Faith

Quadriplegic Activist Joni Eareckson Tada’s Christian Radio Show Hits 30-Year Anniversary

Joni Eareckson Tada has been journeying with radio listeners for three decades. In May, the inspirational host’s daily, five-minute program, “Joni and Friends Radio,” reached its 30th anniversary, with over 7,800 episodes to date. What once seemed impossible for the woman, who has worked feverishly to educate her listeners about people who live with disabilities, has come to fruition in a way she could have never imagined.

Tada, who once was so depressed over her own paralyzation that she considered suicide, is, today, one of the most recognizable and well-known advocates for individuals with disabilities. Her work — and her passion — are widely known.

Joni Eareckson Tadas Radio Show Has 30 Year Anniversary

Joni Eareckson Tada (Image Credit: Joni and Friends/A. Larry Ross Communications)

The Christian Post shares more about the long journey that inevitably brought Tada’s thoughts and inspirational messages to millions of individuals around the world (an archive of her past shows is available here):

Tada laughed when she was first approached by the Ambassador Advertising Agency about hosting the program in 1982, because at the time she was bedridden.

“My life was confined to those four walls in that bedroom. And here they were, telling me that what God had taught me in my wheelchair, and what I had been sharing in books and speaking from various platforms…would be very valuable to listeners across the country,” Tada told The Christian Post on Thursday.

In 1967, at the age of 17, Tada became a quadriplegic after she was injured in a diving accident, but shortly after she made it her mission to help others who are affected by disabilities. Her radio program has addressed a wide-variety of topics from a biblical worldview over the years, though the topic of disability awareness is particularly close to her heart.

“I thank my Savior for the energy, breath, and the insights from His Word; and, I’m looking forward to sharing more with our listeners in the months and years to come,” Tada proclaims on her radio show’s web page.

Watch the PBS special, below, to learn more about Tada discuss her faith, disability and breast cancer struggle:

Tada views her radio program — one of the many branches of her Christian ministry — as an opportunity to be open an honest. The experience, a personal journal of sorts, provides the host with a platform that enables her to educate others, while sharing her own personal struggles and challenges.

“I’m honest to share those things on the radio, and I think people resonate with that. They like someone to confess that they’ve got a long way to go, and I’ve got a long way to go,” Tada told the Post.

And Tada has apparently done an excellent job, because earlier this year, the faithful host was inducted into the National Religious Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame — a distinct honor for Christian media personalities.

Joni Eareckson Tadas Radio Show Has 30 Year Anniversary

In addition to her work with the radio show, Tada also founded the Joni and Friends International Disability Center back in 1979. To this day, the organization serves as a home base for ministries that serve people with disabilities and their families. Additionally, the organization provides essentially training opportunities for various groups.

Read more about Tada’s incredible story over at the Post.

Comments (26)

  • john vincent
    Posted on July 27, 2012 at 8:00am

    I challenge anybody to find fault with this woman. She has been a consistent christian, AFTER her accident, and said her life reached a depth and purpose otherwise impossible, had it not been for her mishap. She has a ministry, speaks with unction, passion, purpose, and a love for GOd, God’s people, and the everyday sinner.

    The myopic comments by atheists will barely follow, and try to find a defect in Joni and GOd, but lo and behold, all arrows will miss the mark. ‘ALL christians are weak…‘ ’all christians are greedy,‘ ’all christians are hypocrites…’ etc, comments like these have nothing in Erikson Tada. She truly is a light in a dark place.

    By the way, a man married her while she was maimed, and they have a solid marriage, which is also a testimony to the inner spirit of man. If you have not heard this woman speak, do yourself a favor. She will inspire and humble you.

    Report Post » john vincent  
  • ahg mom
    Posted on July 12, 2012 at 12:45pm

    Beautiful story about a beautiful lady! Joni is an inspiration. God’s amazing grace and blessings to her and her ministry!

    Report Post » ahg mom  
  • ConserveChrist
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 3:07pm

    It‘s a shame that the mainstream church of America is teaching people that God doesn’t heal. Jesus healed everyone that CAME to him. And Jesus also said that greater things would be done in the future with the Holy Spirit. Stop explaining away your lack of faith with an uncaring God and just believe.

    Report Post » ConserveChrist  
    • Shiloh2rtn
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:52pm

      No disrespect but if you really believe as you say, why not demonstrate the accuracy of your biblical understanding and publicly have your spinal cord severed and show all of us your faith. Ridiculing those for a supposed “lack of faith” is an ignorant statement, as well as an misguided understanding of what Scripture teaches. So just how certain are you really, about your position? If you don’t “lack faith” then cut it in two and then start believing….since you got the faith. I wont be holding my breath.

      Report Post »  
    • allyn211
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:41pm

      In 2 Corinthians, Paul asked for the removal of his “thorn in the flesh” three times, and God said “no”. Do you think that was because Paul didn’t have faith?

      Report Post »  
  • Bucky_1
    Posted on June 2, 2012 at 1:20am

    So happy for you Joni, may you have many moe years and God Bless you in your work.
    I have read about you and seen your web sight.
    Thanks again

    Report Post » Bucky_1  
  • hersey10
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:49pm

    I always love reading a story like this one .

    Report Post » hersey10  
  • JQCitizen
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 10:17pm

    Mudpuddle:

    Isn’t it also “thinking small” and lack of faith that make someone believe that God would never choose to be glorified by that which causes us suffering?

    Can we only in positons of comfortand prosperity give him praise?

    Don’t forget that it was while he was still sick, broke and alone that Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him”. If God had chosen to take Job home right after that declaration, would you have judged that God took him because of his LACK OF FAITH?

