Wheels for the World

The World Health Organization estimates a need for 20-30 million wheelchairs around in the world. In some countries the cost of a wheelchair can equal an average worker's yearly wage. Consequently, many who are disabled are cut off from society and live in relative isolation. This impacts the ability of many to hear the gospel.

Through Joni and Friend's ministry "Wheels for the World" wheelchairs are collected from all over the United States. Inmates in selected penitentiaries refurbish the donated wheelchairs making them like new again. They are then shipped overseas to meet up with the missionaries who will be fitting them to the patients one by one.

Apparently there were some customs or ministry of finance delays getting the first container out of the Romanian port at Constanta. Our brother Daniel on the ground in Romania sent an email requesting our prayers. I could sense his frustration as he described the bureaucratic obstacles he was facing. (In some respects I suppose government is the same all over the world!) We short-term missionaries were praying in our respective cities. One brother in Oregon typed his prayer and sent in out in an email. It's kind of cool to be a part of the electronic global church. Emails flew back and forth as we prayed and we heard from Daniel again on Friday. The container was out of the port an unloaded at the distribution center.

Here is the recently freed container full of refurbished wheelchairs. I cannot wait to meet these people with whom I've been praying. Soon we will all be gathering for prayer in person. Email is cool but that'll be so much better.