Joni is Interviewed by PBS

My Dad was in a wheelchair for over 50 years because of polio he contracted in 1950. He was a farmer and that did not stop him from doing anything he wanted to do. He shingled a barn roof, pulled himself up on his tractor, repaired machinery. He studied a TV repair course and fixed TV's. I remember our living room full of televisions in need of repair. He pushed and crawled down garden rows pulling weeds. When my Mother had to go to work outside our home, he helped her by washing the dishes, getting supper ready, ironing clothes. He wasn't above doing anything. My brother, sister and I will say that he was our hero. He was our Dad. At his funeral, it was mentioned that he left his wheelchair behind. What an impact that made on me. He didn't need at anymore, he was dancing in heaven with our Mother.

Dear Ken and Joni - I was blessed to see this clip and to remind myself of all you have done for others, including me. Four years ago, you gave my daughter, Crystal, who is blind, a Scholarship for Horseback Riding lessons, here in New York City. She loved them so much. If it were not for you, this would not have been possible. Thank you for the help you give to others. You are a gift from God and I love you both. Your sister in Christ, Susan Swift, Bronx, NY

Joni , You have given me so encouragement through the years. Whenever I get discouraged because of my disability, God brings you to my mind; He reminds me that He is there, and I am not alone. I thank God upon every remembrance of you. I am so THANKFUL for you. I am praying for you and Ken duribg these difficult days. Love, Rachel

So very grateful for the moment by moment choices you have made and are making--to give yourself up to Him, to take yourself out of your own keeping and entrust yourself into His keeping; to cling and cleave to, trust in and rely upon---Jesus. “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro (continually) weeping, Carrying his bag of seed (for planting), Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” Psalm 126:5-6

As I watched the portion of this interview showing your morning routine, Joni, I choked back the tears. Into my heart came the hymn, "Love Lifted Me" (second verse): All my heart to Him I give/Ever to Him I'll cling. In His blessed presence live/ Ever His praises sing. Love so mighty and so true/Merits my soul's best songs. Faithful, loving service, too,/To Him belongs. Love lifted me!/Love lifted me!.../When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. Praying God's comfort, strength, favor, and healing for you and Ken.

Dear Ken & Joni, I have a list of people that I refer to as, "encouraging in the Lord" and you are definitely at the top! You are so REAL! It is so encouraging to BE REAL. My husband and I have a license plate that says, B-REAL, it is also the initials of our name put together. I think that as believers and unbelievers alike see a strong Christian going through an ordeal and are REAL about their struggles and yet stay strong in their faith- oh, that is so powerful and encouraging. It encourages the believer and unbeliever to go on and even think more deeply about Jesus. There is a Hymn that comes to mind called "No Other Plea". It reminds me that no matter what is going on, our faith can and must stay strong in our Sovereign Lord! It goes like this: 1)My faith has found a resting place not in device nor creed, I trust the Everliving One, His wounds for for me shall plead. 2) Enough for me that Jesus saves, this ends my fear and doubt, a sinful soul I come to Him He'll never cast me out. 3)My heart is leaning on the Word, the written Word of God. Salvation by my Saviors name, salvation through His blood. 4)My Great Physician heals the sick, the lost He came to save, for me His precious blood He shed, for me His life He gave. CHORUS: I need no other argument, I need no other plea, it is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me. Thankyou Ken & Joni for being so REAL!

Oh, Joni you are so inspiring and yet i wish i could take your pain away as in our human mind we think you have had your share.Yes, if it wasn't for Gods promises it would be hopeless. Consider the ravines:for they neither sow nor reap;which neither have storehouse nor barn;and God feedeth them:how much more are ye better than the fowls of the air. Consider the lilies how they grow:they toil not, not spin not;and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Luke 12:24&27 I like that song as well. Today may you be surrounded by the thought of a field of lilies and God made each one of them and they do there duty and just bloom.May this bring a sense of beauty and comfort God will be there for you.I know you must almost feel like yes, we can say all these things as we have not gone through what you have.I have had so much of fierce trials in my life and so I know what pain is and do have a son how is a paraplegic with one functioning arm.His journey has along been a unique one as most people either loss all four limbs or two but he has one good functioning arm and we are so thankful for that.Joni i want you to know you are one of my heros and I am praying for you and also have shared in my sunday school class to pray for you.Evelyn

Joni, thank you for doing this interview and posting it. I REALLY needed to hear your uplifting words today! You and Ken are in my prayers.

Joni, thank you so much for doing and posting this interview. I REALLY needed some uplifting thoughts today. You and Ken are in my prayer

Fantastic interview - thank you for being open and honest about the difficulties and pain you and Ken have experienced. Helps me understand my teenage son, what he's going through. You and Ken are daily in my prayers.