Biola University has plans to launch its first-ever course
on the theology of suffering and disability. Working through the Christian
Institute on Disability (CID), Joni and Friends hopes to better educate and
equip the church for the work of disability ministry. 

The course will be offered through Biola's undergraduate
Bible department Spring 2008 and will bring a biblical worldview on disability,
allowing Joni and Friends a much broader scope for future outreach. Her mission has been to reach out to the
disabled community and equip churches to evangelize and disciple those who
suffer from disabilities.

Taught at the Biola campus in La Mirada, California, the
course will explore the different ways in which people affected by disability
provide the Christian community in general with a model of dynamic spiritual
transformation.

According to Biola, enrollment for the course reached
maximum capacity within 2 hours of the start of registration, and there is a
waiting list of students who wish to take the course.