Joni And Friends Ministry Podcast

"What does the church bring to the table? We specialize in love and human kindness, manifested in Christ-like friendships."Previously on the podcast, Dr. John Swinton shared how stigma affects those struggling with their mental health. During this insightful conversation, he shared practical ways to love our neighbors well. This week, Dr. Swinton is returning to expand on how the body of Christ can create a community of belonging for those facing mental health challenges. He offers up new ways of seeing one another in which difference and disability are embraced as a valid way of being fully human and fully alive to the possibilities of God. Because when we view each person as a unique individual, rather than defining someone by their diagnosis, we can create an environment of friendship and belonging.“When Jesus, who is God, sits in the margins with those who are marginalized, the margins change.” Related Podcasts:Mental Health and Loving Our Neighbors WellWalking with God through SchizophreniaCaring for Som

“First recognize the person before you for who they are in Christ, not because of what they are going through… When a diagnosis is all you see, that’s when problems begin.”How do stigma and the language we use affect those struggling with mental health? This week on the podcast, Dr. John Swinton is joining Crystal to discuss faith, mental health, and how to love our neighbors well. Listen as he shares the important difference between mental illness and mental health, and how listening to someone’s experience with the goal of understanding can better shape our response and care. Be encouraged by his practical strategies for helping our friends with various mental health challenges reconnect with the Lord and stay oriented to his Word. Related Podcasts:Walking with God through SchizophreniaCaring for Someone with SchizophreniaA Response to DepressionDepression and Anxiety When Life is Going WellMental Illness and the Church Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Frien

This week on the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, find encouragement from three couples you'll recognize from previous episodes of the show. Discover the importance of good communication, respect, and gratitude in a marriage, especially when a disability is involved.Mike and Tracey Motoda: When Tracey met Mike nearly 2 decades ago, she told him, "I use a wheelchair to get around, but I don't let that get me down!" And these words have been true for them as a couple over 13 years of marriage. As they rely on each other for different needs, they are a true team. Kevin and Jamie Stark: When disability is present in a marriage, effective communication is vital. For Kevin and Jamie, good communication is a beautiful expression of their love for one another. But what happens when it breaks down? Hear how the simplest apology can make a difference in building trust and guarding against bitterness.Greg and Gina Hubert: When all 3 of their sons were diagnosed with autism, this couple discovered a brand-new way of li

“My pain does overtake me. But even when it does, God is still there.”In 2017, Heather Hart felt like she was on top of the world. She was leading a women’s Bible study at her church and fulfilling her passion for writing. She was loving Jesus and living life to the fullest! Then one summer day, a migraine changed her life.Over the past four years, through numerous hospital visits, tests, and medications, Heather has not been able to find a remedy for her daily pain. Last week, Heather joined Crystal to share about her struggle with excruciating chronic migraines.This week on the podcast, Heather is returning to talk about clinging to Jesus through pain. Hear some of the practical ways she manages her migraines and be encouraged by how God has used Heather’s pain to draw her closer to himself. Resources:Learn more about Heather HartRead Clinging to Jesus: Praying & Meditating on God's Word When You're In PainFind resources for chronic pain and illnessRead the Beyond Suffering BibleFollow Heather on Facebo

“I can’t get through each day without Jesus. If I can’t do anything else because my head hurts too bad, it doesn’t hurt so bad that I can’t cling to him.”Over the past 4 years, Heather Hart has enjoyed only one day without a migraine. As an active mother of 5, her life turned upside down in 2017 when her head began to hurt, and she was hospitalized with meningitis. But when her meningitis cleared up and she returned home, Heather’s headache continued. To this day, doctors have not discovered what causes Heather’s daily, mind-bending migraines.Through her excruciating headaches, Heather’s prayer has been that God would use her pain for his glory. Now an internationally best-selling author, Heather is on the podcast to share how debilitating migraines have impacted her faith, family, and friendships, but how she’s experienced God’s care through her chronic pain.Resources:Learn more about Heather HartFind resources for chronic pain and illnessRead the Beyond Suffering BibleFollow Heather on Facebook and Twitter 

