NEW! - Joni and Friends

JANUARY 2014
35th
ANNIVERSARY
JONI AND FRIENDS
Where the Joy of the Lord is our Strength
Happy Anniversary toYou,
Our Partners in Ministry!
Just weeks ago, your prayer launched a
Wheels for the World team into a rugged area
high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The
team arrived on the very day that a citywide ‘March for Jesus’ was taking place.
Over 2,000 people heard for the first time
about God’s love for people with disabilities.
Among them were Sarah and her 5-yearold daughter Ninived, who was born with
cerebral palsy.
“We heard a story from the Bible about a
man who gave a banquet,” said Sarah. “The
man told his servants to go out quickly and
invite the poor, the crippled, the blind and
the lame so that his house would be full.”
Sarah continued, “We were told by Joni
and Friends that we were welcome to come
and receive the love of Jesus and the help
you came to share with us.” Little Ninived
received her first wheelchair the very
next day. Ninved’s face beamed! Sarah
rejoiced! “The Lord has done a miracle
and provided this wheelchair for us
through you.”
In 1979, God gave Joni and Friends a
mission taken straight out of Luke 14:
“Go quickly! Bring them in!” Thirty-five
years later, you are helping advance that
same message and mission. Thank you
for your steadfast support that makes
it possible for thousands of disabled
children and adults to find their place
in the Father’s house.
FROM HEART
the
“ Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive
His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to
be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
I
— 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
t’s amazing how God will often open a
door of ministry, and then literally push
us through it! That’s how I felt when I
started Joni and Friends. After the Joni
book and movie (produced by Billy Graham)
were released in the late ‘70s, I began
receiving tons of letters and requests. People
wanted to know, “How can I help my
church understand my daughter’s special
needs?” and, “What does God say about
miraculous healing?” and, “How can I help
my disabled son overcome depression?”
Right away, I knew God wanted me to be
a good steward of this new sphere of international influence. So we launched Joni
and Friends in 1979.
From the very beginning, I looked to
God’s Word for guidance and insight.
I wanted this ministry to be built on the
premise that the Bible is totally sufficient
for each and every one of our needs.
Whether a person with a disability is
struggling with depression, requiring
resources, looking for respite, or seeking
a church that understands, the Word of
God is the place to begin. It’s why I spent so
much time earnestly studying the Bible to
grasp God’s goodness in suffering, as well
as His sovereignty in affliction.
Today, 35 years later, God’s Word is still the
centerpiece of everything we do. And like
those early days, I’m still studying what the
Bible has to say about disabilities.
I’m so thankful I can depend on you to help
me get that word out to thousands more families and churches – so God bless you for your
prayers and gifts to Joni and Friends that keep
pointing hurting people to God’s wonderful
words of life. I’m looking forward to future
years serving Jesus alongside you!
“Commit to the
Lord whatever
you do, and He
will establish
your plans.”
Wheels for the World
In the early years of ministry, a small team from
Joni and Friends traveled to a disability training
conference – and took along 180 wheelchairs.
These were quickly distributed, and the need for
more was clear. Thus began Wheels for the World.
–Proverbs 16:3
Over the years, Bibles and wheelchairs have been
delivered to more than 95,000 recipients, in
developing nations all over the world. With your
tremendous support, plans are in place for 23
outreaches to 16 countries in 2014.
Thank You
for 35 Years of Ministry!
It’s the beginning of an exciting anniversary year at Joni and Friends! We’re so
thankful for you, our faithful partner in ministry. How mightily God uses you to
reach into the lives of people with disabilities – bringing them hope, help, and new
life in Jesus Christ! Take a look at what God is doing to expand your reach even
further, as we press forward together into the next 35 years and beyond…
Family Retreats
This past year, your support provided 25
Family Retreats, where 968 special needs
families were strengthened in Christ. With
the joyful service of 2,203 volunteers, parents
and children experienced a time to re-charge
and re-connect through worship, prayer,
small group sharing, and memory-making
family fun.
And now, this ministry program has gone
global! Through you, families with disabilities
can experience the joy of Family Retreats in 10
developing nations.
The Christian Institute on Disability
God has pushed the doors wide
open for the CID to empower a new
generation of disability ministry
leaders. Joni and Friends interns first
receive biblical instruction and training
for disability ministry. Then, they take
the Gospel message and hands-on help
to people with disabilities in some of
the most impoverished places on earth.
Additionally, your help makes it
possible to offer disability ministry
training to pastors and church leaders
in developing nations. Over 3,500
have already attended. Hearts are
ignited, ministry is growing, and
Jesus’ love is changing families,
neighborhoods, and villages!
We gratefully acknowledge contributions given in memory or in honor of loved
ones to further ministry in the disability community.
