Joni Eareckson Tada and husband Ken reflect on 30-plus years creating their ‘untold love story’

TITLE: Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story

AUTHOR: Joni Eareckson Tada and Ken Tada

PUBLISHER: Zondervan

ISBN: 978-0-310-31469-1

PRICE: $18.99

RELEASE DATE: April 2

When Ken Tada met Joni Eareckson, he was smitten by a Christian woman with an attractive appearance and a striking personality. But that’s not all—Joni, as she has come to be known around the world—was a quadriplegic. Still, Ken committed himself to her, and the two took their marriage vows July 3, 1982. In Joni & Ken: An Untold Love Story, written with Larry Libby, the two disclose the hardships and joys they have experienced in their more than 30 years together.

Ken first saw Joni in person when she spoke at a Young Life banquet in Burbank, Calif. He had read her biographies, watched her on Billy Graham crusades and had seen the movie about her life. Joni wondered if Ken understood just what a long-term relationship would be like with someone so well-known.

As for her fame, “she had come to accept it and live with it as a matter of course; it went with the territory,” they write. “But she had worried about Ken sometimes. Was he marrying the persona or the real person? It felt at times like he was walking into marriage with an idyllic view of who she was and what a lifetime with a quadriplegic woman really meant.” 

Early on, however, Ken learned what it was like to live with Joni, who was recognized wherever she went and known around the world. Joni had an international disability ministry—and a full schedule—while Ken was comfortable in his own world as a high school history teacher and coach. On the weekends, he needed some time to himself to recharge, so Judy, Joni’s longtime caregiver, would assist her when Ken went to visit his aging parents or go on a fishing trip, for instance. Ken was part of Joni’s ministry activities at times, but as a couple, they began to grow apart.

“They could still move in and out of each other’s worlds, but it wasn’t happening as often, or as joyfully, as it used to,” they write. 

Life with his wife’s never-ending needs led Ken into a depression, a condition he had battled in the past as well. By God’s grace, he began taking part in a men’s study focused on John Eldredge’s best-selling book Wild at Heart. Ken learned that men desire “an adventure to live, a battle to fight and a beauty to rescue.”

In June 2010, he got his big chance to rescue his beauty when Joni learned she had breast cancer. And Ken stepped up to truly be there for Joni. In fact, they write, her cancer became a “gift” that helped to transform their relationship.

“The more we have been forced to depend on Christ in our weakness, the stronger our marriage has become,” Ken told Dr. James Dobson in a “Focus on the Family” interview.

In a personal note at the end of the book, Joni admits that while their marriage may not “meet all the family-counseling criteria for ‘a happy marriage,’ ” there is one thing she knows for sure: “Home is with Ken Tada. … Home is wherever we are together.”

To order Joni & Ken, call 800-727-1309, or visit www.zondervan.com.

Audio Adrenaline—known as Audio A—is back, but in a new form. Kevin Max is now leading from the front where Mark Stuart was before he suffered a vocal setback. Fair Trade Services releases the album Kings & Queens (7-36211-60489-7, $11.99, Provident Distribution) on March 12. Felicia Abraham visited with band members to talk about the new project.

Your last concert was about five years ago, so what brought the band together again?

 Will McGinniss: Mark, my partner in crime, and I, we’ve been in a band for a long time. … He had some trouble with his voice, and so as a band, we made the decision together to come off the road. That was 2007. We wanted to just give him time to see if his voice could come back or what God was going to do with him, and then we also just thought maybe God was just taking us each individually to some different things. And so we kind of stepped out of the Audio Adrenaline touring world and just plugged into our local church again. We were digging into our families. We’d been on the road for 15, 17 years straight and just were seeking God’s will for our lives. Mark and I specifically plugged into an orphan work in Haiti called Hands and Feet Project. … Just recently some friends of ours in Nashville who we’ve known for years—they’ve managed the Newsboys and other bands and artists in Nashville—they’re just really impressed with the way Audio Adrenaline kind of carried themselves and our work and our ministry and the brand of Audio A, and they came to us with the idea of getting Audio back out there.

How does your new album tie in with the Hands and Feet Project?

McGinniss: The new single is called “Kings & Queens,” and really it was written for the kids of Haiti at our orphanages. We don’t really like orphanage, that term is kind of a negative term. We call our place down there a village. … We have two locations down there. There’s 100 kids we’re caring for. … It’s really why we got back on the road, why I would go to my family and say, “Hey, I really think I need to be back out there using this platform for something larger than just music or playing my bass or whatever.“ It was these kids. … Thematically the new one is about the least of these and all of the things that we stood for back before we came off the road. We were about the underdog, the person who didn’t think that they could do great things. 

Max: There’s a redemption story here with us and with me, and putting this thing together. God has obviously orchestrated it. … On the record, there’s a lot of different themes. … There’s themes of redemption about listening and being patient and letting God work through you. It’s definitely kind of an underdog record, but it’s hopefully going to be a contender. 