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." –Revelation 21:4This week on the podcast, we are wrapping up our 3-episode Q&A series with Jenny Hill. Living with cerebral palsy, Jenny has shared about how to navigate painful situations and where to find hope in the midst of loneliness. Today, Jenny is completing her Q&A series with a powerful conversation about suffering, healing, and heaven.“Pain and suffering are probably the most universal experiences we have with other people.” Listen as Jenny shares how suffering has deepened her friendship with Jesus and helped her realize she is part of a bigger story. Don’t miss her powerful imagining of what heaven will be like and how living with a disability has helped frame her thoughts on eternity.  Resources:Learn more about Jenny HillRead Jenny's blog post about heaven.Hear more about heaven with Randy AlcornRead Heaven: Your Real Home by Joni Eareckson T

“There is a difference between isolation and loneliness. Isolation is when you are physically separated from everybody else, but loneliness can be most felt sometimes when you are with other people.” As we continue our Q&A series on the podcast, Jenny Hill who lives with cerebral palsy is returning to answer questions about coping with loneliness and finding your hope in Christ.We all understand the pain of isolation, especially after this past year, but loneliness is more than being separated from friends. The ache is sometimes most felt when you are surrounded by other people. And the pain of loneliness can cut like grief when you realize you aren’t truly known, and you aren’t enjoying the same experiences as others.But God promises to be with you. So what if in your loneliness you take the first step to create meaningful relationships? What if you look around and ask, “Who needs to be known? Who is not being included? How can we connect?” Listen as Jenny encourages you to look beyond yourself at who el

“Looking at another person can be a very hurtful experience or a very welcoming, affirming experience. We have a choice of what role we want to play in that.”During our third season of the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, we’ve invited listeners to send in your questions about disability-related topics and etiquette. Today we are kicking off a special 3-part Q&A series with Jenny Hill who joined us last season to talk about disability and belonging. Jenny is a speaker and author, she holds a doctorate in Education, and lives with mild spastic cerebral palsy.On this week’s episode, Jenny is answering questions about painful situations—being stared at and falling in public—offering ways to transform these situations into positive learning opportunities. Hear how you can navigate uncomfortable circumstances with compassion as you see each person as whole, for more than their disability. And as you recognize that everyone is multi-dimensional, Jenny is sharing how you can tactfully talk with someone about t

“It’s about being a light for the next person, realizing that my troubles will bless somebody one day.”Robert was an active college student when an unknown virus caused a bilateral stroke that left him suddenly paralyzed and unable to speak. Previously on the podcast, Robert and Nelly Kapen shared their powerful story of God’s provision through quadriplegia, recovery, and marriage. But as navigating a life-changing disability is never easy, Robert’s journey to acceptance took time. Following his accident he faced numbness, anger, and depression until a reminder from John 9:3 helped move him to a place of acceptance. “‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’” John 9:3This week on the podcast, Robert and Nelly are back to share about finding hope and moving forward. Listen as they tell the importance of inviting help from family and their Christian community, and how they’ve been able to pour into others. If you are struggling

Robert Kapen was an athletic college student studying Parks and Rec and working part-time at an outdoor Young Life camp when his life turned upside down. In the summer of 2011, a mystery virus caused a bilateral stroke that left him suddenly paralyzed and unable to speak. With his mind fully functioning but no ability to move or communicate verbally, Robert felt trapped in his own body.Over the next 8 years, Robert diligently engaged in speech, physical, and occupational therapies. When he was moved to a rehab facility located near the workplace of his friend, Nelly, she began visiting him regularly to brighten his day. As Robert’s communication developed from blinking to texting, his friendship with Nelly also blossomed into a relationship and eventually marriage. This week on the podcast, Robert and Nelly are sharing their story of God’s generous provision through seasons of disability, recovery, marriage, and caregiving. And as Robert approaches his 10-year anniversary of paralysis, he is thrilled that in

