National Volunteer Week – Jody
It’s National Volunteer Week and to celebrate, we’re featuring a few of our faithful volunteers! Meet Jody, a passionate volunteer who became a part of the Joni and Friends family when she attended her first Wheels for the World trip in 2009. Arriving in Romania to serve, she saw firsthand the need for mobility and the spiritual needs of the people. Identifying with the pain and fears of the parents of disabled children, she knew she wanted to minister on other outreaches. Since then, Jody has served on 8 different Wheels for the World outreaches, and will be attending her 9th outreach this July! She has always had an awareness of people with disabilities; 35 years ago, her son contracted meningitis at 7 months old, which resulted in significant cognitive delays and a severe seizure disorder. She says, “Our lives revolve around disabled people and as a result, a ministry with Joni and Friends was a natural fit!”
Jody has also volunteered at our International Disability Center in Agoura Hills as a tour guide since 2015. She has been thrilled to be able to meet people from all walks of life and then share with them the ministry of Joni and Friends. When we asked why she continues to volunteer with us, she shared, “I enjoy volunteering with Joni and Friends because it is an opportunity to share the ministry with people from all over the world. Something as simple as a cane, walker, or even a wheelchair can bring tears of joy to so many people who need to know that Jesus loves them and died for them. There is no greater thrill than hearing about many who have made decisions to follow Jesus. What a joy to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving in a support role to those who receive a wheelchair. The special times come when I can share the gift of salvation as a mom who is still learning to daily lean on the Lord.”
If you’d like to send Jody a note of appreciation, be sure to leave a comment below. Thank you, Jody, we are so thankful for your faithful service at Joni and Friends!
