Introducing the Second Edition of Beyond Suffering: A Christian View on Disability Ministry

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20–21

When I read these verses pointing to God’s glory and power beyond human imagination, I think of the Joni and Friends Beyond Suffering course. At Joni and Friends, we have witnessed firsthand how, since its publication in 2011, God has accomplished far more through Beyond Suffering than anyone at the ministry imagined., God has accomplished far more through Beyond Suffering than anyone at the ministry imagined. 

A Global Hunger 

In its original edition, Beyond Suffering has exceeded our team’s expectations, with the course being taught in over sixty countries to over 25,000 people. We have trained men and women in universities, seminaries, churches, and small groups in the United States and around the world—in nations as far-reaching as Perú, Brazil, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Uganda.  

No matter where we go, a common thread has emerged: a global hunger for this training, which is changing perspectives, lives, communities, and cultures. What changes do we see? 

• Apathy turning into conviction 

• Unawareness turning into vision 

• Rejection turning into welcome 

God be praised! We recognize that every transformation happens “according to his power that is at work” (Ephesians. 3:21).  

Testimonies of Transformation 

Hearing from our Beyond Suffering participants, tune in to the notes of transformation that ring through their testimonies… 

As one pastor in El Salvador told us,  

“Beyond Suffering changed everything for me. I previously ignored people living with disabilities, and now our church has a fully equipped disability ministry offering respite care, physical therapy, and Bible studies.”  

Or as a mother in Ukraine told us:  

“I never knew that God had a purpose for my son. Through Beyond Suffering, we now know that he was created to bring God glory. His life has a divine purpose. We now have hope.”  

What’s New in the Second Edition? 

If you are new to Beyond Suffering, keep reading for a snapshot of what’s in store. 

If you are familiar with Beyond Suffering, you will notice some differences with this second edition, which includes up-to-date information on disability, new Course Reader articles, new video resources, and updated practical steps to equip Christians for effective disability ministry in every sphere of influence. 

While this second edition takes a more global approach and emphasizes accessibility, adaptability to various teaching settings, and interactive opportunities, the core biblical worldview and goals remain consistent with the original Beyond Suffering. 

Become Part of the Beyond Suffering Movement! 

Whether you’re new to Beyond Suffering or here to discover what’s new in the second edition, you can be part of this kingdom movement, aiming to train Christians on the biblical worldview of disability and to provide practical tools equipping the church to effectively minister to people living with disabilities. 

Our prayer is that these changes serve the various audiences who encounter Beyond Suffering around the world. May God bless you as you embark on this study, and may God equip you for this important ministry. 

“We live in a suffering world! Disability, cancer, chronic pain… isolation and exhaustion for caregivers… trauma from violent conflict… cycles of poverty and despair. 

That’s why I’m so thrilled to introduce the second edition of Beyond Suffering: A Christian View on Disability Ministry. This powerful resource offers a biblical understanding of the most profound human pain, and points to Jesus, who is The Way through and beyond all suffering.”

Joni Eareckson Tada