Rachel’s Gift

I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a precious story about Rachel’s gift.

Rachel is a 38-year-old visually-impaired woman with cerebral palsy, and she lives with her parents. Rachel’s mother taught her about Jesus when she was very young, and also read to her the “Joni” book. This family loves Joni and Friends, and they especially enjoy hearing all about ‘Wheels for the World’. Even when she was little, Rachel always dreamed of being able to provide a wheelchair to someone in need. She was thrilled when she outgrew her child-sized wheelchair because it meant she could give it to our wheelchair outreach! But as this young woman grew, she wanted to do more.

Since Rachel depends on Social Security Disability, she did not see how this would ever be possible. But one day, she received an unexpected reimbursement from Social Security. Rachel was so happy because she knew exactly what she wanted to do with that money. She sent it into Joni and Friends, along with a letter from her mother explaining all about the unusual nature of this gift.

Well, when the letter arrived at Joni and Friends, it caught the attention of Godfrey, our Director of Finance. Because Rachel’s mother wrote:

“Enclosed is a donation for one child-sized wheelchair and one adult wheelchair for Wheels for the World. This gift is from our adult daughter, Rachel. Our precious daughter was born two months early and we came close to losing her a few times. But our God had plans for her life. Rachel shines a bright light in our world. She has a tender heart and only looks at the best in people, even when some have been unkind. She volunteers at the local library, and does not have a paying job. She’s on disability and lives with us. When she received unexpected money last week, her first thought was to underwrite two wheelchairs. She shed tears knowing she could give to a child and an adult that do not have the means to have one.  It is her heart’s desire to meet Joni in person one day, but Rachel understands she probably won’t meet her until heaven.”

Well, when Godfrey read that Rachel had a dream to one day meet me, he wasted no time in calling this family. They were so surprised when he told them that I was already scheduled to come to their state and speak in their area, at a church just three hours from their home. And sure enough, when I traveled to that state a month or so later, and I spoke at that church, I was able to spend a wonderful time visiting with this amazing family. Yep, they made the three-hour trek. My time together with Rachel was so precious; I love her heart and I even did a little iPhone video on her, and posted it today on my radio page today at joniandfriends.org. It’s just a snippet of our time, but when you see it and you hear Rachel’s words, you’ll understand why this young woman gripped my heart.

And while you’re visiting our website, follow Rachel’s lead and learn more about giving a wheelchair to a disabled child; it’s all right there on our Wheels for the Worl’ page at joniandfriends.org. Become a Gospel patron like this young woman; support the advancement of Christ’s kingdom with your prayers and gifts, just like Rachel does. Believe me, you will not only bless a child who receives your wheelchair; you will be blessed, as well. It’s what happens to anyone who is a patron of the Good News. And hey, let us know if you’ve been inspired by Rachel’s story at joniandfriends.org/radio, and we will pass on your good words along to the Rachel’s family. Again meet Rachel at joniandfriends.org/radio. Oh and by the way, if you have a prayer request let me know on our radio page and our Joni and Friends staff will lift up your need before the Lord.

© Joni and Friends