My Job Helps Others… Response Manager

Today we are interviewing Mr. Welshymer. Let’s hear what he has to say!

Mr. Welshymer, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a pilot and fly jets around the world. I was interested in seeing other countries and learning about the people who lived in these countries.

Did you have any experiences that taught you about disabilities?

My sister was born with a heart that did not work very well. Because of this she could not run, jump, or go up stairs without becoming very tired and out of breath. She had several surgeries on her heart when she was a child. Her blood did not get as much oxygen as it needed, so her fingertips and lips looked blue. She was very smart and became a high school teacher, but she was limited in what she could do physically. She loved Jesus and He gave her the strength and joy she needed to live with her disability.

What do you do now, and how does your job help others?

I organize and direct the group of Joni’s friends who answer the emails, letters, and phone calls that come to Joni and Friends from people who have disabilities or want to help others with disabilities. We help each person who contacts us to know that Jesus will help them to find joy, peace, and hope no matter how a disability affects their lives.

What can a kid do now if they wanted to have a job like yours?

Learn to be a good friend to those with disabilities you see at church, school, and in your neighborhood. Read your Bible to learn how Jesus feels about people with disabilities. Become a strong reader and writer so you can communicate well with others. 

Do you have any advice you would like to give our readers?

When you see someone who is different from you, remember they are just as important and valuable to God as you are.

What is something people may not know about you?

My family had a tandem bike (a bike for two people with two seats and two sets of pedals) when we were kids. I would ride with my sister so I could do most of the pedaling and she could enjoy bike riding with all of our friends and not get too tired.

Thank you, Mr. Welshymer!