An interns speaks with a mother and daughter

Hardin-Simmons University Affiliated Internship Peru (Cusco)

July 17, 2026 - July 26, 2026

Interns serving with Joni and Friends will receive theological training, personal mentorship, and hands-on experience in the mission field, preparing to live out Christ’s call on their lives. Every intern at Joni and Friends will use their gifts and talents to bring practical help and Gospel hope to people living with disabilities.

Theological Training

First-year Hardin-Simmons Doctoral of Physical Therapy students receive biblical education on a theology of suffering, using Beyond Suffering as a core text, during the Spring 2026 semester at Hardin-Simmons University. Beyond Suffering Beyond Suffering is the flagship curriculum of The Christian Institute on Disability at Joni and Friends. This core text aims to transform the way Christians view God’s Plan for disability and suffering through biblical education on the theology of suffering.

Hands-on Training

Hardin-Simmons students interning with Joni and Friends will serve at Family Retreat in Texas, learning firsthand how to serve, encourage, and form a deep friendship with a person living with disability and their family.

As a capstone to the internship, students serve people living with disability through a Joni and Friends Wheels for the World® distribution in Cusco, Peru.
As both a Hardin-Simmons DPT student and a Joni and Friends intern, next generation leaders have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting real needs through therapeutic intervention and education.

Peru, located in South America, is home to a section of Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city high in the Andes mountains. On this outreach you will provide mobility equipment and work alongside local therapists and mechanics to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people with disabilities and their families. Team members will have opportunities to worship “Peruvian style” and learn about the country’s unique culture from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

The cost for this outreach is all-inclusive; however, any pre-outreach vaccination requirements are the responsibility of each individual traveler. Joni and Friends Global Missions and Internships will adhere to country protocols related to health and safety requirements.. If Joni and Friends cancels the event, we will refund or reallocate the donations in accordance with our current policies.

Contact us to learn more at [email protected] or (818) 707-5664.

“My experience on our trip could best be described as life changing. Getting to work in disability ministry opened my eyes to so many different things. This trip will forever impact my life as I become a physical therapist ” – Intern Lynsey Rogers