Life as a Christian Woman

Joni Eareckson was born in 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland. She gave her heart to Jesus at a youth conference in 1964. In 1967, she was paralyzed during a dive in the Chesapeake Bay. At the young age of 17, Joni found herself facing the rest of her life in wheelchair. Two years of rehabilitation gave Joni new skills needed to live that life. She began to learn how to paint by holding the brush with her mouth. She became an accomplished artist and began showing her artwork at art fairs. A local television station did a feature on Joni, which resulted in an interview with Barbara Walters, which then led to a publisher asking her to write a book and Billy Graham’s film ministry producing a movie. Thousands of letters were received from others with disabilities, and thus began Joni and Friends International Disability Center in 1979. Joni married Ken Tada in 1982.

Joni and Friends has a simple vision statement: “To accelerate Christian ministry in the disability community.” Through radio, television, retreats, church training, music, art, and wheelchair donations, Joni and her international ministry team have provided physical, emotional, and spiritual help for people with disabilities and their families. She teaches them to use gifts of leadership and service in their churches and communities.

In addition to her artwork, Joni also sings and has traveled with Bill and Gloria Gaither. A Gaither production titled “Heaven” features the following statement by Joni: “Don’t think all I ever dream about it springing out of this wheelchair… I’m looking forward to Heaven because of a new heart.” Joni has released solo albums as well, and sings with her husband. “Spirit Wings” was the title song of her first album released in 1981. She has authored 35 books and children’s books and has been inducted into the Christian Bookseller’s Association’s Hall of Honor. Numerous other awards and distinctions have recognized the Joni and Friends ministry, and Universities and Colleges have awarded her with honorary degrees. Columbia International University bestowed its first honorary doctorate in its 75-year history to Joni.

Through her strong faith in Jesus Christ and her determination, Joni has helped millions of people with disabilities find active and meaningful lives. She has spread the gospel from her wheelchair throughout the world and trained churches to reach out through programs for the disabled. With her husband Ken, she continues to travel, sing, paint, write, and evangelize for Christ, touching hearts and minds wherever she goes.

Learn more about Joni Eareckson Tada at Joni and Friends.
Sign up for Joni’s Daily Devotional Delivery Service.
Support or apply for Joni’s Wheelchair Outreach program.

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