    Report Post »  
    • nobama2012yeswecan
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 11:57pm

      Let it go!! GOD LOVES YOU TOO!!! What do you care that others find comfort in their faith and is it a coincidence that non believing Quadriplegics don’t have success??Godless Governments create poor people…Communism,Marxism,Socialism..If it wasn’t for God,you would still live in the stone-age…you are free because their is a God !!PERIOD!!! I pick a faceless ,shapeless ,colorless God over any Man anyday!!!God gives us everything that only Man tries to take away…PERIOD…….

      Report Post » nobama2012yeswecan  
    • muddpuddle
      Posted on June 2, 2012 at 7:43am

      It is small thinking that makes someone say “God had a purpose in my tragedy”. Sure God uses our tragedies, but he does not purpose them. Jesus came to give her life more abundantly. Isn’t walking more abundant than not walking? Isn’t plenty more abundant that lack. The shame is that mainstream Christianity has boight the lie that suffering and putting up with whatever comes is our lot in life. Like somehow, the price Jesus paid was not enough. It’s all good that Mrs. Tada has a great attitude, that is surely commendable, and a great example for all. It takes great mental strength to do what she has done. But as far as believing all things are possible, as far as believing Jesus is The Healer, as far as being the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, she’s been a poor example. So you make the choice for yourself. Is believing what she teaches better for you than what the bible teaches? Ought not this woman, a child of the Most High God who has been bound by the enemy these thirty something years be set free? Or has God changed?….

      Report Post »  
  • JBJ2005
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 10:04pm

    I was blessed to meet Joni at an event at The Chapel in Akron Oh. What a beautiful and genuine person! We all make bad decisions and judgements. We all suffer consequences. Yet, God has enormously blessed a generation of people through her ministry. When we are willing – God works through us and we, too, can be a blessing to others. Thank you Joni for the truth of God’s word.

    Report Post »  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:00pm

    Can we imagine the strength of character it takes to say “Throw it at me Lord…whatever you want to do to this frail vessel, let ‘er rip. I know what waits for me beyond this very short physical world, and I will endure all the pain of body & spirit with as many smiles as I can muster, until that day you call me home.”

    The J.E.T.’s are here to rightfully put us in our place and shame us whenever we moan & groan about what amounts to truly trivial problems in our lives.

    Who inspiries you more? The perfectly healthy, rich guy who is always smiling and truthfully professing his belief in God…or someone who has endured a bit of what Job went through, admits their occaisonal weakness in dealing with it…yet plows away undeterred anyway.

    This woman is truly a Godsend!

    Report Post »  
  • muddpuddle
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:12pm

    Too bad she disobeyed her parents back in 1969 and went swimming when they told her no. Too bad people today think that her disability is “her cross to bear”. Too bad she believed Gods plan for her life is to be disabled. Sure, I might sound cruel, but not near as cruel as living a lie, crefitint God with something the enemy did. People all around the world are confused because this woman teaches unbelief.

    Report Post »  
    • Vydunas
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 8:19pm

      The Enemy nailed Jesus to His cross too… just saying. Our God is a god of second chances, and it’s what we do together with our tragedies and mistakes that shows the power of God.

      Report Post »  
    • JBJ2005
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 10:07pm

      A tad-bit cynical are we! I am thankful for Joni’s ministry. I am even more thankful for the salvation, joy, and peace and contentment I have because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I feel badly for you that you don’t believe it.

      Report Post »  
    • dsm
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:21am

      You have a Muddpuddle in place of a heart.

      Report Post »  
    • allyn211
      Posted on July 13, 2012 at 7:43pm

      Muddpuddle, I‘m familiar with Joni’s story, and I don’t recall disobedience to her parents as being the reason she went swimming. I think she was invited by her sister and almost didn’t go, and then changed her mind at the last minute.

      Report Post »  
  • SquareHead
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 7:08pm

    Thank you Joni, for your great example you have set for millions of us that are un-grateful and lacking faith. May God richly bless you!

    Report Post »  
  • Netsurfer2
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 6:53pm

    Goes to show, with a little bit of faith, goes a long way!

    Report Post » Netsurfer2  
  • Git-R-Done
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 6:28pm

    She’s an amazing woman and shows that you can still have a wonderful life no matter what obstacles you have in your life.

    Report Post »  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 6:02pm

    Special people.
    The All Mighty God has given them a cross(s) to bear.
    They are doing a tremendous job in carrying their burdens.
    I think God has already blessed them.

    Report Post »  
  • MONICNE
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:29pm

    I have followed her off and on since the 80′s. Wonderful programs and wonderful attitude. She is a proud example of a humble Christian doing good on Earth.

    Report Post » MONICNE  
    • PATTY HENRY
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:31pm

      Joni and her husband are amazing examples of overcoming the worst obstacles and the joy that comes only from serving God. Many more years Joni! God Bless you and yours.

      Report Post » PATTY HENRY  
  • Cleigh
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:21pm

    God Bless Joni. She is an inspiration to all of us; no matter what our trials might be. Everyone should read her book(s). She never gave up and continues to be a warrior here on earth for those who are suffering. Just listening to her voice gives me hope. Thank you for honoring her with this article.

    Report Post »  
  • AllAmericanGirl22
    Posted on June 1, 2012 at 5:17pm

    Joni is an amazing example of strength and inspiration. God Bless!

    Report Post » AllAmericanGirl22  
    • MOLLYPITCHER
      Posted on June 1, 2012 at 9:00pm

      She really is an inspiration, and I love listening to her show. If she can be optimistic, there is no reason why I can’t.

      Report Post »  

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