Joni and Friends Blog
I always enjoy the opportunity to write to you. I know it’s usually Joni who writes to share ministry updates and stories, but today, I’m inviting you to join me in celebrating my wonderful, beautiful wife in a very special way for her 70th birthday next month! God has brought Joni through many challenges. I’ve watched…
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“All people can and should learn the Scriptures. The Bible matters to everybody. We owe it to our friends, no matter what the disability, to open up the Word of God for them and help them be able to receive it.” –Gina Spivey This week on the podcast Crystal has invited Carrie Jones, a special…
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It’s hard to believe it’s been 18 years since the terrorist attacks that totally altered the way we live in the US. The tragedy of thousands losing their lives, and of others forever bearing the wounds of that day… it makes my heart groan just thinking about it. Just two short weeks after the attacks,…
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We love the words “move forward” because, like 1 Peter chapter 2, it encompaces growth. Growth in our salvation and our maturity. “… let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward into maturity …” Hebrews 6:1 We can’t remain infants in our pursuit of Jesus. Like each season, we must…
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I’m about to cross a milestone, and I mean a big one! In October I will turn 70-years old (what?? Did I just write that?)! As I approach my birthday, the joy and amazement keeps rising in my heart; I can’t get over God’s goodness to me in sustaining me for 7 whole decades. The…
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“Lateef’s family and his courageous community were blazing new trails far beyond the idea of mainstreaming.” In the fall of 1987, in Mrs. Malte’s second grade class at Monte Gardens Elementary School, an African-American boy named Lateef McCleod was pushed through the door in his wheelchair and parked next to my desk. The straps across…
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Did you know that many churches and mission agencies refuse to send people with disabilities to the mission field? Sometimes they feel the disability exposes the missionary to danger; others assume that people with disabilities would under perform in their missionary tasks. Churches and agencies erroneously think that the disability would distract a person from…
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Caring for a child with a disability in a country like El Salvador can often lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. The day to day realities of disability can be overwhelming. Medical and economic challenges can weigh down on parents and caretakers. But at International Family Retreat, families find Jesus’ love, hope, and acceptance! Meet Angie, who was diagnosed with…
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It’s National Read a Book Day! Although I cannot physically curl up in a cozy corner with a cup of tea and a book in my lap, I’m still a fan of National Read a Book Day. I’m totally behind celebrating reading and encouraging everyone else to get immersed in a really good book! Years…
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On the past few episodes of the podcast, we’ve been discussing ways to help families thrive – not just meeting the physical needs of a child with a disability, but also the emotional needs of the whole family. This week, Crystal is speaking with Jeannie Wronski who has a fascinating career as a pediatric occupational…
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