FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In this section, we have compiled a list of answers to the most common questions asked by our visitors.

Joni Eareckson Tada

When is Joni's Birthday?
October 15, 1949

Where was Joni born?
Baltimore, Maryland

When was Joni saved?
November 1964 at a Young Life camp in Virginia

What is one of Joni’s favorite Bible verses?
2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”

What is Joni and Ken’s wedding date?
Joni and Ken Tada were married on July 3, 1982.

How did Joni become disabled?
Joni became a quadriplegic in a diving accident on July 30, 1967 in the Chesapeake Bay.

When did Joni begin her ministry?
In 1979. Joni’s radio show began in 1982.

Does Joni have any pets?
Joni and Ken had a miniature schnauzer dog named Scrappy, who died last year.

What level is Joni's injury?
C-4 & 5

What is Joni's favorite hymn or song?
Be Thou My Vision, Saved by Grace by Fanny Crosby, O Love That Will Not Let Me Go by George Mathieson

How does Joni drive?
Joni drove an adapted van, which has no steering wheel. She drove her van in the same way she steers her power wheelchair today. The van had a panel of push buttons that operate power windows, radio, air conditioning, etc. She worked very hard to develop enough shoulder strength to be able to control the vehicle. Joni is currently not driving but enjoyed and is thankful for her many years in the driver’s seat!

Where did Joni go to high school?
She graduated from Woodlawn Senior High School in 1967 with academic honors

What college did Joni attend?
She attended Western Maryland College and then the University of Maryland where she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree.

How does Joni do things like shopping and housekeeping chores?
She has friends who assist with housekeeping chores. But occasionally, she will do her own grocery and clothes shopping. She looks for a willing customer service clerk who is able to help.

How does Joni eat?
She has splints on her forearms, and she uses a spork which has to be bent and it slips onto the pocket of her splint in order to eat.

How does Joni steer her van?
A single lever system combines all driving functions. Forward movement of the control column actuates the accelerator. Backward motion applies the brakes. Rotation of the mini-wheel or tri-pin post steers the vehicle. A maximum force of six ounces if required for control. When finger dexterity is present, the mini-wheel is preferred. For spinal cord injury where finger or wrist motion may not be available, the tri-pin post is used for either the right or left hand.

What Bible does Joni use?
NIV Giant Print

Joni's Books, Videos, Music

When was the movie “Joni” made?
The “Joni” movie was released in 1979.

How do I purchase an accompaniment tape for Joni’s tapes?
Joni has never released accompaniment tapes for her music.

How do I purchase Joni’s music recordings?
Joni's first two albums, Joni’s Song and Spirit Wings, have been released on CD. These are available from our online store. Cassette tapes of these two albums are no longer available.
At this time, Let God be God, Harps and Halos, What's it All About?, and I've Got Wheels are not available in any format.

How do I purchase sheet music for Joni’s recordings?
There is no sheet music available at this time.

Can I purchase an original artwork by Joni?
Joni does not sell her original art pieces. However, you may purchase signed, limited edition prints. Additionally, wall décor featuring Joni's art is available in our store. Our greeting cards also feature Joni's art.

How do I purchase Joni’s books or products that are not found on the website?
Any products not listed on this site are out of print. Used copies of Joni’s books may be available through www.amazon.com.

Joni and Ken

How did Joni meet her husband Ken?
In church, she was sitting in Sunday morning service and started praying for the back of a man's head. She didn't know him then; however, it was Ken. Several weeks later, they met through mutual friends at a get-together. At this time she asked him to turn around to let her see the back of his head. They dated for about a year-and-a-half. "I appreciated his open and honest communication and his questions about my disability. I also appreciated the fact that he loved Jesus Christ and was committed to living his life by the principles of God's Word."

When and where did Joni and Ken marry?
July 3, 1982 in Sun Valley, California at Grace Community Church

What is Ken's occupation?
Ken retired in 2002 from teaching U.S. government history in Burbank for 30 years. His is now working with Joni and Friends as Director of Ministry Development.

Do Joni and Ken have any children?
Although Joni and Ken do not have children of their own, you will often see them smile and hear Joni say, "Ken’s students are our 'kids' -- and we love having them up to our house for barbecues every semester. It's a great way to encourage these young people and share our Christian testimonies with them."

