MAKING SENSE OF AUTISM
Part 1: Myths That Hide the Truth
Part 2: Truth for the Church
EPISODE 30 |
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Autism is on the rise in America. But its causes remain unknown, and a cure is yet to be found. Common misunderstandings include the notions that children with autism are not able to learn, or that their behavior is simply the result of poor discipline. In Part One, you’ll see these myths dispelled, as you look into the lives of families that include a child with autism. Part Two addresses a crucial question: What is the role of the church in the lives of families affected by autism? Find out what these families need most from the church – as well as the blessings that come from including every person in the body of Christ.
Special Features
Part 1: Dr. Laura Hendrickson, author of Finding Your Child’s Way on the Autism Spectrum, discusses issues of spiritual growth, parenting, and marriage for families that include a child with autism.
Part 2: Barbara J. Newman, author of Autism and Your Church, offers expert advice on how your church can welcome and include children with autism and their families. |
DVD - 28 minutes each
- $15.95 
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JONI AND FRIENDS’ FAMILY RETREAT
Featuring: Family Retreat Short Term Missionaries
EPISODE 29 |
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For parents of a child with special needs, the extra challenges of daily life can be exhausting. At Joni and Friends' Family Retreat, a volunteer Short Term Missionary is paired with each family, to make sure Mom and Dad get a much needed break. Share a week with four Short Term Missionaries as they step out of their comfort zones and into the world of a child with special needs. Through this unique opportunity for service and friendship, families and volunteers experience God’s love in a whole new way. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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KATHERINE'S SMILE
Joni and Friends Family Retreats
EPISODE 27 |
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Melissa has volunteered to serve as a Short Term Missionary (STM) at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. At this Christ-centered camp for families who have a member with a disability, an STM is paired with each disabled camper, to assist them throughout the week. Melissa has no formal disability training – just a heart of compassion and the desire to share the love of Christ. When she is paired with nineteen year old Katherine, who is severely autistic and non-verbal, Melissa is faced with unexpected challenges. But God is at work, and hearts connect. You’ll see how His love breaks the barriers of disability. And you’ll see it best in Katherine’s smile!
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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RYAN: A LEGACY OF HOPE
Ryan Mazza and his father
EPISODE 26 |
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The day Ryan Mazza was born, life changed abruptly and completely for his father, Doug. Not only because he had a new son, but because that son was born with severe disfigurement and disability. Questions about Ryan’s suffering, the purpose of his life, and the role of God in all of it, soon drove Doug Mazza to seek answers in the Bible. There he met a God he could trust, even in the midst of pain. Because of his disabled son, Doug Mazza’s life changed course. Here you’ll see how God has used Ryan as a pathway of blessing and hope – not only for his family, but for thousands of people with disabilities all over the world.
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DVD - 28 minutes
- $9.95
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A CASA FOR MARIA
Joni and Friends and Our Ministry Partners in Guatemala
EPISODE 25 |
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Maria lives in extreme poverty in Guatemala. Her husband, ashamed of their daughter’s disability, abandoned the family, leaving them homeless. When Joni and Friends and our ministry partners in Guatemala met Maria, these words from the Bible came to life: “Suppose a brother or sister [is in need]. If one of you says, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:15-16). A wheelchair was provided for Maria’s daughter, but here was an opportunity to do more – build them a home! See for yourself how the love of Jesus came alive through the gift of a “casa” (home) for Maria.
