My Friend Jessica
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome to “Joni and Friends.”
You know, I love introducing my good friends to you because I gain so much from hanging out with people who love Jesus and who do not let their disabilities get in the way. And that is my friend Jessica Ebersole. Jessica, thanks for joining us today.
Jessica: It’s a pleasure, Joni. Thank you.
Joni: Absolutely! Jess, you were a Joni and Friends intern, what, three years ago?
Jessica: I was an intern in the summer of 2014 and I did a vocational internship. So I did the communication and the photography.
Joni: And you were awesome back then, and we love having you back visiting us. Since then you have graduated from Trinity International University with a degree in?
Jessica: Yes, I graduated from Trinity in May of 2015 with a degree in Communication and emphasis in Ministry.
Joni: Wonderful. And you’re so good at communicating. You communicate the love of Jesus so well. And you also communicate the needs of people with disabilities because you have a disability, right?
Jessica: I do, Joni. My twin sister Amanda and I have a cerebral palsy, and my father works for Joni and Friends. We have been involved with Joni and Friends for the past 18 years. So, we love it.
Joni: Yep! Your dad helps champion our work in the Chicago area and although you do not use a wheelchair your sister Amanda does, doesn’t she?
Jessica: She does.
Joni: Now this puts special demands on your mom and dad, doesn’t it?
Jessica: It does, and me too. As we have gotten older, I have started to help out. I help out two or three days a week with some of her morning care and morning routine.
Joni: Now, that’ll involve what?
Jessica: I make her oatmeal just right and feed her oatmeal. And then put her braces on, just make sure she is ready for the day. She has a card ministry that she likes to write cards and encourage her friends and family. And so I help her write those cards.
Joni: I am so glad you do it, because I get some of those cards from Amanda and they’re always so encouraging. Now, I know your mom and dad, and I know they’re not getting younger, and I know they really appreciate help, don’t they?
Jessica: They do. They do.
Joni: And sometimes a little bit of respite from caring friends or a neighbor or folks in your church can make all the difference, can’t it?
Jessica: I does, it can. We have a wonderful PA that Amanda uses. Her name is Emmy and she just loves her. She comes about 15 hours a week.
Joni: Now, there might be some friends listening who attend a church and they know that there are some special needs families in their church, but they are unaware of what the needs are. What would you say to them?
Jessica: I would just encourage you to really get to know that family. And they know their child or family member with the disability the best and so don’t assume that you are going to go make them a meal. Ask them if they want a meal. Ask them if they want a respite or a date night. Just be there to help them because often times, special needs families are worn out and burned out, and they just want somebody to come along side them and be their friend and treat them like they are normal.
Joni: Absolutely. And sometimes special needs families, they just don’t want to ask for help. They don’t want to “be a burden” on anybody else. So perhaps it’s a good idea for church members to take the initiative. What do you think?
Jessica: Yeah, there is a family that I’ve started to really come alongside and help. And actually they are going to come to Joni and Friends for the first time this summer.
Joni: At a family retreat?
Jessica: They are, yes.
Joni: Good on ya!
Jessica: Yes. And so I’ve just come alongside them and been a friend to this woman and her son.
Joni: Pretty awesome.
Jessica: Yeah, it’s been awesome.
Joni: Well, you know what, you set the example then Jess, and I hope that our friends listening will take your example. Don’t assume that a special needs family in your church or neighborhood have all the help they need. Be a part of making that help possible, right?
Jessica: Yes, yes Joni.
Joni: Thanks Jess.
Jessica: Thank you so much.
Joni: And friend listening, if you know of a special needs family in your congregation and you’d like to learn how to help, then come visit us at joniandfriends.org where we’ve great ideas on how you can serve a family like Jessica and Amanda’s.
© Joni and Friends
