thanks for taking a moment to listen!
Meet Kevin, Our New Intern
When I'm tooling around the IDC, I love passing other wheelchair users 'on the ramp.' That's one small reason why I'm happy Kevin Natale is with us this month, interning through our Cause 4 Life internship program. I love this guy's attitude (he was shot in the neck by a neighbor at the age of 14, but Jesus Christ gave him the amazing ability to forgive his assailant). At first, though, he was pretty depressed and sought escape from the reality of his quadriplegia by abusing alcohol. Then Jesus gripped his heart and he went on to graduate from college. And now? Among other things, Kevin is helping us research statistics on people with disabilities and drug abuse (yes, it's a bigger problem than you'd think). Take a moment and cheer Kevin on by dropping him a line on my blog… and please pray for this dear brother. Then, take a look at this wonderful video that shows what Cause 4 Life internships are all about!
People Who Inspire Joni: Ralph Carmichael
Ralph Carmichael is a famous composer and arranger of both secular and contemporary Christian music. Recently, he helped me lead a community hymn sing and afterward, during lunch, I learned that he just turned 85! For many years Ralph arranged music for top performers, including Nat King Cole, but it’s in the field of Christian music that he is most well known. They call him the "Father of Contemporary Christian Music," and years ago, he arranged the music on “Joni’s Waltz,” and also on a song I wrote called “When Pretty Things Get Broken.” At 85 Ralph is as energetic as ever and still singing praises to God – and that’s why he inspires me.
A Heartwarming Story from Peru
Kara, one of the team leaders at the International Family Retreat in Peru last week, e-mailed, "I am coming home with my arms aching from holding, rocking, swimming and playing with the special needs children and families. God did amazing, incredible things!" Holding the camera at arm's length, she snapped this photo – the boy in the middle has Down syndrome and severe autism (his father came to camp resenting his son, unable to understand why God gave him an unruly boy who wasn't "normal"). Sixteen-year-old Daniel – the boy's volunteer on the right – found it difficult at first to bond with him. But Daniel prayed, especially as our team talked with the father, explaining the Gospel, the nature of God and his grace. Slowly, the resentful heart of this Peruvian dad opened up to Jesus' love. As father and son were about to get on the bus to go home, Kara happened to be there. "At the last second as I took this photo," she said, "the boy turned his face up to Daniel and kissed him on the cheek! The name of the son? Angel. God did a great work in Angel's heart, and his dad ...
A Conversation with Kirk Cameron
Take a moment to listen in on a conversation I had with Kirk Cameron about his views on the biblical foundations of our country, as well as the current need for prayer for leaders in government, the military, education, business, media, church and family.
Get Ready for the National Day of Prayer
Recently I gave the message at the Los Angeles Mayor's Prayer Breakfast (that's LA Mayor Villaragosa), and Ken and I were so blessed to be among Christians, business leaders and government officials who brought our city before the Lord's Throne in earnest prayer. Personally, Ken and I gained a fresh appreciation for the great number of churches and Christian ministries who are declaring and demonstrating the Gospel among LA's homeless, corporate executives, prostitutes, university students, the poor, media moguls, and city councilmen and women, to name a few. It was a great way to 'ramp up' for tomorrow's National Day of Prayer where we'll have the opportunity to lift up families and leaders across all of America. Psalm 33:12 says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Make plans to take part in a National Day of Prayer observance near you tomorrow!
Radio is "in the Can!"
I just finished radio recording and wanted to send you this quick snapshot – because we paused to thank God for friends like you. I know for a fact that many of you take very seriously your partnership in prayer (you tell me so on the blog). And I'm convinced that your intercessions kept my messages fresh today, my energy up, my breathing strong, pain levels down, and my heart happy (as well as the hearts of Ken, Bev, Rainey, Jim my producer, and Tatiana). What’s next? Tuesday May 1 begins a very exciting month for radio – we are celebrating 30 years on the air. Glory to God! And thank you for listening and praying :-).
Radio Recording Today
Starting bright and early Monday morning, I'll be in the studio recording 30 "Joni and Friends" radio programs, 20 one minute radio features, and 30 disabilitycampaign.org features (didn't I just ask you to pray about all this a couple of weeks ago? My, radio recording day certainly comes around quickly. :-). I will wheel into the studio relying on your prayers to God to give me energy, a clear voice, and most of...