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DVD - 28 minutes
- $9.95
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At Heaven's Door
Featuring: Dominick Mazza
EPISODE 24 |
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| A member of what has been called the Greatest Generation, Dominick Mazza is a decorated B-26 Bomber Crew Chief who, like so many, risked his life regularly as a young man during World War II. Here, he recounts his closest brush with death -- the cold March night he and his crew bailed out as their plane plummeted toward the dark water of the English Channel. Now, at the end of a long and colorful life, he faces death of a different sort. This time, no earthly parachute can save him. You will be inspired by his story of courage and his deep faith in Jesus Christ. |
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DVD - 28 Minutes - $9.95
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DETERMINED TO WIN
Featuring: Jean Driscoll
EPISODE 23 |
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| Jean Driscoll calls John 17:4 her life verse: “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” Jean was born with spina bifida. She uses a wheelchair for mobility. Yet the work God gave her to do, she does through sports. See how this wheelchair marathon champion, Hall of Famer and Paralympic gold medalist uses her extraordinary talents to share the purpose, hope, and joy found in Christ with disabled people worldwide. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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LIVES IN THE BALANCE: THE STEM CELL DEBATE
Featuring: Laura Dominguez
EPISODE 22 |
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| When Laura Dominguez was faced with permanent paralysis from a spinal cord injury, her family’s determination to examine all possibilities for her recovery led them to one of the hottest topics of our time: stem cell research. While this advanced medical technology offers great potential, it also poses some critical ethical questions. Here, Joni Eareckson Tada and Christian professionals in bioethics and medicine present an informative discussion of the biblical perspective on the stem cell debate. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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HOLLY'S HEART
Featuring: Holly Strother
EPISODE 21 |
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| Self image and self confidence are issues that everyone wrestles with, especially in a culture that puts great value on physical perfection. So how does Holly Strother respond? Born with spina bifida, she lives with an imperfect body. Yet this engaging young woman chooses to embrace God’s unique design for her. In every part of Holly’s life – personal, academic, and career – her faith, strength and tender heart shine from deep within. |
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DVD 28 minutes - $9.95
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AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE
Featuring: Brian Doerksen
EPISODE 20 |
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“I don’t know what the future holds. Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness.” These lyrics by Christian songwriter Brian Doerksen come from the heart of his own life experience. Brian and his wife Joyce have six children; their two sons have disabilities. Though he wouldn’t have chosen disability for them, he knows his sons are a blessing from God. See how this father’s journey through pain and joy has lead him to a faith that boldly proclaims, “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15b
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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THE TERRI SCHIAVO STORY
A 2-Part Episode
EPISODE 18 |
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| In this two-part episode, we present the story of Terri Schiavo. Her family’s long and highly emotional struggle to save their daughter’s life eventually came under the harsh glare of a worldwide media spotlight, the US Congress and the office of the President of the United States. The final outcome left us with difficult questions about critical ethical issues. Here, Joni Eareckson Tada and leaders of the Joni and Friends Christian Institute on Disability respond with a Biblical perspective on these life and death questions that affect us all. |
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Set of 2 DVD's - 28 Minutes Each - $15.95
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A FAMILY FOR THE FATHERLESS
Featuring: The Hopson Family
EPISODE 17 |
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| William and Deborah Hopson are God-honoring parents raising God-honoring children – a high calling in today’s culture. But these two have met an even greater challenge. Of their eight children, six are adopted, some have special needs. God calls His people to care for the fatherless, and this couple has responded to the call! Spend a day with the Hopsons, and you’ll see the joy they’ve found in becoming a family for the fatherless. |
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DVD - 28 Minutes - $9.95
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NOT BY SIGHT
Featuring: Brian Bushway
EPISODE 16 |
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| At age fourteen, Brian Bushway’s eyesight deteriorated suddenly, with no obvious cause. In a short time, he became blind. During the ten years that have followed, Brian has faced tough questions and tough challenges. But because of his relationship with Jesus Christ and his desire to serve others, this young man now sees life in a whole new way. |
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DVD - 28 Minutes - $9.95
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NO ROOM FOR HATE
Featuring: Billy Burnett
EPISODE 15 |
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As a young African American man in the South, Billy Burnett knew scorn and humiliation. Now, he touches countless lives with encouragement and infectious joy. How has he moved beyond bigotry, poverty, fear – and chosen a life of purpose and peace? Here is a joyful story of the victorious power of God at work in a human heart.
