One Girl’s Story and a Global Need for People With Disabilities
The World Health Organization estimates that over 75 million people in the world today need a wheelchair, and more than 85% of them can’t access one.
Of course, the brunt of these unmet needs affects people in developing nations greatly.
Marcela, who lives in El Salvador, suffered cardio-respiratory arrest at birth, which caused brain damage. She now has cerebral palsy.
Her father, Arnoldo, is her primary caregiver. He adores his daughter and thanks God for her life.
“It’s sad because often we’re looked at with pity, but I consider Marcela a blessing – not to be pitied. My dream is that God would give me strength to be with her each day and make her days a joy!”
Arnoldo
Despite his dedication, Arnoldo sometimes struggles to meet Marcela’s practical needs. When she was smaller, Marcella had a wheelchair. But when she outgrew it, that wheelchair became a hazard instead of a help.
Arnoldo explained that Marcela’s strong, spastic movements caused her wheelchair brake to release.
“She fell and hit her face. I couldn’t afford a new wheelchair for her. They are very difficult to obtain in El Salvador.”
Arnoldo
Thankfully Arnoldo found out about a Joni and Friends Wheels for the World™ outreach in his area. He brought Marcela, who received a new, custom-fitted wheelchair that will keep her safe.
“I am very grateful to everyone who made this possible! I have experienced the closeness of Jesus!”
Arnoldo
At the same Wheels for the World outreach where we met Marcela, our team fitted 278 people in new wheelchairs. As children and adults received their chairs, they also heard the Gospel right alongside their family members and caregivers—519 people in all!
For the families living with disability in El Salvador, like Marcela’s, Joni and Friends now provides a source of ongoing care and connection: Joni’s House El Salvador. As the first Joni’s House location (but not the last!), Joni’s House El Salvador is a permanent disability center designed to serve and equip families living with disability.
Through local church, community, and government partners, Joni and Friends is providing medical and mobility support, essential resources, and spiritual care to entire families. Such complete, Christ-centered care addresses physical needs while demonstrating the love of Jesus and each person’s worth and dignity in Christ.
Joni’s House answers the call of Luke 14 where Jesus says, “Go out, find the disabled, and bring them in… so that my Father’s house may be full.”
Join us in following the call of Jesus! Your donation to Joni and Friends will support international programs like Wheels for the World and Joni’s House, as well as disability ministry throughout the United States.
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