What Others Say About Jo:
"Thank you so much for your powerful presentation to live as God's chosen women "Clothed in Splendor and Majesty." Your joyful spirit was contagious! You encouraged us to be richly clothed in God's majestic armor; then you helped us envision ourselves laying our crowns at Jesus' feet. Many of our ladies have spoken of the great blessing they received. May God bless your beautiful ministry of encouragement with His very best! Allyson Haygood, Orange Hill Baptist Church, Austell, Georgia
"Jo was the featured speaker at our "Armed and Dangerous" Womens Retreat. We found her to be an engaging speaker whose desire to share her love for God is very evident. Jo isn't afraid to cover tough topics that are current and relevant. Her presentations had a good balance of sound Biblical teaching and glimpses into her personal story that enhanced her presentation. She got our attention with a lighthearted skit and then brought us to deeper truths to apply to our lives. It was easy to follow her talks because she stayed on topic. She also incorporated songs into her presentations some of which she has written, and encouraged audience participation. She was able to keep our attention throughout each session, and the audience came away with a greater understanding of the topic. Jo's presentations, love of God, and obvious courage through adversity are encouraging and inspiring. We found her to be delightful, and our ladies left the retreat "Armed and Dangerous," clothing in the full armor of God." Patty L'Amie, Women's Ministry Director, Valley Christian Fellowship, Longview, WA
"Jo, as you lift up the Lord Jesus in all that you say, do, and sing, truly, in your life you allow God to show up His power best through your weakness!"
Joni Eareckson Tada, Speaker, Author, Founder of Joni and Friends
"You give hope to women, Jo, by sharing what you can do in various adverse circumstances. You're amazing!"
Florence Littauer, Speaker, Author, Founder of CLASS
"Your anointed presentation and flexibility with the schedule were so appreciated. We would love to have you back again sometime in the future. You inspired us to dream, to live large, and truly soar unafraid because God is bigger than our greatest fear. You are a blessing and a true inspiration. Diane Larson, Worship and Arts Pastor, Family Life Christian Center, South Federal Way, WA
"Thank you for speaking at our Women's Tea and our Women's Sunday School Class. Your message was powerful and relevant to the women and I have heard from so many that you made a difference in their lives. From the moment you arrived, it was so evident that your joy is just over-flowing. In spite of your difficulties, you are faithful and you are radiating God's love and joy. We had many different age groups present and your messages ministered to them all in powerful ways. You are wonderful to work with. May God bless you and your ministry, as you continue to minister to so many." Missy Kintzel, Director of Women's & Member Ministries, Applewood Baptist Church, Wheat Ridge, CO
"The ladies were encouraged by Jo's story of courage and hope. It is clear she has a passion for music and that her reason for including it in her presentation comes from a grateful heart. Her desire to bless others and help them along their way is evident in the way she speaks to women on stage and off. Jo models a total reliance on God. Her walk of faith is a living testimony of God's power and strength beyond what would be possible without Him. I recommend her. She brings a message of delight in a relationship with God that transcends circumstances." Judith Dicklich, Women's Ministry Director, Crossroads Community Church, Vancouver, WA
"What a delight you are and an awesome speaker. What fun to have you on my program. I can't wait to read your book. I usually skim over books promoted to WKTO just to get an overview for my interviews, but I am led to read your entire story. My how God has blessed you and turned your sorrow into joy. I do hope you get to Florida to speak so we can meet." Carol Henry, WKTO President, Daytona Beach, FL
"Our guests thoroughly enjoyed the way you shared from your heart and helped us to remember many cherished memories of our own growing-up years. Your love for the Lord and His place in your life came across beautifully as you taught what Mary, Jesus and others remembered about his birth. Our women felt a special connection to you as you shared about some trials in your own life and how you are still able to Soar Unafraid. Your singing was lovely and added another dimension to your ability to share yourself with us for our Treasures and Heirlooms Christmas Banquet." LaurieJacobsen, Director, Women's Council, Marysville Church of the Nazarene, WA
