The Hope of Joni’s House

“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and the country lanes…’”

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, and you probably know the rest of that verse where Jesus says, “Go out and compel [the disabled, the lame and the poor] to come in, so that my [Father’s] house will be full.” It’s from Luke chapter 14, and it’s a Bible verse that we often use at Joni and Friends. And let me tell you exactly why…

You see, having traveled to 57 countries, I have seen countless disabled people in impoverished places trying desperately to eke out a living. Their stories always stir me to this day. I remember once when I was in the Philippines during a monsoon downpour, I saw a paralyzed woman drag herself through a muddy street to the back door of a small restaurant. I was told that she was hoping to receive leftover food. Our Filipino host shook his head and said, “Things shouldn’t be this way.” And I tell you, I could not get that woman off my mind the whole time I was in the Philippines. And on the flight home, I kept praying, “Oh, God, if you would graciously use my life to make a difference, I am all in!” I mean, begging for food? Denied medical treatment? Dragging your useless legs through the dirt for lack of a wheelchair? Things shouldn’t be that way. It’s why when it comes to the needy and the afflicted, the Bible constantly uses words like “rescue,” “defend,” “help,” “speak up for,” “care for.” I mean, God does not want us to simply “remember the afflicted” or “pray for the poor,” although both of those things are important. He calls us to be his hands and feet to actually do something. Like it says in Psalm 113; he calls us to “lift.” That’s doing something. You’ve got to “lift the needy from the ash heap.”

It’s what Jesus would do. Especially now in a world of pandemics when people with disabilities are at even greater risk. But our precious Savior has not abandoned them! He has shown us a way to give his salvation message and deeds of mercy through a new program we’ve got called Joni’s House. It’s a center that adorns the Gospel by serving as a hub for wheelchair distribution and repair, International Family Retreats and so much more. Joni’s House is partnering with overseas evangelical churches and local hospitals to provide medical help, evangelism, Bible study, food distribution, dignity kits and even physical therapy. And I could not be more excited! I mean, tears are welling even as I say it. So many, many, many are like that disabled woman in the Philippines, and I have long prayed for a breakthrough like this. To me, Joni’s House is my legacy. And unlike a new program, Joni’s House is a place. We’re going to put up disability centers where the disabled – like that woman in the Philippines who had nowhere to turn – people with disabilities can come and find spiritual healing in Jesus, as well as practical help from his people.

Oh, friend, please hear my heart on this: Joni’s House is a way to rescue, defend, help, speak up for and care for the afflicted, all in the name of Jesus. So join me and Ken in praying for the success of the Gospel as we implement Joni’s House in some of the darkest places of the world. And link arms with me and join the movement! Share in my legacy as you give and pray! Just go to joniradio.org – see a video and photos of our Joni’s House in Central America. And others are coming in Uganda, Peru, Nepal and more. So, again, pray for the success of the Gospel among the world’s neediest. With all my heart, thank you! And I’ll see you later at joniradio.org.

© Joni and Friends