Stuart: Net proceeds from the record are going to build more orphanages. 

For more information about the work, see www.handsandfeetproject.org.

Down-home gospel: Produced by Jay DeMarcus (member of Rascal Flatts), Wayne Haun and Ed Cash, Love Is Stronger showcases the rich voice of GRAMMY- and Dove Award-winning artist Jason Crabb. This sophomore studio solo recording delivers messages of comfort through the love of Christ that conquers all. Gaither Music Group (EMI CMG Distribution) releases March 12.

New label: New Artist of the Year nominee at the 2012 GMA Dove Awards, Beyond the Ashes offers its new album Stow Town Records (Provident Distribution). Releasing March 5, Living in the Moment features new lead singer Dustin Doyle and is produced by Wayne Haun. The release will be supported by coast-to-coast touring.

Changing thousands: Ordinary People, a follow-up to Faith Like Potatoes, the story of Angus Buchan, an African farmer who became an author and evangelist. To be released March 19 by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and distributed by Provident Distribution, the film tells the story of three troubled men in desperate need of faith who find themselves on a transformational journey to a gathering of a Mighty Men Conference led by Buchan. Rated PG-13 for some violent content, the 115-minute drama retails for $22.99. 

Solely for God: In the second film of her “True Beauty: Finding Your Identity in Jesus” series, Lisa Chan—wife of best-selling author and pastor Francis Chan—explores a way of life that is full of contentedness and joy. In Deny Yourself, Chan inspires Christians to let go of the lies that keep them trapped in bondage to earthly accomplishments. The 20-minute DVD, which retails for $14.99 and can be used for small groups or individual study, releases this month from David C Cook and Flannel. 

Secrets revealed: In Secrets in the Snow, six familiar strangers are the only students remaining at school as the conditions outside worsen and doors to the school are locked. An impromptu talent show and feast ensue, when a knock from outside brings a whole new element to the evening. Wills are tested, friendships are created, and secrets are revealed as the students realize they must rely on each other to make it through the stormy night.
Released last month, the 88-minute, Dove Foundation-approved film retails for $19.95 and is distributed by Bridgestone Multimedia Group. 

Brian ‘Head’ Welch says ‘Foolishness’ DVD is ‘about real faith presented in a very cool way’

As teenagers, skateboarding legends Brian Sumner and Christian Hosoi helped shape a culture, reaching amazing heights and breaking numerous records in the sport. 

Sumner and Hosoi said they were also “fools” until they traded in their destructive habits to become “fools for Christ.” Armed with biblical teachings, stirring testimony and authentic, street-level insight, the two have joined forces in Foolishness, which “takes viewers on a skateboarding thrill ride, offering a vibrant new way to connect with God’s Word as some of the world’s best skaters display their skills and declare eternal truths from the Bible.”

The title of the DVD comes from 1 Cor. 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (NIV).

Produced by SkateBible and distributed by EchoLight Studios, Foolishness (8-46041-092792, $9.98), which will be released March 5, aims to “help young people be as fearless in their faith as they are at the skate park.”

“Foolishness is the fullest 60-minute gospel word I’ve heard,” said best-selling author and pastor John Piper.

Brian “Head” Welch, former guitarist and co-founder of the rock band Korn, agreed. 

“Foolishness is a movie about real faith presented in a very cool way,” said Welch, author of Save Me From Myself.

Alistair Begg, author and pastor, said he was “stirred by the stories of the transforming power of Christ.” “It deserves to be widely distributed and viewed,” he said.

Besides Sumner and Hosoi, skaters featured include Jay Haizlip, Shawn Mendoli, Steve Caballero, Anthony Carney and Richard Muldar.

“Foolishness is a daily devotional,” Sumner said. “It’s a witness tool. It’s an exciting, artfully made skate video featuring some of the biggest names in professional skateboarding—men now living as dedicated servants of the Lord.”

For more information and to watch a video trailer, visit <a href="http://www.echolight.com/foolishness" target="_blank">www.echolight.com/foolishness</a>.

ASK THE AUTHOR: Travis Thrasher

LATEST PROJECT: Home Run (978-0-781-40838-7, $14.99, March).

PUBLISHER: David C Cook.

What is the premise of Home Run?  A professional ball player with a substance abuse problem is forced into rehab in his hometown, finding new hope when he gets honest about his checkered past and takes on coaching duties for a misfit Little League team.

A film version of the story releases in theaters April 19. How did you end up working on the novelization?  In December 2011, I got a call from Don Pape, vice president of trade publishing at David C Cook. He and I have worked together since his time at WaterBrook Press. He said they were bidding on an exciting project and thought of me for it. Later I discovered that a couple of publishers had suggested my name for this project. That’s always gratifying to hear. I’m delighted Cook ended up publishing Home Run. 

How was writing a film novelization different than writing a novel from scratch?  With a novel, I start from scratch with my own ideas and characters and story lines. With a novelization, I’m working off a script that’s already been written. My job is to flesh out the story and put it into a novel form. I strive to get to the heart of the story and accentuate what’s already there in the script. 

