Hardin-Simmons Doctor of Physical Therapy students and Union University EDGE (Employment Training, Daily Living Skills, Godly Focus, Educational Enrichment) students interning with Joni and Friends will receive training on a biblical view of disability and hands-on experience serving people living with disability.

Theological Training:

Interns will be led through the Beyond Suffering curriculum, created by Joni and Friends to transform the way Christians view God’s plan for disability and suffering.

1. During the spring semester, first year Hardin-Simmons Doctor of Physical Therapy students receive biblical education on a theology of suffering, using Beyond Suffering as a core text.
2. Union University’s EDGE students will be trained on the principles of Beyond Suffering through pre-trip meetings and online coursework.

Hands-on Service in the US:

At a Joni and Friends Family Retreat in Texas, Retreat Hardin-Simmons students will serve as volunteer buddies, being paired with a retreat attendee throughout the week, learning to befriend and support a person living with disability.

Hands-on Service in Peru:

As a capstone to the internship, Hardin-Simmons and Union University students will serve at a Joni and Friends Wheels for the World™ outreach in Lima, Peru. Interns will help 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 through therapeutic intervention and education, all in the name of Jesus.

What to know about Peru:

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. Team members will have opportunities to worship and learn about the country’s unique culture from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at partnering churches who will be hosting the wheelchair distribution.

Cost and Safety Protocols:

Internship cost is all inclusive upon arrival at your hub departure airport. We are carefully proceeding with this internship with safety protocols in place. If Joni and Friends cancels the event, we will refund or reallocate the donations in accordance with our current policies.

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