God’s Faithfulness Shines Through Wheels for the World in Guatemala

By Joni and Friends|Published On: August 19, 2022|Categories: Wheels For The World|

Wilmer sitting in the front in his new wheelchair as his family and the Joni and Friends volunteers stand behind him, all smiling at the camera.

“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.”
Psalm 38:21–22

Twelve-year-old Wilmer from Guatemala doesn’t have use of his legs. His father abandoned the family when Wilmer was a baby. Years later, when Wilmer’s mother followed suit and left Wilmer, his grandparents, Juan and Fermina, stepped in to care for him. While they do their best to see to Wilmer’s needs, his grandparents couldn’t afford a wheelchair for him.

For Wilmer’s family, doing without a wheelchair led to discouragement and disconnection.

While they belong to a church and believe in Jesus, Wilmer’s disability, and the lack of necessary mobility equipment, made it difficult for them to participate in worship and take part fully in their community.

Wilmer’s family reflects a worldwide need.

According to the World Health Organization, over 75 million people in the world today need a wheelchair, and more than 85% of them can’t access one. In developing nations, the rate of people lacking necessary mobility equipment only steepens.

Joni and Friends sees the overwhelming needs that face people living with disabilities around the world. That’s why Joni and Friends sends Wheels for the World™ teams to countries around the globe to deliver and custom-fit wheelchairs to people who may never otherwise get access to proper equipment or care.

Wilmer in his new wheelchair, sitting in a small room with his Grandma and grandpa and a translator.

When they heard about a Joni and Friends Wheels for the World distribution nearby, Juan and Fermina brought Wilmer. He arrived using ill-fitting adult-sized crutches.

The Joni and Friends team greeted Wilmer’s family and evaluated his physical condition in order to adjust a wheelchair to fit him well.

Receiving his new wheelchair, Wilmer’s face brightened. His grandparents’ smiles widened, and they expressed their gratitude.

Beyond changing Wilmer’s life, they shared that the wheelchair would provide freedom for the whole family to travel, work, and attend church more regularly.

The Joni and Friends team spent time with Wilmer’s family talking about the Gospel of Christ, who has given Juan and Fermina the strength and faith to care for their grandson.

Hearing the Gospel again, while receiving the life-changing gift of mobility for Wilmer, provided balm for all three of their souls.

A close up of Wilmer smiling wide in his wheelchair.

The family left the Wheels for the World distribution in Guatemala with a new wheelchair, a new lease on life, and a new appreciation for the faithfulness of God.