The Luke 14 Project
There’s a new global crisis and it needs your response.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and this new global crisis is not really new, but it is on the rise. I’m talking about disability. One out of every seven people on earth has a disability, and that number is rising. The most common disability globally? Believe it or not – depression. Polio is still ravaging the lives of children in developing nations. And then there’s spinal cord injury and birth defects; disabilities like cerebral palsy – these things are hard enough, but when you live in a poor nation with few resources, well, no wonder depression is running rampant across the world.
I’m thinking of the parents of little Jose. We met him in Haiti when we did a Wheels for the World outreach in his hometown. Jose was only about six or seven years old when a brick wall crumbled and fell on him. When his parents pulled him out of the rubble, both his legs were smashed and broken. His dad picked him up, went running, carrying his son to the hospital near Port au Prince. But when they arrived, he was told to sit and wait. So, that’s what his daddy did, sitting there with his small son in his arms. They waited hours. Finally, after sunset, the doctor was able to cast Jose’s leg in plaster. But, he could only do one leg. There simply was not enough gauze and plaster to set his other broken leg. So, a very discouraged father carried home his little boy with two broken limbs, but only one in a cast. I think you can see why depression is on the rise globally.
Thankfully though, our Wheels for the World team was able to provide little Jose with a pediatric wheelchair which had extended leg rests so his legs could stay straight and elevated. Jose’s parents were overwhelmed with such gratitude, especially when we connected them with a caring church; gave them a Bible in their own language. Oh, friend, you can’t imagine the joy and relief of this family. They could see: God cares. He hasn’t forgotten us. He’s providing for our needs.
Friend, disability transcends nationality, race, class to affect one in seven people globally. Across the world, children with disabilities are untouched and seldom spoken to – they’re invisible, neglected and terribly under-served, like little Jose with just one cast for his two broken legs. Psalm 41 says, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak.” Would you please be one of those who has regard for the weak, the vulnerable and forgotten? Joni and Friends offers a monthly giving community that we call the Luke 14 project. This community of kingdom investors provides mobility, hope and dignity and the Good News of Jesus’ love. By joining you’ll become more than a friend, you’ll be part of our global community at Joni and Friends. Your commitment to the cause of Christ among the world’s neglected will give help and give hope in Christ. And with the gift of a wheelchair, it’s the perfect picture of Psalm 113 where “[God]…lifts the needy from the dump to seat them with…the princes of his people.” Wow!
Jose’s story is just one of many thousands. It’s a global crisis that needs an individual response. So thank you; thank you for the many ways you have regard for the weak, whether far away in a poor country, or close at home in your own community. Blessed are you, if you have regard for the weak, the Bible says. Visit my radio page today at joniradio.org to learn more about our Luke 14 project and how you can be a part of our global community of kingdom investors. Again, that’s joniradio.org.
God bless you today and thanks for listening to “Joni and Friends!”
© Joni and Friends
Join The Luke 14 Project!
By being a part of The Luke 14 Project you are providing mobility, hope, and dignity for our generation and the next.
Together, we reach many more children and adults impacted by disability and their families, so that they can learn about and love our amazing Savior, Jesus.
