AGOURA HILLS, CA (ANS) -- Joni and Friends, the disability ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada in 1979, has announced another milestone for the ministry after securing a place on Trinity Broadcasting Network’s (TBN) broadcast lineup beginning February 7th.

TBN is the world’s largest religious network. The ability to reach millions of viewers, across six continents, with TBN’s network of stations will provide a glimpse into the lives of real people as they face heart-wrenching trials. “Our show poses some of the most difficult questions about the goodness of God in a world shattered by pain and suffering,” says Joni Eareckson Tada, the show’s host.

Joni Eareckson Tada

In this unique program – broadcast nationwide on the NRB channel on DirecTV and other outlets – audiences meet the exceptional people who inspire Tada, world-famous quadriplegic author, and artist. Joni and Friends is a half-hour of riveting images, soul-stirring stories, and proof-positive truths from the heart of God's Word that will change your life...forever. Through dramatic and powerful glimpses into the lives of real people who are enduring incredible challenges, Tada and her guests put scripture to the toughest of tests, illustrate why God is worth believing in, and how to trust him in the worst of times.

Tada herself learned to put her complete faith in God at a very early age. For over forty years, she has lived in a wheelchair since a diving accident in 1967 left her a quadriplegic at just seventeen years of age. “I prayed every prayer to be healed, but God obviously had other plans,” says Tada. “Once I delved deeper into scripture, I began to see God's plan unfold for my life. He was using my disability to push me into the arms of Jesus. I can honestly say that I would rather be in this chair knowing him, than to be on my feet without him.”

Wheels for the World, the wheelchair outreach ministry of Joni and Friends, has distributed over 40,000 wheelchairs worldwide while also bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to each wheelchair recipient. Joni and Friends also serves families affected by disability through its 20 family retreats nationwide with 3 international retreats. “God has blessed me so much,” says Tada. “I'm just grateful I have the chance to pass on the blessing to disabled people and their families around the world. It’s wonderful to be able to provide Christian encouragement and practical help.”

Watch for the Joni and Friends TV program on TBN Thursdays, 4:30 Pacific Time.