"We had a wonderful time of sharing on Sunday morning at the retreat. Your message was very powerful and the women repeatedly comment on that. They were challenged to rise to new levels and seek the Lord. Your life has been a great challenge and how you have handled this is an amazing testimony to the Lord." Christy Raschke, Director of Women's Ministries, West Sound Community Church, WA "Thank you SO much for sharing your story of faith on "Water through the Word" RADIO! You will influence thousands, perhaps millions of people by your powerful story! I am so encouraged by your faith and your love for the Lord. Thank you for what you do and who you stand for. You truly glorify God with your life!!!" Erin Campbell, Water through the Word Ministries, www.WaterThroughTheWord.com
"On behalf of the staff and volunteers at Medical Teams International, I want to thank you so much for sharing your time with us at our chapel service. Your words and music were inspiration and reminded us all of how each of us is integral to His plan. Thank you and bless you!" Linda Woodbury, Human Resources Coordinator, Medical Teams International, (formerly Northwest Medical Teams)
"What a pleasure it was to have you at our women's retreat. The topic 'Friends, the Silver Lining in Difficult Times' was wonderful. Here are a few comments: 'I knew friends were important, but I didn't realize HOW important!' 'You are very real, deep and personal. God has lifted you as gold out of the fire.' 'I love the way you weave music and your teaching together!' Jo, you truly have a heart for the Lord and it was a blessing to have you minister to the ladies. If you are ever in need of a recommendation, please don't hesitate to give my name and number." Kim Williams, Retreat Coordinator, SW Hills Baptist Church, Beaverton, OR "Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful, warm testimony with our ladies at the 'Velveteen Mom Banquet.' I wanted love and beauty to be a part of the Mother's Day Dinner, and you provided both. The night could not have been more of what we had hoped for and it was largely in part to your open sharing in song and word. The beauty in the way you give God the Glory through your adversity was inspirational. We were richly blessed by your presentation." Judee Nordby, Women's Director, Tri-City Baptist Temple, Gladstone, OR
"Thank you, Jo, for the faith, love, and courage you shared with us at the Baptist Church of Bromma/Stockholm, Sweden in March 2003. Through your witness and songs we could see a faithful God who uses a wonderful voice in a weak body. God has given you a wonderful voice, but most of all He has given you a spirit which lifts up the message and touches our hearts. In 1976 you came to Bromma, together with a team of young men and women, and you participated in sharing the Gospel with unbelieving Swedes. It meant a lot at that time for many. Since that time you have passed through crises and valleys of sorrows. Your own strength has been set aside and you have learned to put all your trust in Him alone. 'In Christ alone' is a message you gave us when you sang and witnessed to us in Bromma in March. We need to hear and follow it, and your own life is an example. Thank you, Jo." Christer Delander, Kyrka vid Brommaplan, Bromma/Stockholm, SWEDEN
"What a blessing to have you at our 2003 Women's Retreat in Monterey! Your genuine love for Jesus and your desire to serve Him with your whole life are a blessing and testimony to all of us. We appreciated your candid sharing with us as a woman committed to Christ, joyful in the struggles you have to bear, and absolutely positive in your gratitude to Him for His strength in your life. In spite of your health challenges, you minister with an energy and determination that are a testimony of God's faithfulness to you. Thank you again for your ministry to our women. Many expressed deep appreciation for your openness and deep faith in your Creator."
Rae Reed, Retreat Coordinator, Northern California Baptist Women Conference
"Jo was our featured speaker at the Westside Church Women's Retreat. She shared with our ladies how to be a crown of splendor in God's hands. Jo inspires and encourages people to look through their pain to experience God's presence. Life doesn't always turn out like we expect, and Jo has the experience and ability to use her own stories to illustrate how God uses these difficult times to bring us closer to God and His Son, Jesus. I would recommend Jo as a guest speaker for your retreat or conference. She will impact the hearts of the attendees and bring Glory to God in the process." Linda Johnson, Women's Ministries, Westside Church, Bend, OR
"It was delightful having Jo Franz as our speaker at our annual Women's Day Seminar. Jo spoke with a balance of Scripture and life experiences that made her real and approachable. The example of her life showed us that even in the most difficult of circumstances, we can cling onto the hope that is found in Jesus. Her life speaks to women from all walks of life. She has learned valuable lessons and shares them with clarity and wisdom. We recommend her highly, and know that Jesus will continue to use her mightily."
