Upcoming Events As befits the urgency of our Lordís words recorded in Luke 14 (ìGo quicklyî), this ministry is very active. Take a look at whatís happening and join in!
Special Disability Awareness Class Beginning January 6. Time: 7-8 PM Judy Redlich, St. Louis representative of Joni and Friends will team teach this informative and interactive class with Scott Hall, coordinator for Gateway Christian Church's Wonderfully Made Special Needs Ministry.  The course will raise awareness about those with special needs and share how a church might involve those with special needs more actively in ministry. Gateway Christian Church 1951 Des Peres Road St. Louis, Mo  (Click here for directions)
Training Meetings St. Louis Area Meeting Location:  Gateway Christian Church- 1951 Des Peres Road, St. Louis, MO 63131 Click here for directions.  Meetings are from 9:30-11:00 am and are held on the first Thursdays of the following months at Gateway Christian Church:February  April  June  August  October  December February 4th - Topic will be…"Asbergers - What is it? How does it differ from Autism?"  We will look at how to recognize and effectively teach a child with Asbergers. April 22 - Topic will be… “Downs Syndrome: What are the best methods for teaching a child with Downs Syndrome?”  This discussion will be led by a church children’s director who is also a mother of a child with Downs Syndrome. __________________________________________________________ Jefferson County Meeting Location: First Baptist Church of Arnold- 2012 Arnold Church Road, Arnold, MO 63010 Click here for directions. Meetings are from 6:30-8:00 pm and are held on the first Thursdays of the following months at First Baptist Church of Arnold: January, March, May, July, September, November March 4th – Topic will be… “Myths and Labels about disabilities”.  What they are and how to keep from using them. __________________________________________________________________________________________ Illinois Meeting Location:  First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, 1111 E US Highway 50, O'Fallon, IL Click here for directions. Meetings are from 7:00-8:30 pm and will be held on the following dates:  March 25th,     May 27th, July 22nd, and September 23rd. If you would like to receive bi-monthly reminder notices please email me at jredlich@joniandfriends.org.   Please register by either calling 314-644-6908 or emailing jredlich@joniandfriends.org. Looking forward to seeing you soon! Judy Redlich Manager, Joni and Friends Gateway
Previous Events Exciting activities over the past few months.
June 25, 2009 Benefit Concert for Joni and Friends - Gateway More than five hundred people enjoyed the gospel music of “The Lesters” and the “Harris Trio”.  Following the concert, there was a special time of fellowship.  The ladies of Fee Fee Baptist Church served delicious homemade cookies and all who attended were blessed.  We especially want to thank the Lester and the Harris Trio who gave of their time and talent making this event possible.  A special thank you also goes out to Fee Fee Baptist Church for hosting the event and sharing their warm hospitality. Thanks to all the volunteers who working behind the scene so faithfully, also gave of their time and talents.
Miracle in Monterrey 301 Wheelchairs Distributed Results in 333 Professions of Faith in Jesus Christ. Isidro Mayorda, who is in his late 70s, is the oldest pastor in the Baptist Association. He founded Eglecia Baptista Maranatha in Monterrey. Ten years ago he was diagnosed with diabetes and was forced to give up his pastorate. However, he is proud to say that the church he founded still thrives today. He thanks God for the great gift of mobility Joni and Friends gave him, and promises to pray that many churches will catch the vision for starting outreaches to persons with disabilities.	Isidro-Mayorda
Maria Mercedes Reta has used a wheelchair for the past 12 years due to what she calls a ìmedical mistake.î Despite her misfortune, she is all smiles. Through Joni and Friends she received a more comfortable chair. She and her husband have one healthy 18-month-old child, and they are expecting another baby. She asked for prayer that her husband would find a better job so he could more adequately support their growing family.	Maria Mercedes Reta
Translators were an integral part of our outreach team. We had some wonderful translators, including U.S. servicemenís wives, school teachers, students, and housewives. Our youngest translator came from the church Bautista Jericho. Translating for one of our seating specialists was Pastor Rogelioís 8-year-old son, David. Isnít it amazing who the Lord uses? Team members were overjoyed in how the Lord moved mightily, yet felt sad when they had to leave their fellow Mexico teammates. The bonds of friendship had grown tighter this third year, as they sweated side by side.	David