At the Beginning
In 1979 when I moved to California to begin Joni and Friends, the staff included me and two co-workers – but we had a big dream, and knew that we would soon need leadership to help grow the fledgling organization. That’s when God put it on the heart of David McElwee to move his family from Pennsylvania in 1980 to join Joni and Friends as its first executive director. Dave knew my story well because he served as regional coordinator for the Billy Graham Association when the Joni movie was shown in his area. Dave helped lay a good foundation for our ministry, seeing us through many growth pains those first several years. Eventually, the Lord led David McElwee to other Christian non-profits, but I will always respect this courageous young man for following God’s call to bring his small family (wife Marion, and children, Heath and Heather), to help us in California.
April of this year David was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and passed away in mid-July 2016. Ironically, David visited the International Disability Center just six months ago – when he learned how Wheels for the World and Family Retreats have expanded, I thanked him for helping to plant those first few seeds of our ministry. For more details on Dave and his most recent work with Far East Broadcasting, please visit their website.
In 1979 when I moved to California to begin Joni and Friends, the staff included me and two co-workers – but we had a big dream, and knew that we would soon need leadership to help grow the fledgling organization. That’s when God put it on the heart of David McElwee to move his family from Pennsylvania in 1980 to join Joni and Friends as its first executive director. Dave knew my story well because he served as regional coordinator for the Billy Graham Association when the Joni movie was shown in his area. Dave helped lay a good foundation for our ministry, seeing us through many growth pains those first several years. Eventually, the Lord led David McElwee to other Christian non-profits, but I will always respect this courageous young man for following God’s call to bring his small family (wife Marion, and children, Heath and Heather), to help us in California.
April of this year David was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and passed away in mid-July 2016. Ironically, David visited the International Disability Center just six months ago – when he learned how Wheels for the World and Family Retreats have expanded, I thanked him for helping to plant those first few seeds of our ministry. For more details on Dave and his most recent work with Far East Broadcasting, please visit their website.