Pam Lumbard, Sally Anne Hall, Southern CA/AZ Women's Ministries, OBSC
"Your testimony and personal witness of joy and peace in the face of several grievous trials gave many women at our retreat a new hope and conviction to ‘endure with patience’ the trials they are facing, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill them with joy in spite of them. You truly are an inspiration and I can't thank you enough for coming and imparting to us your precious gift of song and ministry. If you ever need a recommendation, please don't hesitate to give my number to anyone."
Joyce Fiorentino, Director of Women's Ministry, Christian Mission Church, CA
“Jo’s life and message was a blessing, touching women with her deep faith and contagious joy. She helped women see and experience the potential of God’s living water in us and through us. Sharing some of her own story enabled the women to see God’s transforming work in her life and it opened many to seek God’s presence more fully in their own lives. Jo’s gift of music added powerfully to God’s message through her.”
Rev. Vicki Orr, Presbyterian Church of the Master, Mission Viejo, CA
“The ladies’ comments on their evaluations reaffirmed that the Lord had a divine purpose for us choosing you for this retreat. One lady wrote, ‘I loved the speaker. She was very inspirational. She touched my life in a way I will never forget.’ Another woman said, ‘Jo’s testimony is a true gift from God.’ Many other ladies said you were ‘wonderful’ and ‘awesome.’ It all added up to some very high praise!”
Laura McGrew, Retreat Chairwoman, Northside Christian Church, Fresno, CA
“Your message was beautiful and your songs were just lovely, especially 'Then Come the Friends.' We never realize how important and how timely our friendships are and you have shown us through your life that our unexpected friends are most important. Your openness and honesty of how you needed those God placed in your life was truly a gift, Jo.”
Bev Remillard, Women’s Ministry Director, Mission Hills Church, Mission Viejo, CA
“Thank you for your presentation to the women. We have had so many favorable comments, some saying it was the best we’ve ever had. Since this is our 28th year, that is quite a compliment! You did a wonderful job teaching the theme ‘Sweet, Sweet Peace.’ We especially enjoyed your songs in the midst of your talk.”
Francene Hill, Women’s Ministries, First Baptist Church
“On behalf of all of us at Mt. Of Olives, I want to thank you for the wonderful ministry you brought to us recently by singing at all of our services. It was wonderful to see you again, and your songs and testimony always bring us closer to the Lord and His great work. It was good to see that you are getting along so well, and indeed your voice is back! The Lord has done marvelous works using you as His servant and instrument.”
Elizabeth Evans, Director of Music, Mt. Of Olives Lutheran Church, Mission Viejo, CA
“What a true delight it was to have you as our special devotional speaker for our annual Women’s Ministries Christmas Event. I have received many wonderfully favorable comments both on your sharing and your beautiful music. God has indeed enabled you to minister to women in a warm, challenging and encouraging way. We look forward to having you speak for our annual women's retreat!”
Barbara Parkin, Director of Women’s Ministries, Brush Prairie Baptist Church "Thank you for sharing your life and eternal truths with us. God's wisdom was shared through you this weekend. His glory was revealed. I pray that He will continue to use your words and voice to bring others to Him and bring glory to our God. God bless you always! Janice Pestana, Women's Ministries, Brush Prairie Baptist Church, WA “Many hearts were blessed, Jo, and we all learned through your teaching from God’s Word and your songs that we can have a joy-filled life regardless of circumstances, health or hurts. What a messenger from God you are, and how your testimony bears that out!” First Fundamental Bible Church Retreat Committee, Monterey Park, CA
"Thank you so much for your participation as a chat guest during Invisible Illness Week. I know that people gained great encouragement and new wisdom from the information you so graciously shared. May God bless you in your ministry."
Lisa Copen, Editor of HopeKeepers magazine, Rest Ministries, and invisibleillness.com
