Help celebrate Joni’s husband – Ken Tada’s birthday today! Hear the couple talk about the joys of the Wheels for the World outreaches he’s attended in the past. Learn how to truly make Ken’s birthday wish come true.
Help celebrate Joni’s husband – Ken Tada’s birthday today! Hear the couple talk about the joys of the Wheels for the World outreaches he’s attended in the past. Learn how to truly make Ken’s birthday wish come true.
You can give the Perfect Gift in honor of Ken Tada!
JONI: Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with my husband, Ken!
KEN: I’m excited to be here!
JONI: It’s always great when you come up to the microphone, but it’s been a while since you’ve been in the recording studio with me. Today there’s a good reason, right?
KEN: I’m excited Joni. You know what, today is my birthday!
JONI: (Joni sings:)
Happy happy birthday boy, you’re your mother’s pride and joy.
Or perhaps I should say like Stevie Wonder:
Happy Birthday to ya!
KEN: You know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard it more beautifully sung.
JONI: Oh c’mon, c’mon.
KEN: Yeah, you’re the best.
JONI: Ok, well Ken, what would you like to have for your birthday?
KEN: Well, I think I have pretty much everything. But you know I think the greatest joy I have in life is when I get a chance to represent the ministry and go overseas and see those young people get those wheelchairs. I mean, Eduard remember in Cuba? It doesn’t matter what country you’re talking about. But the kids, when they get their wheelchairs, and they get the gift of mobility – to see the brightness in their smiles and just the excitement; it’s truly a blessing.
JONI: Well, I know that you’re sincere in saying that from your heart because I’ve seen you on the field with our Wheels for the World teams. And if there is, let’s say a little boy with cerebral palsy, or polio [yes, polio is prevalent in developing nations], or if Ken Tada sees a little guy whose legs don’t work, you like to pick up the wrench, don’t you? And a screwdriver and head over to the worktable to help adjust that junior-sized wheelchair for that kid.
KEN: Oh yeah, I think it’s such a gift to be able to do that and to see it directly translated into he or she being able to use that wheelchair.
JONI: Well anytime you want to sign up for another Wheels trip, I’m happily waving you off at the airport. In fact, you mentioned Eduard and I know you met him when you were on the Wheels for the World team to Cuba. Talk a little bit more about him.
KEN: Well, much like many of the young people that we meet that are disabled, he did not have a wheelchair, he had traveled for hours to get to the distribution site.
JONI: Probably his parents carrying him.
KEN: His parents carrying him – usually they bring them in wheelbarrows or they’re just carrying them on their backs. And then we had to fit him as we do with all children to accommodate his particular needs. And once we were able to do that, then, you know he’s never been in a wheelchair before, you have to remember, but he was so excited.
JONI: He’s got mobility!
KEN: And he’s a youngster. So he started taking off in all these different directions. We were all concerned that he was going to roll off the curb. Because he didn’t quite master the idea of stopping!
JONI: Well, I know how much you love kids like Édouard. And so, what again, would you like to do for your birthday?
KEN: Well, I would like to donate my birthday!
JONI: Great, Ken! I’m so glad you want to donate your birthday so that more children like Édouard will be helped.
KEN: Well, Joni can I say one thing? I am so excited to donate my birthday. And I’ve gotten all these different things over the years, but this is probably the best present that I could receive is being able to donate my birthday to the ministry. And the only problem is after I’ve been doing this a few times, I would think naturally I would get younger – but I feel the same age!
JONI: Well, I’m glad you’re donating your birthday and if you want to learn how you can participle in Ken’s big birthday present to help kids like Édouard then go to joniradio.org because I’m thinking of all the many children – thousands of boys and girls with disabilities – who will be blessed in the new year because friends listening will take part in your birthday celebration Ken Tada!
KEN: Joni, I would encourage our friends listening to go to our radio page and see this picture of Édouard.
JONI: At joniradio.org. So Happy Birthday!
KEN: Thank you, Joni, I love you.
JONI: Love you too sweetheart.
© Joni and Friends