Mission Prayer Focus - October 2009

Wheels for the World is the overseas programme of Through the Roof whose aim is to see disabled people reach their full potential in Christ.

The Wheels for the World programme has provided freedom of movement and dignity to over 6000 disabled people in developing countries and demonstrates God’s love in a practical way. Disabled people arrive crawling in the dust and are given new life and independence with a wheelchair.

before

Before

after

After

Old wheelchairs from the UK, destined for landfill, are refurbished by prisoners at Parkhurst Prison. The wheelchairs are sent to countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Iran and Jordan.

A team of Christian physiotherapists and occupational therapists then assess and fit each person with the appropriate chair. A bible in the recipients’ own language is provided through a partnership with the Bible Society and the recipient also has the opportunity to hear the Gospel message.

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. Psalm 113

How a wheelchair can change lives

Kevin was 12 when his brother and 3 friends brought him to the wheelchair distribution. Kevin had fractured his leg when he was very young and it had never been treated. He arrived at the distribution shuffling on his bottom. Initially he was very shy and frightened but his friends explained that they would like him to have a wheelchair so he could go to school with them. Once we found a suitable chair and he was able to propel himself, his whole expression changed together with that of his friends. He reminded us of the Through the Roof story in the Bible of the paralysed man being brought to Jesus by his friends. Kevin left with his friends running alongside cheering him on.

Please pray for ...

The work of Through the Roof, including Wheels for the World.

The next wheelchair distribution trip to Ghana in November 2009.

Plans for sending a team to Uganda (2010) for the first time.

For the Steering Wheels team as they plan future distributions.

Glenda Pike, for wisdom in her role as Wheels for the World Co-ordinator.

All the volunteers involved in fundraising, speaking and offering practical help either in the UK or as team members on a distribution.

The partner organisations overseas.

The men at Parkhust Prison who refurbish the wheelchairs to nearly new condition.

The people whose lives have been transformed by the gift of a wheelchair, and those who are still in need of this valuable gift.

Karen Goodridge and Gillian Russell, 04/10/2009