GABRIELLE HAHN
Emme-Leigh Hahn
HERB HELLWEGE
ALICE ADELMAN
Richard & Christine Hillesheim Yvonne Sullivan
ELMER HESS
KODY ADKINS
Darryl Hess
Robert Grubb
DAVID HOOS
MARY ALICE AGAR
Ruth Effa
Ephraim Baptist Church
KARL JAGENBURG
for the Deaf
Barbara Erling
The Strosnider Family
Marvin Griffing
MARCIA ANDERSON
Judith Keister
Jaime Jeeninga
Curt & Grace Willson
GLENN BAILEY
CHARLEY JOHNSON
Becky Earl
Crowley-Shanahan
C.A. BANKER
Foundation
Patty Cunningham
LARRY JONES
ELWOOD D. &
Richard & Judith Cole
IRIS I. BONA
Larry & Cindy Easton
Durwin & Nancy Shepson
Linda Gower
GLADYS BOYNTON
Ed & Glenda Hutzler
Joe & Carolyn Davis
Paul Jones
RANDI BRAUNE
Sandra Jones
Tom & Tracy Rantala
Winson & Diane Jones
ALBERT DAVID
Melinda Lindaman
BRIDGES
Jacqueline Rowe
Marie Bridges
Lena Stagg
MICHAEL CURTIS
Valero Maintenance Org.
BRUDOS
The Salontai Family
Mom & Dad
SHANNON JONES
ROY & RON BYRNE
Robbie & Brenda McCullough Wayne Schwab
TERRY JONES
BEVIS CHARLES
Robert D. Rogers
CAMPBELL
KRISTY KARJALA
Margaret Horvath-Barrett
Randy & Susan Karjala
FRANK COSTELLO
ELIZABETH KETCHER
Paul & Norma Snow
Hoo Yin Wong
NOAH COX
MICHELE LACROIX
Jerry & Tammy Cox
Mawmaw & Pawpaw Milsap Roberta Hettinger
LAURA, PRECIOUS SISTER
MARY C. CROWLEY
Christine Smith
Crowley-Shanahan
KATHY LEJEUNE
Foundation
Donald & Christine Coleman
CAROLYN DeVANEY
ROBERT LIVINGSTON
Marilyn Zuercher
Charles & Linda Wong
LESLIE DRIGGS
DAVID MARANTO
Jean Driggs
Cynthia Maranto
JANE DWYER
GENEVIEVE MARCINIAK
Gerald Dwyer
Jean Zinda
DEB FEY
CLYDE MAYNARD
Allen & Estella Vis
Sam & Ann Furrow
BARRY FULLENWIDER
Robbin Fullenwider Haynes BETHANY McDONALD
Jeff & Shirley Offtermatt
CORRIE GISSER
FRANCES McDOWELL
Charles & Linda Wong
Mr. & Mrs. Robert McDowell
CHRIS GREEN
DR. JAMES MICHAELS
Jeff & Shirley Offtermatt
Annemarie Michaels
DOLORES GRIFFITHS
Daniel McBride
IN MEMORY
ARNOLD & JOHANNA
MILLER
Irene Miller
LaDONNA MILLER
Cheryl Wilson
MARY T. MOORE
Kathryn Moore
Robert & Julie Moore
ROSA MORRIELLO
Angelo & Angie Lettieri
DOREEN MURPHY
Jan Brown
JACK NESBITT
Kayla Joyce
RUTH & LEROY NORMAN
Ed Gordon
PEYTON O’KEEFE
Kennon O’Keefe
JIMMY PAGE
Jolene Page
ANDY PALACIOS
Bob & Ruthann Palacios
JACK PETERSON
Patty Cunningham
HARRISON PRINS
Debra Prins
STACEY RAKER
Terry & Sherri Groves
MOLLY RATLIFF
Paul Ratliff
ELIZABETH RENNER
Martin Renner
WALTER ROBERTSON
SAHS Sunshine Club
PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ
Art & Norma Rodriguez
WALTER ROLEDER
Eileen Mann
Marvin & Eloise Fauth
LIZ SANZA
Katie Durham
Tom Gron
NEAL SEARS
Darlene Kuriscak
DOLORUS ROSE SEIFERT
Sandra Hurt
WILLIAM & ANICE
SHEPSON
Durwin & Nancy Shepson
GERALD SLACK
Joe & Carolyn Davis
BRIAN SMITH
Kayla Joyce
CALEB SMITH
Harry & Cheryl Baker
JERRY SOSENKO
Birt Cooper
John Eisenga
Patti Gasper
Ronald & Linda Hamilton
Lonny & Michelle Lutke
John Parmenter
Betty Sosenko
PEGGY STEELE
The Doty & Thomson Families
LISI TWENTE
Janice Lawrence
Patricia Premick
Connie Rozes
John & Lynn Stillwaggon
MABEL LURAY
WINSTEAD
Roger & Victoria Schmied
PEGGY ZEN
Anthony & Natalie Menges
GERALDINE M. ZUK
John & Marilyn Nugent
IN HONOR
LENA ADAIR
Melvin & Gloria Blowers
SARAH AMICK
Catherine Craige
BRENDA BATEMAN
P. Leigh O’Dell
JIM & CLARA
BATTERTON
Julie Price
CHRIS BOSHAR
Dannah Foresta
ELEANOR BROWN
Roberta Drake
MARILYN BROWN
Doris M. Brown
ANNE CARMICINO
Maria Carmicino
PAUL CERNY
Jackie Nadel
CHRIST JESUS
Troy Ingle II
Mia Knowles
