Transform Lives: Join a Wheels for the World® Outreach
AGOURA HILLS, California, December 1, 2025 – 10-year-old Melvin in Kenya spends his days like most boys his age, playing ball and engaging in sports.
But it wasn’t always this way.
Melvin was born with a genetic condition that required the amputation of his lower legs at a young age. It’s the same condition his mother, Ruth, has. But the expense of new wheelchairs was out of reach for Ruth. She made do with a broken wheelchair with missing parts in order to afford Melvin’s schooling. Meanwhile, Melvin had no wheelchair at all and moved from place to place on his amputated legs.
That all changed last summer, when a Wheels for the World® team visited his hometown to distribute free wheelchairs. Wheels for the World is a program of the international disability ministry Joni and Friends® that takes wheelchairs donated in the United States, restores them in voluntary prison work programs and distributes them to high-need countries around the world. Over 245,000 wheelchairs have been distributed through Wheels for the World.
During the Wheels for the World outreach, volunteers quickly noticed Melvin’s athletic nature and fitted him for a youth sports wheelchair. Within minutes, Melvin was dribbling balls and playing catch with others. Ruth received a new wheelchair, as well.
You can apply today to volunteer on a Wheels for the World outreach to help distribute wheelchairs and Bibles in 23 countries, including:
- Mexico
- Nepal
- Cuba
- Philippines
- Brazil
Joni and Friends trains all volunteers, so no prior experience is necessary. Volunteers need to have a vibrant Christian faith and be willing to act as the hands and feet of Jesus.
By the time a wheelchair is restored, delivered, and custom-fitted to its new owner, it carries with it more than one story of God’s grace in action. We invite you to be part of that story.
About Joni and Friends: For over 45 years, Joni (pronounced “Johnny”) and Friends has provided practical help and Gospel hope to people living with disability across the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World®, Retreats & Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends® also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts. To find out more, please visit www.joniandfriends.org.
Media Contact:
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Join a Wheels for the World® Outreach
Wheels for the World provides the gift of mobility and hope of the Gospel to people living with disability worldwide. Learn how you can get involved in a Wheels for the World outreach today!