Like most young women, Stephanie Magness wanted to be like everyone else; she wanted to fit in with her classmates and have fun at school. But when she learned in 7th grade that she had scoliosis, she was taken on an unexpected decade-long journey of misdiagnosis. At age 22 genetic testing confirmed that Stephanie’s symptoms were caused by Friedrich’s ataxia (FA), a rare neurodegenerative disease that has no cure.This week on the podcast, Crystal is talking with Stephanie about her FA diagnosis and the unexpected life transitions she’s made because of this progressive disease. Although losing some of her abilities related to walking and communication has not been easy, Stephanie has faced these challenges with the support of her community who have reminded her of God’s love in the most surprising of ways.Friedrich's Ataxia Awareness Day is May 15. If you are facing a diagnosis of this rare disease, be encouraged by Stephanie's story. As she continues to adjust to life with a neurodegenerative disease, she tak

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." – 2 Corinthians 3:17Today marks the 70th annual National Day of Prayer. As people across the country set aside time to intercede for our nation, Joni and Friends is leading this special time of prayer under the theme “Lord Pour Out Your Love, Life, and Liberty.”On this episode of the podcast, we invite you to pray along with Joni Eareckson Tada, Pastor Shawn Thornton, Steve Bundy, and other special guests as we lift up our country’s centers of influence, along with those most vulnerable. Download our prayer points to pray along!Download Prayer PointsRead "Looking to God on National Day of Prayer" by Joni Eareckson Tada Do you have a prayer request? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.Follow Joni and Friends on Facebook,  Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.Thank you for helping others find this podcast by leaving us a 5-star review! *Joni and Friends envisions a w

"It might not be physical, but God has healing for you. Press into that healing journey and see what it looks like for you. Then surrender the results to God.”On our last episode of the podcast, Tera Bradham DeNeui shared about how her swimming trajectory dramatically shifted after she suffered an undiagnosed shoulder injury. Instead of training to reach the Olympics, Tera walked through seven challenging years of chronic pain and spiritual darkness. But God was at work amid her challenges, using the gift of pain to reveal his purposes and give her a deeper healing.Now with a personal understanding of true freedom and victory in Christ, Tera is on a mission to minister to others dealing with chronic pain. New limitations and physical pain can often bring feelings inadequacy, even within the church. Through Tera’s ministry, Heal, she is building a community of advocates and working alongside the local church to help support people in chronic pain. Because while physical pain and limitations can pull our eyes o

"God completely changed my life through pain. I ended up finding true freedom which is not being bound by the world’s circumstances… God doesn’t waste pain, but we have to give it to him."This week on the podcast Crystal is talking with inspiring speaker and author Tera Bradham DeNeui. As one of the fastest 12-year-old swimmers in the country, Tera had her sights set on competing in the Olympics. But her swimming trajectory dramatically and unexpectedly shifted after she suffered an undiagnosed injury that led her through seven years of chronic pain and spiritual darkness.Listen as Tera shares how God completely changed her life through pain, shifting her perspective from fighting pain as an enemy to seeing it as a gift. Hear how Tera discovered true freedom as God used chronic pain to refine his purposes in her life. Be encouraged to discover the same victory in Christ and freedom in your own life today! Resources:Visit Tera’s WebsiteRead Swimming for FreedomFind Tera on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.Res

“Dystonia is like being imprisoned in a body with a mind of its own… but I wouldn’t trade the hardest times for the deep relationship I have gained with the Lord.” This week Crystal is talking with Abigail Brown, a young woman who lives with joy in Christ as she faces the challenges and limitations of dystonia. As a 3-year-old, Abigail contracted Rocky Mountain spotted fever which was misdiagnosed by her doctors and caused brain damage. Although her parents were told that she would have a full recovery within a year, their lives were turned upside down when it became apparent that Abigail would never talk with her mouth again.Listen as Abigail shares her story with the help of her communication device, and encourages anyone who is feeling alone, left behind, or hopeless, that you are not alone. Because even when life doesn't make sense, God has a plan and you have a purpose.Read Abigail's BlogQuestions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends to help make this podcast p

