Joel Sonnenberg


Joel Sonnenberg
Born 1977
Occupation Motivational speaker

Joel Sonnenberg (born November 1977) is a Christian motivational speaker. He is a graduate of Taylor University as well as Columbia International University's seminary program.

On September 15, 1979, when Sonnenberg was 22 months old, he was involved in a devastating accident that left him with burns over 85% of his body. Sonnenberg was burned after a tractor trailer crashed into the car he was in, resulting in the rupturing of its fuel tank. Sonnenberg was rescued from the burning car by a stranger. The tissue damage suffered included the loss of the fingers on his right hand, his left hand entirely, his ears, and damage to his skull.[1][2][3][4][5]

It took Sonnenberg many years to recover from the burn injuries.[6] He endured 45 surgeries and the emotional pain of dealing with disfigurement, but through the support of faith, family, and friends, he went on to become a student leader, all-conference athlete and internationally sought speaker.[7][8]

Sonnenberg completed studies toward a master of theology degree and has been on speaking tours throughout the United States and many other countries.[9]

Sonnenberg has become an active international speaking minister, with particular interest in persons with disabilities.[10]


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Books and film

  • Joel Joel Sonnenberg and Gregg Lewis, Zondervan, ISBN 0-310-24693-8
  • Race for Life : The Joel Sonnenberg Story, Janet Sonnenberg, Zondervan ISBN 0-310-25930-4
  • Scarred Hero: The Story of Joel Sonnenberg (film) ISBN 1-56364-601-3

References

  1. ↑ Wolf, Richard (16 September 1979). "S. Nyack baby burned in crash". Sunday Journal News (p. 1A).
  2. ↑ Laudor, Richard (22 Nov 1979). "Family's thanks stem from son's survival". The Journal News (White Plains, NY) (p. 1B).
  3. ↑ Reinhardt, Susan (September 21, 1997). "Delayed Justice: Years of waiting bring fire survivor close to closure". Asheville Citizen-Times (p. D1).
  4. ↑ Raimer, Holly (17 August 1998). "Crash victim confronts trucker who altered his life". Chicago Tribune (p. 8).
  5. ↑ Ramer, Holly (August 23, 1998). "Burned Baby Now a 'Diamond of Sparkling Beauty' as Adult". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 9, 2011.
  6. ↑ Lauterer, Maggie (28 September 1986). "'A new frontier' Joel winning fight for a normal life". Asheville Citizen-Times (p. 1C).
  7. ↑ Reinhardt, Susan (6 August 2000). "Grace has no limits". Asheville Citizen-Times (p. 1B).
  8. ↑ Reinhardt, Susan (19 October 2004). "Joel makes his prime time acting debut and steals the stage and some hearts". Asheville Citizen-Times (p. D1).
  9. ↑ Reports, Staff (16 June 2005). "Joel Sonnenberg travels to South Korea to share his story". Asheville Citizen-Times (Black Mountain News, p.2).
  10. ↑ Bishop, Randy. "What the Mirror Doesn't See There's more to Joel Sonnenberg than meets the eye. Much more". Christianity Today. Retrieved 5 October 2018.

Further reading

  • Associated Press (March 14, 1985). "Boy, 7, Who 'Miraculously' Survived Burns, is Granted Disney World Wish". The Evening Independent. Retrieved December 12, 2011.
  • "Courage". 48 Hours Mystery. CBS News. February 11, 2009. Retrieved 2011-12-13. Two-year-old Joel Sonnenberg, strapped into a baby seat, was horribly burned. Doctors spent years trying to repair the damage. He underwent more thn <sic> 40 separate surgeries.
  • Susan Reinhardt (October 14, 2004). "Abstract. New book and TV role only touch on the accomplishments of local burn survivor". Asheville Citizen - Times. ProQuest Archiver. p. B.1. Retrieved 2011-12-13. Since he was a small child, he has been in the spotlight as a public speaker, educating people about the importance of accepting others' differences.
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