AL: There are occasions and then there are special occasions and today we are marking a very special occasion and right at the start of this new ministry week here’s the reason why. It’s not because our radio host, Joni Eareckson Tada, is here, because the program certainly won’t be “Joni and Friends” without her, but this is anniversary time and not just any anniversary, it’s our silver! That’s right and Joni, it’s hard to believe, but this month marks 25 years that you have been on the air with “Joni and Friends”!
JONI: I can’t believe it. Where did that quarter-of-a-century fly to?!
AL: Yes, it was back in the summer of 1981 that I came to your home with Jon Campbell to invite you to consider doing these five-minute daily features…
JONI: Oh, I remember that day. We couldn’t meet at our office, because I was in bed that summer trying to heal up two stubborn pressure sores on my hips.
AL: And I remember Jon and I pulled up a couple of chairs by your bedside.
JONI: And I recall the two of you saying to me that you thought I had much to say from my wheelchair which would encourage listeners across the country… but as I lay there in bed listening to you guys, I just couldn’t envision getting back up in my wheelchair, let alone parking my brakes in front of a microphone to talk to people about victory in Jesus. Back then in bed I felt so weak, so unable, so limited, so…
AL: But that’s why we love you, Joni, and find encouragement in the things you say – you talk about how weakness is the real key to finding strength.
JONI: Well, that’s kind of you to say, Al, but you know – you of all people must know – I'm no expert; I'm still learning every day how to lay my limitations before the Lord, especially as I am coming up on 40 years in this wheelchair of mine.
AL: … I can appreciate how hard it must be…
JONI: I think it’s why I love the words of Jesus when He says in the beatitudes, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” When we come to God every morning in empty-handed spiritual poverty, then He sends peace and power and perspective straight from heaven. And if I can only continue to help people see that that is the key to victory, well…
AL: You’ve done it, Joni. Then these short five minutes will continue to inspire and refresh listeners for years to come. In fact, let me read a couple of remarks from listeners. Here’s one from Miriam who listens over the CDR Network that’s from Cedarville, she says, “Congratulations on 25 years of broadcasting ‘Joni and Friends’! I have multiple sclerosis and listening to your encouragements really gets my morning off to the right start.” And then Robert from Florida says, “Your insights make so much sense. I need to be reminded to place my limitations in the hands of God. Keep it up, Joni.”
JONI: And Al, I’ve got a whole bunch of other encouragements over here from listeners. I'm just so grateful that 25 years ago you and Jon Campbell from Ambassador Agency came up to my house, sat by my bedside, and convinced me that, yes, what I was learning flat-on-my-back being paralyzed would one day be able to help people like Miriam and Robert and our friend listening right now. Thank you, Al, for envisioning a radio ministry for me when I was too weak to envision it for myself.
AL: Well, Joni, like Robert, listening in Florida, I just want to say with him, “Joni… keep it up!”
JONI: And I will, by the grace of God… I'll keep it up as long as God keeps me on this side of heaven.
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JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
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