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DVD - 28 Minutes - $9.95
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YOURS FOR A SONG
Featuring: Renee Bondi
EPISODE 14 |
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| Renee Bondi, a music teacher with a beautiful singing voice, was young and in love. But a bizarre accident left her paralyzed, with almost no use of her voice. Would she ever sing again? Would her fiancée still love her, much less want to marry her? What can God do with a body so suddenly and seriously disabled? See how His hand upon her life has made her “…confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil.1:6). |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE
Featuring: Ken & Joni Tada and Mike & Renee Bondi
EPISODE 13 |
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| In every marriage there is joy and sorrow, victory and disappointment. But here are two couples whose marriages include a spouse with a disability. What’s marriage like for them? Can they love and be loved completely? Can a wheelchair be an asset to their relationship? Can such a couple find intimacy and fulfillment in their marriage? Find out what the Tadas and the Bondis have learned about God’s love and power released through the disability in their lives. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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WHEELS FOR THE WORLD
EPISODE 12 |
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| A little girl in Peru is unable to walk and suffers from painful sores. A man in El Salvador gets around by pulling himself through the dirt with his hands. But God has delivered a gift! Through the Wheels for the World program of Joni and Friends, these two and thousands like them have received wheelchairs, precious gifts of mobility, comfort, and dignity. As these volunteer teams share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, lives filled with suffering and despair are transformed into lives of purpose and hope. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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HOLDING ONTO HOPE
Featuring: David and Nancy Guthrie
EPISODE 11 |
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| “God, help us,” was the prayer of David and Nancy Guthrie. The words were stated so simply, but felt so deeply, as they struggled with heartbreaking news about Hope, their newborn daughter. Is God there in the midst of life’s most difficult storms? Can any good come from suffering? Here is the story of a couple who has journeyed not once, but twice, through the anguish of loss, and found God to be everything they need to keep them holding onto hope. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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HOLDING ON TO HOPE
By Nancy Guthrie
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| This book will touch your emotions and inspire your mind in an unforgettable way. Framing her own story with the biblical story of Job, the author takes fellow sufferers by the hand and guides them on a pathway through pain – straight to the heart of God. Includes an 8-week Bible study on the book of Job. |
Softcover - 166 pages - $10.00
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EMILY'S WORLD
Featuring: Emily Shanahan
EPISODE 10 |
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| Meet Emily Shanahan – intelligent, enthusiastic, and passionate about her faith in Jesus Christ. Emily lives with the physical limitations of cerebral palsy, but there is certainly no limit to what God has accomplished in her life! Enter the world of this determined, yet unselfish, university student, and see how she has enriched the world of those who know her! |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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A FULL HOUSE
Featuring: The Nicklas Family
EPISODE 9 |
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| Although Tom and Melanie Nicklas planned on a large family, having two of their six children born with disabilities was not part of their dream. Looking into this busy household, you’ll see how God has helped them establish a home where love and acceptance are taken to a whole new level. The Nicklas home is indeed, a full house! Full of people, yes – but even more importantly, full of the wisdom, contentment, and joy that only God can give. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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I'VE GOT QUESTIONS
Featuring: Nick Vujicic
EPISODE 8 |
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| A person’s attitude toward himself has profound influence on his attitude toward God, his family, his friends, and his future. The amazing story of Nick Vujicic, and his ability to live life to its fullest, has a dramatic impact on people all around the world. Almost everyone struggles in some way with their appearance, their abilities, or their faith. This young man’s story will cast fresh light on some of the tough questions faced by us all. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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WHEN LIFE ISN'T FAIR
Featuring: Vicky Olivas
EPISODE 7 |
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| Over 30 years ago, Vicky Olivas headed down a secluded alley, in search of the address given her by an employment agency. The terrifying event that followed left her permanently paralyzed. As Vicky revisits the site for the first time since the attack, she shares the miraculous story of her journey from tragedy and bitter despondency into faith, forgiveness, and freedom in Jesus Christ. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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A BLESSED CHRISTMAS
