Not too long ago we had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of Joni and Friends. Do you know who Joni is? This is from her bio on her website:
"Joni Eareckson Tada, the Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center, is an international advocate for people with disabilities. A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson, then 17, a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, without the use of her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, she emerged with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations."
It was really such an educational tour for us. Growing up at Grace Community Church, I've always known about Joni. She actually used to attend our church when I was younger so I would see her there a lot. I just didn't realize all that her ministry does for people with disabilities. It is exciting to see how the Lord has used her and her testimony to help so many people around the world.
Before we went on the tour the kids explored an interactive center where they tried different activities but had a "disability". In this center Jojo was trying to read but the glasses made it real difficult for him to read simulating a person with a vision disability.
We then toured the facility. Here the kids are in a recording studio where Joni broadcasts her podcasts! She will record about 60 4 minute podcasts in one day...she's an extremely hard worker!
After her accident Joni learned how to hold a paintbrush in her mouth and paint. She painted the above picture!! Absolutely amazing! I can't even paint that well with my hands! What a gifted lady and she uses her gifts to glorify the Lord!
We were so blessed to have Joni come and visit us at the end of our tour. She encouraged all the kids and just shared her heart with us. She also shared the following: "God permits what He hates, to accomplish something that He loves!"
If you want to learn more about Joni and her amazing ministry you can visit her site at Joni and Friends
"Joni Eareckson Tada, the Founder and CEO of Joni and Friends International Disability Center, is an international advocate for people with disabilities. A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson, then 17, a quadriplegic in a wheelchair, without the use of her hands. After two years of rehabilitation, she emerged with new skills and a fresh determination to help others in similar situations."
It was really such an educational tour for us. Growing up at Grace Community Church, I've always known about Joni. She actually used to attend our church when I was younger so I would see her there a lot. I just didn't realize all that her ministry does for people with disabilities. It is exciting to see how the Lord has used her and her testimony to help so many people around the world.
If you want to learn more about Joni and her amazing ministry you can visit her site at Joni and Friends
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