God Renews Hope Through Wheels for the World
The first thing our Knoxville Wheels for the World™ team noticed about José (31) was his contagious smile; he also lives with cerebral palsy and is non-verbal.
José arrived at our wheelchair distribution in Guatemala City with his brother David (33) who has intellectual disabilities, and his sister Maria (29) who serves as primary caregiver for her two brothers.
Before the passing of the siblings’ parents Maria was newly married. She dreamed of exploring new places and possibilities with her own family. But now caring for her brothers in addition to her own two daughters has changed her life for good.
Sometimes Maria has felt like she can no longer have her own hopes or aspirations because caregiving absorbs all her time and energy.
Without substantial support in her caregiving, Maria’s responsibilities can leave her depleted, and feeling like she can’t offer the level of help each of her dependents needs and deserves.
She alone has provided all the hands-on care that José requires: lifting him in and out of bed, feeding him and cleaning him, all while maintaining their household. And because José didn’t have a properly fitting wheelchair, she sometimes had to leave him lying in bed, often in discomfort, while she went about her tasks.
When Maria brought José and David to our Wheels for the World outreach, the volunteers were struck by the love between the siblings. Maria shared that, despite the loneliness and struggle she has experienced in recent years, God has given her the strength, endurance, and love she has needed to serve her family. And through Wheels for the World, God has demonstrated his love for Maria’s family in a new, life-changing way…
A New Wheelchair Means New Possibilities
Now that Wheels for the World provided José with a new wheelchair, he and his family can enjoy life and community like never before.
And Maria knows who to thank—our God who loves her family and has brought them a season of new freedom, connection, and hope.
José will no longer have to dread long, uncomfortable hours in bed, in isolation Instead, he will be able to spend time with his sister, visit extended family, and attend church regularly. Maria is thankful for the physical relief, peace of mind, and new horizons that the wheelchair offers to her brother and to the whole family.
Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ.
Joni and Friends Knoxville offers the love of Jesus to families living with disability both locally and globally.
Support Joni and Friends Knoxville
Your gift today will offer hands-on help and Gospel hope to families living with disability here at home and around the world!
