Friday, July 30th Update from Joni:

Today is a pretty special one for me — it was 43 years ago today that I took that dive into shallow water which broke my neck. Some may find it strange to commemorate a tragic event, but I look at it differently. Over the years, God has used my wheelchair to spawn an incredible ministry to people with disabilities and their families around the world. Even as I write, Joni and Friends is getting ready to hold 8 more Family Retreats across the country… and an International Retreat is currently underway in Cameroon, West Africa. In a few weeks, another international Family Retreat will be held in Romania along with a Wheels for the World outreach in that country. And with every soul rescued for the kingdom of Christ, with every marriage restored and every fog of depression lifted, my heart feels overflowing with praise to our great God and Savior!

Forty-three years in a wheelchair is, indeed, a long time, and although the challenges aren’t getting easier with this cancer, I’m convinced that “Jesus doeth all things well.” Join me today, July 30th, in thanking him for the marvelous Providence that took a broken neck to bring about a worldwide ministry that reaches families affected by disability for the cause of Christ!

–Joni Eareckson Tada