Featuring: Hugh Martin
EPISODE 6 |
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| Although he battles a variety of challenging conditions and is well into his 90’s, Hugh Martin hasn't slowed down. Well known as the lyricist who penned “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” for Judy Garland, Hugh re-wrote the words to this beautiful song after he came to Christ. He aptly titled his sacred lyrics, “Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas.” Join our host Joni Tada and this gentle, soft spoken legend, as they share the joy and hope of Christmas. |
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DVD 28 minutes - $9.95
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WHITER THAN SNOW
by Joni Eareckson Tada
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| Joni’s CD, Whiter than Snow is her first solo Christmas CD and is a treat to be enjoyed throughout the Christmas season. This CD includes many of Joni’s favorite carols and hymns such as Silent Night, Away in a Manager, O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World, and more. |
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CD - $15.00
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WHEN ROBIN PRAYS
Featuring: Robin Hiser
EPISODE 5 |
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| Over 50 years ago, when Robin was born with Down syndrome, it was recommended to her parents that she be institutionalized. Her loving family rejected that idea, took her home and raised her right alongside her siblings. Now she inspires all who meet her. A regular attendee and volunteer at Joni and Friends Family Retreats, Robin’s passion for Jesus Christ shines through her words as she speaks to her precious Savior with warmth and devotion. You’ll want to meet Robin too, and see for yourself what happens when Robin prays! |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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GET BUSY LIVING
Featuring: Ron and Bev Huckabee
EPISODE 4 |
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| This is the story of Ron and Bev Huckabee from Texas. It was a discouraged Bev who had emailed Joni, desperately asking for help and explaining that her husband, a former pastor, had sunk into depression after he broke his neck, battled cancer, and wrestled constant infections. Ron had decided to just give up. But hope was on the way! Ron went from a depressed, bedridden quadriplegic, refusing to talk to anyone... to now serving as the National Prayer Coordinator for Marketplace Ministries in Dallas, Texas. What changed him? In this episode find out why hope is not only a good thing; it’s the best of things. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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FROM TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH
Featuring: Jim and Janet Slaight
EPISODE 3 |
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| Jim and Janet Slaight and their four children were heading off for a long awaited vacation in their van, when the unthinkable happened. This is a story about acceptance – not coping, adjusting, submitting or resigning oneself to problems, but truly accepting that God is in control. A riveting story of tragedy turned to triumph! |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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WHEN GOD WEEPS
by Joni Eareckson Tada and Steve Estes
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| Though God may seem distant in the midst of our suffering, such things do indeed matter to Him. Joni and Steve explore God's heart, His future hope for us, and the work it accomplishes in our lives today. Gold Medallion Award winner. |
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Soft cover - $13.00
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THE PRISON THAT SET ME FREE
Featuring: Warden Burl Cain of Angola Prison
EPISODE 2 |
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| The door clangs shut to the outside world in a prison where all life sentences are without parole. All hope is gone…or is it? Meet Warden Burl Cain who is doing what is near impossible: offering hope, redemption and even purpose to lives in the darkest of situations. For many of the inmates living in the penitentiary with the largest life sentence population in America, Angola Prison in Louisiana has become the prison that set them free. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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I'D RATHER BE IN THIS WHEELCHAIR KNOWING HIM...
Featuring: Joni Eareckson Tada
EPISODE 1 |
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| Shortly after the diving accident, which left her a quadriplegic, Joni Eareckson Tada, found herself asking, “How could this be an answer to a prayer for a closer walk with you, God?” Joni did not let her questions drive her away from God; instead, they pushed her deeper into His embrace. The rich insights she has uncovered during the past forty years have sustained her for a lifetime of paralysis, convincing her that she’d rather be in her chair knowing Him, than on her feet without Him. |
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DVD - 28 minutes - $9.95
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THE GOD I LOVE - A Memoir
by Joni Eareckson Tada
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| This is a book of honest pain and pure joy in the presence of God. Joni paints a beautiful, intimate, and moving portrait of a woman who knows firsthand that no matter what the circumstances, God is always faithful. |
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Hardcover - $20.00
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