Though the other speakers at Xenos Summer institute were motiving and effective at drawing out joy, Joni stood as a gleaming light set on a hill, a beacon of hope and joy to a world of evangelicals seeking purpose and significance. If you have a heart, it was broken while sitting at the feet of Joni. That heart was not lead into despair – Not on Joni’s watch. She, guided by the power of the Holy Spirit, moved the audience to a hopeful future through a journey of glorious dependance on and joy in the Lord – for He is good.
Indeed after hearing Joni’s testimony and walk of faith, I am more confident than ever before just how loving, merciful, kind, and freaking good God is. “Rejoice in the Lord for he is good, His mercy does indeed endure forever and ever, ” so sings my heart three days removed from her inspiring speech.
Deeply desiring to pass on her words to those in my cell who were not able to attend and far too eager to wait for the CD recording or MP3 release and well aware of my inadequacies, I found a video of a speech that Joni delivered at another conference several years ago. It is not the extact one given by Joni in Columbus, but it is very similar in tone and content and worth watching – especially if you missed her at XSI. A simple recording may do, yet part of her message is conveyed through her countenance.
Enjoy and experience a renewed joy in salvation.
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I really wished I could see her live. Watching her from building X did bring tears to my eyes, but I know it would have been a greater impact in perosn.
Her teaching really stirred my heart, and I have been moved to get involved with the Lord’s will.