How did you collaborate with the film team? The entire process has really been remarkable. I feel like the Home Run team adopted me in January of 2012. I’ve been a part of their family ever since. The first thing I did was to meet with the producers at a Celebrate Recovery event. Carol Mathews [executive producer and producer] and Micah Barnard [associate producer] wanted me to see what Celebrate Recovery was all about as well as connecting with them. I got to hear Carol’s heart and vision for the project. She gave me a ton of creative license with the story, which was good to have. She also remained in touch via email and phone as I worked on the novel.

What is Celebrate Recovery?  Celebrate Recovery [CR] is a program designed to help those struggling with hurts, hang-ups and habits by showing them the loving power of Jesus Christ through the recovery process. The thing with CR is that it’s for everybody—I don’t know anybody out there who doesn’t struggle with something in their life. The amazing thing about this program is that it’s such a safe and supportive environment. The people I’ve met in this program are some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met in life. 

In the beginning, the main character, Cory Brand, exhibits extremely destructive behaviors. How will readers be able to relate to him?  I think Cory Brand is a very relatable character. Yes, he has destructive habits, but he’s also very likable. He’s a sports star—that’s all he’s known his whole life. But he comes from a small town where he experienced what everybody does—falling in love, dreaming big, having growing pains. Cory deals with his struggles by using humor; ultimately this is masking the pain and hurt he hides deep down. 

What is one of your favorite scenes?  There are quite a few, and they all come from the great script I was given. I think one of the most impactful is the scene where Karen, Cory’s sister-in-law, gives her testimony. I love what she says. The actress portraying her in the movie, Nicole Leigh, did a fabulous job, just like everybody else. 

Did something in particular about the story resonate with you?  If there’s one common theme in all the novels I’ve written, it’s been the theme of redemption and second chances. There’s a line when Cory Brand first gets into recovery where everybody is sharing what they’re struggling with, and he says his agent is trying to be funny. I thought to myself, I so get this guy, dealing with the hurt through humor. I loved the fact that everybody in this story is broken, yet they’re choosing to deal with their hurts in a different way than our star baseball player. 

What is the message of the book?  Freedom is possible for anybody. Anybody. 

Who would enjoy Home Run?  I think anyone who loves a powerful story about redemption will love Home Run, both the book and the movie. 

ECPA Fiction Top 10

1. The Harbinger, Jonathan Cahn (FrontLine/Charisma House Book Group)

2. Cross Roads, William P. Young (FaithWords/Hachette Book Group)

3. The Bridge, Karen Kingsbury  (Howard Books)

4. Full Disclosure, Dee Henderson (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group) 

5. The Shack, William P. Young  (Windblown Media/Hachette Book Group)

6. Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers (Multnomah Books)

7. A Patchwork Christmas, Judith Miller, Nancy Moser and Stephanie Grace Whitson (Barbour Publishing)

8. The Bridesmaid, Beverly Lewis (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)

9. Tidewater Inn, Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson)

10. Coming Home, Kingsbury (Zondervan)

The ECPA list is compiled from sales of Christian books in hundreds of Christian retail outlets nationwide, collected using Pubtrack Christian ,(<a href="http://www.ptchristian.com" target=_"blank">www.ptchristian.com</a>). February best-sellers are for the five-week cycle ending Jan. 12, 2013. All rights reserved. © 2013 ECPA. <a href="http://www.epa.org" target="_blank">www.ecpa.org</a>.

New Fiction in April

A Season of Mysteries, Rusty Whitener (Kregel Publications)

Daughter of Jerusalem, Joan Wolf (Worthy Publishing)

Deceptions of Angels, Amelia Glynn (Nail Prints Press)

Magnificent Malevolence, Derek Wilson (Lion/Kregel Publications)

One Glorious Ambition, Jane Kirkpatrick (WaterBrook Press)

Past Darkness, Laurel Woiwode (Crossway)

Roses Have Thorns, Sandra Byrd (Howard Books)

Sinners and the Sea, Rebecca Kanner (Howard Books)

Stress Test, Richard L. Mabry, M.D. (Thomas Nelson)

Surrendered Love, Laura V. Hilton (Whitaker House)

Sweet Sanctuary, Kim Vogel Sawyer (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group)

Take a Chance on Me, Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)

The Color of Hope, Kim Cash Tate (Thomas Nelson)

The Dance, Dan Walsh and Gary Smalley (Revell/Baker Publishing Group)

The Gate, Dann A. Stouten (Revell/Baker Publishing Group)

The Heart of Stone, Sherry Kyle (Abingdon Press)

The Hope of Spring, Wanda E. Brunstetter (Barbour Publishing)

The Message on the Quilt, Stephanie Grace Whitson (Barbour Publishing)

Though My Heart Is Torn, Joanne Bischof (Multnomah Books)