How does Joni remain positive during the struggles of marriage?
"Ken and I enjoy a wonderful habit – we pray often together. Whether driving to a Lakers’ game at the Staple Center, going to work together, asking God to lead, bless, guide and protect. I pray a lot for my husband and I hope I am his best cheerleader and listener. I have to be quick to tell him when I am wrong... when I have not told the truth... when I have forgotten to do something he’s asked. All these things communicate that I want to put him first. I remember when we first married; I was disappointed that everything took a back seat to his Monday Night Football. I decided to use that time – about 2 ½ or 3 hours – to pray for him in the bedroom. God really answered! I am now a football fan. By the way, he’s way ahead of me when it comes to memorizing scripture! (One of the things I prayed was that Ken would become a man of God’s word!)"

Joni and the Ministry of Joni and Friends

When did Joni begin her ministry?
"After I broke my neck, I started painting with my mouth and showing my artwork around Baltimore City at various art fairs. A local television program highlighted my work and the producers of The Today Show then called to ask if I would appear with Barbara Walters in an interview. After that interview, things kind of exploded -- a publisher asked if I would write a book (I did and it's called Joni) and the Billy Graham film ministry did a story on my life. This resulted in thousands of letters from disabled people -- the letters inspired me to begin this important ministry which I'm still involved with: Joni and Friends. It began in 1979 in Burbank, CA, responding to people seeking advice and encouragement and moved to Agoura Hills in 1986."

What if the most rewarding part of your ministry?
"My husband Ken and I love attending our programs at Joni and Friends where we can share one-on-one with disabled people and their family members, learning and giving, advising and talking "shop." It's personal contact that I enjoy the most. It's a way of extending the love of Christ through a smile, a hug, the sharing of scripture, or praying together. It's great!"

What is the most challenging part of operating Joni and Friends?
We want the church of Jesus Christ to value disabled people as "weaker members deserving special honor" (I Corinthians 12:22). If God's power does indeed show up best in weakness (which is underscored in II Corinthians 12:9), then disabled people can be vessels of God's sustaining power in their congregations. If churches around the world would grasp this revolutionary truth - the truth that Christ's transforming power always comes through sacrifice and weakness - then it would dramatically alter the landscape of the global church.

Joni's Mouth Art

Can I purchase an original artwork by Joni?
Joni does not sell her original art pieces. However, you may purchase signed, limited edition prints. Additionally, wall décor featuring Joni's art is available in our store. Our greeting cards also feature Joni's art.

What are the unique methods related to being a mouth artist?
"My dentist advised me early on to always put clear, plastic tubing around the ends of my brushes so as to protect my teeth. I also have to wear prescription eye glasses when I paint. The angle of my drawing board at the easel is a critical aspect and, depending on the size of the painting, I constantly have to readjust the height of the easel, as well as the angle of the drawing board."

When was Joni's first art exhibit?
In 1974.

How long does it take Joni to do one of her paintings?
At least a month... sometimes six months, depending on the size of the picture and whether she is drawing or painting.

Which artists have most influenced Joni's own art?
John Singer Sargent and Mary Cassatt are Joni's favorites

How many paintings has Joni produced?
She has produced 150 or so painting, pastel pencil renderings or line sketches. Many of them are landscapes. Joni tends to paint large vistas with long horizons because she enjoys looking at wide-open spaces.

Joni's Writing

When did Joni know she wanted to write?
"In 3rd grade, I wrote a short story called “Daisy, the One-Legged Pig” and I illustrated it. Most of all, the medium of writing is merely a conduit through which I can share what the Lord Jesus has taught me from His Word and from this wheelchair. I don’t see myself as a gifted writer necessarily - I do, however, have the gift of communication; so I keep looking for different ways, different avenues through which to communicate. Writing is one of them. "

How many books has Joni written?
32

Disability and the Subject of Healing

What is Joni's response to those who claim that if she had enough faith she would be healed?
"First, faith comes from hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17) and if you spend any time in God’s word, you’ll see that he related to suffering in many more ways than to heal it. Time and again, God shows us that suffering refines our faith (I Peter 1:7), builds character (Rom.8:28), and draws us closer to Christ, to name a few for “To this [suffering] you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps’ (I Peter 2:21). Healing is an earthly fix... I’m looking for the long term benefits which hardship will gain me in heaven for “those who suffer with him, we shall reign with him” (2 Tim. 2:12). I want what God wants; if it’s living in a wheelchair, fine; if it’s being healed, that’s fine too. I’ve learned to be content in plenty or in want."

