Jesus, the Light of Life, Shines Through Hardship for Melvin and Ruth

When Ruth lies awake at night, she prays… “Lord, help me put a meal on the table so my children won’t go to bed hungry. God, help me keep a roof over their heads…”  

Ruth has always turned to Jesus when shame, rejection, and hardship press in. At age thirteen she had both legs amputated because of a genetic condition affecting her hands and legs. Still, Ruth has always trusted God to see her through.  

When her son Melvin was born with the same disability as Ruth, new struggles emerged. But Ruth is dedicated to raising her children—including her daughter Diana, who does not have disabilities—in a loving Christian home. When Ruth’s husband recently abandoned the family, she has found herself left to fight alone, depending on the mercies of God. 

Still, despite financial pressures, hectic days, and her own ill health, Ruth remains committed to Jesus and to her children.

“Being in a family with disabilities has not been easy at all,” says Ruth. “Sometimes I go without my diabetes medication so I can feed them. And I have gone into debt because I can’t afford to pay the rent. But I trust God. He gives me the strength to keep on going. I know He will not forsake us.” 

“As a parent, you come to a point where you sacrifice yourself for your children,” Ruth says. 

Parenting has demanded deep sacrifices for Ruth. Melvin’s disabilities prevent him from attending their local school, so Ruth has had to pay for private school tuition and transportation. To afford this, she used a broken-down wheelchair for years, saving the money she could have used for a newer wheelchair to send her children to school.  

For Ruth, receiving a new, properly fitted wheelchair from our Joni and Friends Wheels for the World® program means that life will improve greatly—for her and her children. But even more than renewed dignity, less constant struggle in daily activities, and greater access to her community, Ruth overflows with joy and thanksgiving for the gift you sent Melvin. 

While spending time with Melvin, our team learned that he has a love, and a knack, for sports! He didn’t smile much at first, but his joy shined brightly the moment we handed him a basketball. And when he got custom-fitted in a specialized sports wheelchair, he immediately wanted to play catch, enjoying freedom like never before. 

When she talks about Melvin, Ruth swells with pride. 

“He’s a good boy,” says Ruth. “I am grateful to God that now Melvin has a good wheelchair that he can do sports with. I really love to see him happy.” 

In a world that misunderstands disability as a curse, Ruth and her children shine the light of Jesus through their hope and trust in Christ.  

“We have to prove society wrong,” says Ruth. “So many people laugh at us. People talk ill about us. We are cast out and people think it’s a misfortune to be the way we are. But I’m grateful to God and I never regret. I never complain. I know God loves us so much. And our disability has never been inability. I have taught my kids how to love each other and appreciate what we can do.” 

Ruth sends her heartfelt thanks to you for sending new hope to their family through two custom-fitted wheelchairs, delivered with a powerful reminder of the Gospel message and Bibles.

“Thank you, Joni and Friends, for coming through for this family,” says Ruth. “May God bless you so much!”  

Today, you can shine the light of Christ to families struggling with disability!