Who we are …
Ministry Purpose, Mission & Vision

Joni and Friends is a not-for-profit Christian organization dedicated to accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community.

Our Mission Statement

To communicate the Gospel and equip Christ-honoring Churches worldwide, and to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities.

Vision Statement

We envision a world in which ...

• The gospel is communicated to every person with a disability, giving them the opportunity to respond to the claims of Christ.
  
• The church values people with disabilities and finds ways for them to use their gifts.
  
• Families with a disabled member are strengthened through a community of Christian support, experiencing stability and the faithfulness of one another.
  
• Christians pray for people with disabilities and are personally involved in disability ministry.
  
• Pastors and missionaries preach on God's perspective regarding disability and incorporate those with disabilities in their ministry vision.
  
• Evangelical churches around the world are transformed into positive influences which are accessible, responsive, and committed to the evangelistic and discipleship needs in the disability community.
  

What we do …
Joni and Friends' Ohio ministries includes annual Family Retreats for families affected by disability, and an Ohio Singles retreat for single individuals affected by disability, Through the Roof ministry equipping churches for disability ministry, Special Delivery and Wheels for the World collecting and restoring used wheelchairs and rehabilitation equipment.

Family Retreat

Since 2000 Joni and Friends Ohio has hosted a five-day summer Family Retreat located at Shawnee State Park and Conference Center located in Portsmouth Ohio. Families affected by disability can find hope get a break from the challenges of everyday life.

If your family is affected by disability, we invite you to join us each summer. Browse the family information section or check out the family registration.

Our volunteer opportunities are a great way to engage in serving others in a fun environment. Browse the volunteer information section or check out the volunteer application.

Browse through the 2008 schedule of Family Retreats located throughout the United States.

If you are a church leader, we're here to serve you.

We're proud to be a part of the Christian Camp and Conference Association and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

Special Delivery

One of the most touching outreaches Area Ministry carries out is Special Delivery, which utilizes church groups and individuals to prepare and deliver beautiful packages containing spiritually uplifting materials to children, youth and adults in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and in the community.

This ministry has unique opportunities to reveal the valuable gifts God has given to those with disabilities and how they are a vital part of His church.

Motivated individuals and leaders are needed to deliver packages of donated items and share the gospel with friends of all ages. Special Delivery is a unique way of reaching a person or family with the message of hope in Jesus Christ. Please contact us if you know someone in need of a Special Delivery or if you would like to volunteer in this rewarding ministry.

Through the Roof

“Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.” Mark 2:4 (NIV)

The Through the Roof ministry is designed to support local churches in developing and maintaining disability ministry and help equip churches to reach out into their communities. Local churches are best positioned to reach communities for Christ. We strive to assist congregations through training materials and workshops, disability awareness conferences, Disability Ministry Sunday, Bible studies and support groups. Churches interested in disability ministry have the opportunity to network together as they begin, develop, and expand programs and outreaches. Please contact us to learn more.

Wheels for the World

Through Wheels for the World we aim to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the disabled in developing countries by providing wheelchairs and rehabilitation equipment and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. We also do this by connecting the disabled with the church through creating disability awareness and by educating and training the local churches in disability ministry.

Year round the Ohio office collects used wheelchairs, walkers, canes crutches and mobility equipment. We distribute mobility equipment in Honduras and El Salvador in the spring and fall each year. More importantly we share the Gospel and give a Bible to each person receiving a wheelchair

To learn more about our international outreach contact us.