How has God's will been fulfilled through Joni's paralysis?
"Years ago, when I began to see the power of God’s Word applied to my own experience in a wheelchair, I wrote a mission statement for my life: 'I want to be God’s best audiovisual aid of how his power shows up best in weakness.' I believe that what I have learned in my own paralysis is being passed on to thousands of other disabled people and their family members through Joni and Friends. That’s a wonderful mission for life!"

Disability and Suffering

What is Joni's reponse to the question, "Why is God doing this to me?"
"First, God’s decrees allow for suffering to happen, but he doesn’t “do” it; he doesn’t say into each life a little rain must fall,” and then turn the “hose” in earth’s general direction to see who gets the wettest. He screens every trial, filtering our hardships through His hands, and allowing only certain afflictions to touch us – afflictions which are in complete keeping with His perfect will in our lives. I realize this is hard to swallow for many Christians, but think of the alternative. Think if God didn’t control suffering. Our lives would be much worse – absolutely intolerable – every moment of the day. If God didn’t control suffering, suffering would come at us uncontrolled. I don’t want to live in a world like that! I’d rather take things from the “left hand of God” than no hand at all! In short, he permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves. And what does he love? Christ in us, the hope of glory."

How does Joni keep an eternal perspective when the reality of daily life on earth is so hard?
"Heaven is the bottom line for any Christian. Everything I do here on earth, every godly response to every trial has a direct bearing on my capacity for joy, worship, and service in heaven. I don’t want to get to heaven, look in my rear view mirror and think, 'Why did I waste my hardships?!' In heaven, we will finally see how our suffering on earth will serve us in eternity, gaining for us an eternal reward that far outweighs the inconvenience of pain. Five minutes in heaven will be worth it all."

What does Joni do when she is feeling "trapped", such as being bed-bound due to a pressure sore?
"I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned my head on my pillow, bit my lip, fought back tears and “talked to my soul.” I’ll whisper Psalm 42:5-6 where it says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” It just helps to rehearse things I know to be true, things I sometimes forget when I feel claustrophobic from lying in bed too long, or having to deal with pain."

How has Joni's own struggles helped her to identify with the suffering of others?
"I am constantly experiencing weakness and I know others experience the same, although not from a wheelchair. When I wake up in the morning and pray, 'Lord Jesus, I have no resources to face the day; I am so weary,' I know that other people can genuinely identify with that. I am then able to tell them that my weariness drives to the throne of God for help and strength – and they can do the same. After all, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” was meant for everybody, not just wheelchair users!"

Why Does God Allow Suffering?
It's easy to trust God when things are going our way and the world makes sense. But when suffering strikes--especially seemingly senseless suffering--we are filled with doubt and stunned by events spiraling beyond our control. In the midst of suffering, we often question the very foundation of our faith--our belief in the God who says he loves us.

Since our trust and obedience rest on God's character, the questions that life's tragedies force us to face are difficult, even frightening. Who is God? Can he really be trusted? What are his purposes in the face of suffering? If God can stop suffering, why doesn't he? Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Estes, a pastor and one of Joni's closest friends, explore the answers. When God Weeps is not so much a book about suffering as it is about God. It tackles tough questions about heaven and hell, horrors and hardships, and why God allows suffering in this life.

Through a panoramic overview of what the Bible says about suffering, the authors make clear who God is, why he permits so much heartache and pain, and how it is we can trust him. With both a practical edge and heartfelt warmth, When God Weeps offers a message of deep reliance on God--and keys to a radical, life-transforming dependence on his love and mercy in spite of our doubts, fears, longings, and questions.

It's a message much needed. Despair and discouragement are rampant. At the same time, fewer people are able to balance God's purposes and his mercies. Instead, attempting to avoid tragedy and suffering, many Christians confuse simple formulas for faith. But where does that leave the family who loses a son on a military mission? Or the young mother who isn't healed of cancer?

When God Weeps is for people like these...and for thousands more who need more--much more--than answers.

Purchase your copy of When God Weeps in our online store.

How Can I Cope With Depression?
"Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God." (Isaiah 50:10)

"...the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 35:10)

Are you feeling parched, your spirit dry, like you are in a desert? Has the joy and the singing gone out of your life? Then ask God to replace the endless stretch of your dry days with the Living Water.

