International (MNN) — December 21, Joni and Friends signed a deal with TBN to broadcast their new television show globally.
The show is currently being broadcast on NRB channels. On February 1, 2008, the first program set to air on TBN. "It will go to Asia, to the Middle East, to South America, and to Australia. It's truly global. There are very few places on the planet that will not get it," said Steve Appel with Joni and Friends.
TBN has 30 satellites and approximately 5,000 networks worldwide.
The show is centered around answering difficult questions about God's love in a world marred by suffering. It is hosted by Joni Eareckson Tada, founder of Joni and Friends, who is also a quadriplegic artist and author. Each episode also features people who have endured suffering or are currently going through some sort of trial.
Appel said their current ministry will be strengthened by the growth. "This will undergird the Joni and Friends outreach that we have with Wheels for the World giving away free wheelchairs and fitting people with disabilities around the world."
Wheels for the World allows them to reach people directly through evangelism, Bibles and wheelchairs.
Currently, Joni and Friends is working on translations in Farsi and Arabic. In the future they hope to have the program in Spanish and Mandarin.
