To the Next Generation

Take a moment and look at the smiles in this photo. Yes, that’s me in the middle, surrounded by young people excited about disability ministry, and there’s a reason we’re smiling. There’s not a one of us whose heart isn’t on fire with the calling God’s given us!

You see, these young adults are part of the Joni and Friends Internship program that pairs up students with opportunities to serve and learn about disability ministry – they roll their sleeves up and learn what the Bible says about disabilities; they serve at Family Retreats, labor in local churches among kids with disabilities, do class work, and travel to countries like the Dominican Republic to labor among the people with disabilities there. By the time these bright-faced, young interns complete the program, they have a flaming passion to be the next leaders to impact churches, communities, and the world for Christ.

Actually, they are already doing it. Earlier this month I got to sit down and have lunch with them, and hear their stories. Some of them confessed that, at first, they were a little unsure of how their internship would make clear their calling. But after just a few days, God touched their hearts. I teared up as I listened to their earnest desire to be change-agents. I sat there, inspired by their fervent desire to shine Christ’s love among special-needs families. And I was amazed at how God has brought them to such a “1 Corinthians 12:22” place.

That’s the verse where Paul is talking about the body of believers – the body of Christ – and he says “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” These young adults know full-well who the “indispensable” are, and they are choosing careers to help others recognize the power behind “1 Corinthians 12:22.” Sitting around the lunch table with them? I kept thinking that these “kids” were barely into adulthood and yet they are happily chest-deep into vibrant ministry. And I’m so thankful that Joni and Friends can have a small part in equipping them for a lifetime of effective outreach – and as they finish up their internship with us, I’ll be praying as each one happily strides through the doors God will open.

If you know a young person interested in occupational or physical therapy, special needs education, nursing… or disability ministry in the church, take a moment to tell them about Joni and Friends internships, won’t you? There’s nothing like watching the torch for disability ministry be handed to the next generation.

–Joni Eareckson Tada