AL: As always, we are delighted to have you with us for this broadcast of Joni and Friends with our radio host who began this ministry more than 25 years ago – Joni Eareckson Tada. This week we’ve been telling you about families of disabled friends whom you can help us minister to in a very direct way through our Heart for the Disabled outreach. Every year listeners like you, as well as supporters of Joni and Friends write handwritten notes of encouragement which we then bundle up and send to people like... well, we learned about the Joni’s friend, Charlotte Sherman, yesterday and the Hopson family (all 10 of them) the day before...
JONI: And today I’d like to tell you about Greg and Laura from South Florida. And, boy, these two would really appreciate a card of encouragement. This couple are Messianic Jewish believers and have been married for 19 years. About a year ago, just when Laura learned that she had become pregnant, their lives were turned upside down. Greg was struck in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident and he became a paraplegic. He had so many complications from that accident that he ended up losing his job. They’ve had lots of other challenges in the past year, too… Greg recently got out of the hospital from additional surgery – some spinal fluid was collecting on his vertebrae and he was experiencing additional paralysis and huge levels of pain. Well, right now he is recuperating right now at home, but his pain levels are still pretty high. Bless her heart, Laura has a lot going on also, what with tending to her husband, plus their daughter who just turned a year old – can you see why this little family needs some Christian encouragement?
AL: And, Joni, I’m so glad you brought the needs of this particular family before us today. They do need the encouragement of Christ. So friend, would you please write Greg and Laura George a special Valentine greeting? Or have your children color a picture or crayon a special greeting? Send a Scripture... a poem... Or if you are just wanting to inspire and uplift this couple, let Greg and Laura know you’re praying for them.
JONI: That’s right. And all of us at Joni and Friends want to make Valentine’s Day pretty meaningful for this man in his wheelchair, especially being in pain. With your letter, note, or Valentine card, we can fill his mailbox with poems, prayer reminders, and Scriptures to help make this year’s Valentine’s Day something to remember. Don’t forget to write today, though, so we can include your letter in his mailbox.
AL: And let me underscore that we need to hear from you right away so that Greg and Laura and all the rest we’ve mentioned this week receive your card in time for Valentine’s Day. So, please take the time to write. You'll be glad you did. Those who have done it in the past have told us how rewarding it is to be a part of this outreach. So, thanks for having a heart, a heart for the disabled.
JONI: Again, the names to remember today are simply... Greg in his wheelchair and Laura, his wife. I know I’m going to be writing a note. Let’s let them know we are lifting them up in prayer.
AL: What incredible people – Greg and Laura George. They are people I want to write to and I trust our listening friends will do exactly the same thing. You know, it doesn’t have to be a lengthy letter, doesn’t have to be clever or smart. It really just has to come from your heart which is why it’s called Heart for the Disabled here in the ministry of Joni and Friends. Now you’ll need our mailing address – it’s Joni and Friends, Box 3333, Agoura Hills, California, 91376.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends