Jim Made a Difference by Serving People with Disabilities

By Joni and Friends|Published On: June 28, 2023|Categories: Family Retreats, Inspiration|

Jim pushing his Joni and Friends Family Retreat buddy in his wheelchair as they both look ahead and smile.

“Share Jesus!” That’s Jim’s motto.

Jim, a longtime Joni and Friends volunteer, celebrated his 85^th birthday in El Salvador on a Wheels for the World outreach.

And we celebrate much more than just Jim’s birthday. Since serving at his first Family Retreat in 1988, Jim has made a difference for people with disabilities through:

Volunteering at 25 Family Retreats
Serving on 11 Wheels for the World outreaches (and he has his next 2 lined up!)
Loving each wheelchair recipient he meets by taking their photo and sharing it with them
Sending daily prayers and Scriptures to other Joni and Friends volunteers he has met over the years
Praying!

Why does Jim volunteer?

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Philippians 2:3–4

Humble. Courageous. Prayerful. Diligent. These are just a few of the words the Joni and Friends Ohio team members use to describe Jim. A faithful friend to the ministry, Jim (whose wife has a disability) has a passion to share the Gospel, especially with people living with disability.

While he arrived at his first Family Retreat ready to give more than he received, he experienced the opposite!

Jim standing on stage with his Joni and Friends Family Retreat buddy who is seated in his wheelchair. They both are wearing crowns and appear to be performing for the talent show.

Jim felt the joy of the Lord as he made a life-changing difference for the people he served. And in the process, God met him and changed him. He couldn’t wait to keep serving!

You can make a difference too!

Get involved with Joni and Friends like Jim. Here are a few places to start:

Apply to volunteer at Family Retreat! Across the United States, Joni and Friends Retreats & Getaways provide opportunities to make a hands-on impact. God will use you to provide respite, encouragement, healing, and love to people living with disabilities and their family members.
Apply to join a Wheels for the World outreach. Each outreach provides an average of 230 wheelchairs to people in need—along with a Bible and the chance to hear the Gospel!