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Purpose Beyond Pain 

Bradley Mattes   |   January 23, 2025

Daily chronic pain follows scores of Americans, including the active and dynamic women you will meet today. Pain has been an unwelcome and constant companion in their everyday activities. At times it may slow them down, but they refuse to surrender to its demands.

Joni Eareckson Tada

For Joni Eareckson Tada, Vanitha Rendall Risner, and Barbara Coleman there is purpose beyond their pain. They demonstrate why assisted suicide or euthanasia should not be an option for those who suffer with chronic illnesses.

This amazing trio hasn’t thrown out the welcome mat for chronic pain, but they have learned to embrace its byproduct. It is time to tell their awe-inspiring stories.  

Every third Sunday of January is Sanctity of Life Sunday. It originally marked the anniversary of Roe v Wade which unleashed a modern-day holocaust against preborn children and their parents.

For years I have commemorated this day by hosting a special half-hour radio program. This year Purpose Beyond Pain: God’s Design For Life aired on hundreds of radio stations throughout the nation. Listeners were blessed as Joni, Veneetha, and Barbara shared their extraordinary stories of persevering through pain.

Now you can listen too.  

Barbara Coleman
Veneetha Rendall Risner

Joni has rock star status in Evangelical circles. A quadriplegic, she leads the ministry of Joni and Friends making a global impact by aiding those with disabilities. Vaneetha and Barbara join Joni as successful authors and accomplished artists in their own right. Both have made an indelible mark on this world that has outpaced the dreams of most Americans.

This program is personal for me. As a sufferer of chronic pain for over 20 years I understand the day-to-day struggles of dealing with this relentless and unwelcome companion. I have been inspired by the lives of these truly remarkable women.

Each share how they use pain to grow in faith and reliance on God. These godly women reveal how they have come to serve Him with joyful hearts.

How is that possible? Purpose Beyond Pain reveals the how’s and whys.  

We live in a society that increasingly promotes assisted suicide and euthanasia as answers to chronic pain and other unrelenting conditions. Ten states and the District of Columbia have legalized assisted suicide. Our new research, featured in an interactive map exposes slippery slopes with downward trajectories that stun in their speed to snare more and more vulnerable patients.

The lives of my guests demonstrate there is a better answer to life’s crises. Importantly, they impart valuable advice and wisdom for those dealing with pain or other chronic conditions. They share ways to cope and find encouragement when it’s needed most. 

A customized website landing page provides critical resources for those who struggle.

If you grapple with chronic pain or some other persistent condition – maybe one that is invisible to others – my prayer is that this program will assist your journey to find encouragement, hope and even joy.

Sincerely for LIFE,

Brad Mattes,

President, Life Issues Institute

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