Sue & Randy Parker

Jim and Joni Nelson have dedicated their lives first and foremost to honoring people, right where they are. They always move toward people with respect and a desire first to hear and understand before they speak. There is a quality of “we’re not in a hurry” as they listen, ask questions, and lean in to better gain a full perspective of a person and their heart. Over the years and in a variety of settings and ministries, I have seen Jim and Joni treat each person with great kindness, compassion, and grace. Their lives are in the Father’s hands, and as He directs, they flow with His Spirit to bring about beautiful, loving transformation and growth. People are drawn to the light of the Lord in and upon Jim and Joni as they reflect His nature and accessibility. Illumination, indeed! Jim and Joni embody John 15:26.

John 15:26 TPT
And I will send you the Divine Encourager from the very presence of my Father. He will come to you, the Spirit of Truth, emanating from the Father, and he will speak to you about Me.

Maddie Roberts

I met Joni in February 2022 at the Greek InterVarsity Leaders Summit retreat in Indianapolis, where she was leading the prayer team. From the moment she prayed for me and my friends, I could sense how Spirit-led she was. She affirmed gifts in me that I hadn’t yet discovered and spoke life over me in a way that reminded me deeply of God’s love. We exchanged numbers after that weekend because I felt an instant connection and a sense of being genuinely seen and loved. That fall, I asked her to be my life mentor, and we began meeting monthly over Zoom since I’m on the east coast. Since then, Joni has been a consistent presence, compassionate, wise, and firm in truth. Her leadership and the way she lives out her faith continue to inspire me. I’ve returned to Indianapolis each year for the Greek IV conference and to see her, and through that, I’ve started building relationships with her husband Jim and others in her beautiful community. It’s truly a gift and honor to call her not only a mentor but a friend. Joni has continually pointed me back to Jesus and has been a steady reminder of God’s love for me—then and now!

Margo

When we first started Ascend and had lots of hours to kill waiting for customers to come, I loved sitting and talking with Jim and increasing in wisdom from just being around him. Jim and Joni love on young adults so well!