SALLY D’ALESSANDRO
Robin Weaver
AMANDA, JESSICA &
RYAN EBERSOLE
Jon & Peggy Ebersole
JANET FAGER
Indian Springs Middle
School
ANGELA
GONZALEZ-DUFOUR
The Sambrano Family
RON & DEBBIE HARRIS
Teresa Baxter
THE HINKLE FAMILY
Sara Greth
CURLY HOLLINGSWORTH
Gloria Hollingsworth
PRESTON HOWELL
Verna Howell
JONI
John & Rebecca Dabrowski
Don & Sheryl Lautenschlager
Francie Lorey
Gloria Mikelski
HELEN LESLIE
The Doty Family
ANNA MARY MOSHER
Abbie Hartis
George Holt
MY BIRTHDAY
Christine Signor
LAURA PAYNE
Regis & Louise Hebbeler
JOAN PORTER
Mari Hooper
Carol Kemble
Robert & Kathren Martinez
Joni & Ken Tada
ARAMIS RAMIREZ
Rosalene Schellenberg
ELI RAMOS
Arcadio Ramos
ROGER RITTENHOUS
Carol Otero
MARY ELIZABETH
ROBINSON
George Robinson
HERBERT STERN, JR.
Vona Lorenzana
DANIEL STRATMAN
Jerry & Susan Stratman
CLARISSA THOMPSON
Matthew Bender
SHERRI TWENTE
Mary Hoff
MARY JEAN VAN DEUSEN
Donald W. Martin
Rob & Ann Matthews
BARRY & CAROL WEAVER
Linda Barto
ROBIN WEAVER
David & Colleen Babey
Sally D’Allesandro
John & Jo Anne Kreighbaum
Kathryn Levy
Barton & Susan Ross
LINDA WELTON
Rex Welton, Jr.
MARIANNE ZEBEDEE
Lacie Stevens
Share the Joy of Serving in 2014
Wheels for the World
Cause 4 Life Internships
Experience the adventure of sharing God’s
love worldwide as you deliver wheelchairs to
children and adults in developing nations.
Our teams need:
• Physical/occupational therapists
• Translators
• General support – anyone can help!
• Chair Corps— help collect wheelchairs
here in the U.S.
We are looking for young Christian leaders to
join us for training, education, advocacy, and
action on behalf of disabled people worldwide.
Internship applications are currently being
accepted for summer 2014.
Family Retreats
Join us as a Short Term Missionary (STM) this
summer! Enjoy camp-style activities as you
serve a family that lives with disability.
• Volunteer as a Short Term Missionary
• Serve with your church group as a team
• Assist with recreation and activities for
pre-school, children or teen programs
The Missions Internship Program includes:
• Beyond Suffering disability training at Joni
and Friends International Disability Center
• Local church and community service
• Serve as Short Term Missionary at a
Family Retreat
• An International Mission to Haiti, China,
or Uganda
For more information on these
exciting opportunities in 2014,
visit www.joniandfriends.org or
call (818)707-5664.
PO Box 3333, Agoura Hills, CA 91376 • (818) 707-5664 • Fax (818) 707-2391 • www.joniandfriends.org
© 2014 Joni Eareckson Tada, publisher. All rights reserved.
Permission to reproduce any material herein must be obtained in writing from Joni and Friends.
Products You’ll Love
From Joni and Friends
HURRY!
$15.00
Joni’s 2014 Planner
Don’t miss out on Joni’s beautiful planner!
Along with month-at-a-glance and weekly
pages, you’ll find scriptures, devotions,
space for journaling & prayer lists, and
2 handy pocket pages.
Code: CP2014
NEW!
$14.00
Growing Down:
God’s Grace in Spite of Myself
By Sarah Horner Wetzel
Laboring alongside her missionary husband, author
Sarah Wetzel realized that her faith was dying on the
vine. Here, she recounts her discovery that the only
way to grow up in Christ is to grow down.
Softcover, 137 pages.
Code: BK154
TO ORDER: ∙ mail order form ∙ call toll-free: (800) 736-4177 ∙ visit www.joniandfriends.org
Every purchase helps people who are affected by disability. Thank you!