Grab a cup of coffee and join Joni Eareckson Tada as she looks forward to the good things to come when we look to God's promises.

Download a free 5 minute audio program (1.8 mb mp3)

Bioethics and Culture

How did Joni become involved in the stem cell debate?
"I am intently interested in medical advancements and the potential for cures for various disabilities. We serve thousands of people with disabilities who are living with spina bifida, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and many other handicapping conditions. These people are very interested in cures. As a disability advocate, I know for a fact that successful therapies using adult stem cells are already addressing scores of these conditions, including stroke, some forms of cancer, Parkinson’s, heart disease and more. Why channel the few and precious research dollars available into stem cell research using human embryos when we know there has been no successful medical therapy developed even in animals? Plus, when we dismantle the safeguards around the smallest of human life – embryos – then the rights of other weak and vulnerable human beings are left exposed. It is a smack-in-the-face of God’s creative authority to clone, copy, alter, destroy, or euthanize life!"

Why doesn't Joni support embryonic stem cell research, especially considering her disability?
"The severity of my disability and the extent to which I am in need of a cure is not the issue. To kill human life in order to harvest its 'usable' parts makes life a commodity; and that is an affront to God’s creative authority. No cure is worth that."

Regarding the cloning issue, when does God give man a soul?
Joni responds with a verse from Psalm 139 where it says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” “Most theologians believe that term 'knit' represents the way the chromosomes from the man and the woman synapse together during fertilization; and most believe that is when the soul comes to life.”

Miscellaneous

Does your organization supply wheelchairs to people within the United States?
Due to various liability issues, our Wheels for the World program does not provide wheelchairs for persons living within the United States. However, on our web page our Wheelchair Resource List provides information on organizations that do help in this area.

How can I get on your mailing list?
To request to be added to our mailing list please click on the following: http://www.joniandfriends.org/newsletter_form.php.

How can I order one of the free premiums offered on the radio?
Please call 1-888-522-5664 to order these products (This number is to order premiums offered on the radio only).

How can I listen to Joni's radio program, Joni and Friends?
When Joni speaks, the airwaves light up! Her devotional thoughts and ability to bring the good news of Jesus to hurting people is a gift, uniquely effective over the air because of her "one to one" communication style. As she speaks -- and frequently sings -- from her wheelchair, Joni's commitment to resting in His sovereign plan conveys a depth of encouragement and hope that makes trusting Him a delight. Click here for todays radio program.

How Can I Know Jesus?
Provided courtesy of Desiring God Ministries.

Did you know that God commands us to be glad? "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

What should I do to be closer to God?
Turn from the deceitful promises of sin. Call upon Jesus to save you from the guilt and punishment and bondage. "All who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). Start banking your hope on all that God is for you in Jesus. Break the power of sin's promises by faith in the superior satisfaction of God's promises. Begin reading the Bible to find his precious and very great promises, which can set you free (2 Peter 1:3-4). Find a Bible-believing church and begin to worship and grow together with other people who treasure Christ above all things (Philippians 3:7).

The best news in the world is that there is no necessary conflict between our happiness and God's holiness. Being satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus magnifies him as a great Treasure.

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11)

How Can I Participate Financially?
Joni and Friends is a non-profit organization supported by friends like you who want to reach out to people affected by disability around the world. We are grateful for those who support this work through generous gifts, both large and small.

As a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, we are committed to handle your gifts with the highest standards of integrity.

We trust you will be encouraged through your generosity: "God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped His people and continue to help them" (Hebrews 6:10 NIV).

There are several convenient ways to support the work of Joni and Friends:

• Make a donation using your credit card
• Mail your check to P.O. Box 2222 Akron, Ohio 44309-2222
• Call toll free 800-523-5777
• Call 818-707-5664 for information on how to become a monthly partner or other planned giving opportunities

Employment Opportunities

How can I find out about employment opportunities at Joni and Friends?
Joni and Friends, an equal opportunity employer, was awarded 2006 First Place honors by Best Christian Workplaces for Missions and Para church organizations with 50 to 120 employees. Employment opportunities with Joni and Friends are listed below. To express interest, please submit your resume with a cover letter describing your qualifications for the position you are seeking to Joni and Friends attention "Employment" via email, fax or US Mail:

For employment listings, please check our Employment Opportunities page.