“It’s been my hope and my desire for Max to be a mighty man of God... and that’s exactly what God has done."How do family dynamics shift when a child with autism becomes an adult? For special needs parents, worry about your child’s future can begin at any age. What will happen when my child ages out of the school system? How will they transition to adult services, college, or work?This week on the podcast Emily Colson is talking about her son Max’s transition from boyhood to adulthood, and how through each season of life God has supported their family. Because even as Max became an adolescent, Emily began to fear graduation, wondering what would happen without their provided services and routines. But with the support of her church, Emily has learned to celebrate each victory as she’s navigated issues in the adult world and found meaningful activities for her son (including a new ministry of encouragement birthed during the pandemic).With paying jobs, volunteer work, and a day program, Max’s days have been fu

April is Autism Awareness Month and we’re celebrating with a special podcast conversation featuring author and speaker Emily Colson. Emily and her 30-year-old son Max who lives with autism are on a heart-filled mission for you! Like many families living with disability, their world shifted in an instant when the pandemic shut down all systems of support. But as they faced a new normal during a challenging quarantine, Emily prayed: “How can we be a blessing to someone else every day?”With this prayer, she and Max began to paint. As Max painted beautiful joy-filled hearts on yard signs, he and Emily began delivering these encouraging hearts across their community. Now months later, listen as Emily shares God’s creative answer to her prayer and how the blessing of Max’s heart ministry has reached further than she could have imagined.Order Your Heart by Max CardsLearn More About Joni and Friends' Church Training Resources Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends t

How can the church best walk alongside someone living with a chronic illness?Jennifer Ji-Hye Ko is a writer and poet who has remained tenacious amid her various physical and mental illnesses. She joined Crystal on season 2 of the podcast to talk about the healing process of lament, and is returning to share about her relationship with the church as she lives with chronic conditions.The needs of someone living with a long-term illness are unique, and the day-today challenges can often feel isolating. Be encouraged as Jennifer talks through her experience and offers a practical framework for how to step into someone’s suffering. Because within the body of Christ, the complex diversity of people living with disabilities reveals the complex beauty of God.Download Jennifer's Poem, Clip My WingsFollow Jennifer on Instagram Learn More About Joni and Friends' Church Training ResourcesRead Disability and the Gospel Questions or comments? Email Crystal at podcast@joniandfriends.orgSupport Joni and Friends to help make

“I don’t understand why all these hard things keep happening, and sometimes I wonder why God doesn’t just fix it. But I have to trust that he is doing something bigger… and one day we’ll see it.”When Vaneetha Risner’s infant son died due to a doctor’s error, she felt devoid of purpose and feeling. Hadn’t she suffered enough? Multiple childhood hospitalizations due to polio, years of being bullied, the heartache of her husband’s unfaithfulness, and losing three babies to miscarriage—wasn’t there a limit to how much pain one could endure? What happened to the abundant life God promised? And could she survive whatever might come next?In her new memoir, Walking Through Fire, Vaneetha details her courageous journey toward wholeness amidst a world of brokenness. And to celebrate the release, she hosted a special conversation with friends to talk about their personal experiences with suffering and how God has met them in it. This week on the podcast, Vaneetha is sharing her conversations with Joni Eareckson Tada, Pa

It’s not that she’s not grieving, it’s that she’s put her hope in someone that won’t disappoint. Something greater is happening in her grief.On our last episode of the podcast, Bekah Bowman shared about finding beauty and goodness in the middle of unthinkable loss. As a coach's wife and mother to two young boys, Titus and Ely, Bekah served as a children's pastor and teacher until Batten disease came knocking at her door. This week, she is talking about her journey with grief as she walked through the fatal diagnosis for both of her sons. Hear how she’s learned to hold both pain and joy simultaneously, and how God has used Bekah’s community to minister to her when she’s been unable to support herself.If you are journeying with grief today, subscribe to the podcast. Be encouraged by Bekah’s conversation about experiencing Jesus in a whole new way in the middle of brokenness and loss. Read Can’t Steal My Joy: The Journey to a Different Kind of Brave.Find Bekah on Instagram and Facebook. Questions or comments? Em