“If you want to understand how to be more inclusive, get to know someone with disabilities. Get out of your comfort zone.”

Last week on the podcast, Joshua Fast shared about raising Malakai, his 6-year old son who was born prematurely and diagnosed with myotonic dystrophy and cerebral palsy. But for Joshua and his wife Nicole, it was during Malakai’s 4-month hospital stay that they saw their church community come around them to provide the life-giving support that strengthened the Fasts as they encountered a series of unexpected challenges.

This week, Joshua is back to talk about how his unique journey inspired him to establish a ministry that helps other special needs families find similar support as he teaches church leaders how to better include people living with disability. Through Priceless Youth Ministry, Joshua is demonstrating the value of all people and creating opportunities for everyone to encounter God through fellowship, worship, and the teaching of God’s Word. Listen to learn about the creative ways he is breaking down barriers and helping churches make their existing ministries more accessible, and how you can too!

Learn about Priceless Youth Ministry

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]

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*Joni and Friends was founded in 1979 by Joni Eareckson Tada who in a diving accident was left a quadriplegic at 17 years old. Ministry began as Tada, joined by friends around her kitchen table, responded to letters she received from people with disabilities in search of support. For more than 40 years, the ministry has grown to serve thousands of people impacted by disability worldwide: Joni and Friends has delivered more than 180,000 wheelchairs and Bibles through Wheels for the World and provided Christian care to 63,000 special needs family members through Family Retreats. The organization also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses through the Christian Institute on Disability. For more encouragement, download the Joni and Friends radio podcast in English or Spanish, and view inspirational videos on the Joni and Friends website.

www.joniandfriends.org*

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.