JONI: You know one of the things I love best about our new headquarters here at Joni and Friends? For years I have been recording these radio programs you listen to in a little, little tiny little closet – I’m not kidding, for 25 years my recording studio at our old office was a literal closet. Which means… that whenever I wanted to interview anyone, they either had to sit on my lap (just kidding), or we’d have to drag all the microphones out of the closet and set up things in an open area. But here at the new Joni and Friends International Disability Center, I can welcome my husband, Ken, today in our new recording studio which has room for my wheelchair and you, Ken!
KEN: Isn’t that exciting?
JONI: I know. Aren’t you glad for this Center?
KEN: It’s fantastic. What a blessing. What a true gift from the Lord.
JONI: And you know there are so many places to cruise around in my wheelchair. So many things to look at. What do you like best about here?
KEN: Oh, there are so many things, Joni, in terms of just the spirit but also we have a wonderful chapel. But I want to make people understand that it’s not the building itself, it’s what the building symbolizes. It’s the roof over the head of the various programs including radio.
JONI: Right! It’s not the brick and mortar here, it’s knowing that now we’ve got more square footage to expand Wheels for the World and Family Retreats and Special Delivery and our training and it’s so wonderful. You know, Ken, this is one of the most prayed in, prayed for, prayed over, prayed through, prayed about facility I think I have ever been in.
KEN: Yes, it is, Joni. But you know if it wasn’t for the folks who work here, the staff, their love for Christ, I mean that’s what really makes this building alive.
JONI: Yes, its not just brick and mortar, steel and glass, it’s Christians who love the Lord Jesus and who are passionate about serving Him among people with disabilities around the world.
KEN: And you know, we’re all in this together. Even in Acts 20:24 which says, “I consider my life worth nothing to me if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. The task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
JONI: You know, there we are! That’s us. We are completing a task, we are finishing a race, and it’s just kind of fun to do it in a place with other brothers and sisters in Jesus.
KEN: And it’s fun to do it with you!
JONI: Thank you! I’m glad to hear you say that. We’ll be heading soon to Southeast Asia where you and I will be sharing Wheels for the World over there so let’s pack our bags. Ken, any final words to our listening friends?
KEN: Yes. If you happen to be in Southern California come on by. I’ll take you for a tour. In fact, if you know you are going to be by, give us a call and I’ll set it up for you.
JONI: Yep! A personal tour by Ken Tada. I love it! Thanks so much, Ken.
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JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
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