Hear Joni share a story about a boy in Africa named Chisomo who finally receives a wheelchair. Give the perfect gift of a wheelchair by visiting www.joniandfriends.org.
We just held our first Wheels for the World outreach in Zambia.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and when our Wheels team arrived in this impoverished African nation, we were stunned to see so many people living in desperate neediness. It’s where we met ten-year-old Chisomo, disabled by cerebral palsy. He cannot walk and he’s not able to speak and he requires round-the-clock care. Chisomo’s father, Raphael, works as a security guard and Helen, his mother, cares for him and his siblings, plus she sells tomatoes, onions, and coal in a small shop. When they take Chisomo anywhere, they wrap him up in a cloth sling and carry him on their backs. This humble family is among the 1.4 million people living in dense deprivation.
But Chisomo’s family has remained hopeful. Raphael told us, “We thank God for Chisomo, for the life of Chisomo.” As Christ-followers, they know that God created people in his image—and that Chisomo, with his disability, was born in God’s image. Raphael told us that in their village, not everyone understands or accepts that truth. So, he tries to teach people about their son’s disability. He says, “The people have to be taught. We try to tell them that Chisomo is the same, like any other children, like any other people. Some, they understand Chisomo; some, they don’t. So, they need to be taught.” Despite their best efforts to help their son thrive they feel discouraged at times—they cannot afford a wheelchair for him; and even though he’s ten years old, he still needs diapers. There are so many mouths to feed. Raphael registered for government assistance and has followed up year after year, but buying a wheelchair, for them, remains an impossible dream.
But then? Our Wheels for the World team showed up in their compound of Lusaka. After our physical therapists measured Chisomo, we knew we had the perfect child-sized wheelchair for him. His parents couldn’t believe it, and after this little disabled boy was seated in his new little wheelchair, oh, did his face light up! All his little friends came to celebrate the moment with him! And now this precious boy with cerebral palsy can go into the village with his family, he can see eye to eye with his friends, and his mother can more easily go to the market to sell her wares. Helen said, “We are so happy. With this wheelchair gift, I am feeling so good because traveling will no longer be a problem. I will no longer feel tired.” And I love what Raphael, her husband said: “We appreciate God for this improvement. As a family, we appreciate you, Joni and Friends, for this support. Continue doing good to the poor. Continue doing good to disabled people. And may God continue blessing you…”
Friend, I so want to honor the wishes of this precious family in Africa. And so, please help me continue doing good to the poor and to disabled people. Help Joni and Friends send the perfect gift of more pediatric wheelchairs to kids with disabilities around the world just like Chisomo. On this Giving Tuesday, let’s send practical help and Gospel hope to them. ‘Cause the need is so urgent. Just go to joniradio.org and provide the perfect gift of a little wheelchair for boys and girls with serious disabilities. And please visit joniradio.org to see a video of this perfect little boy in his perfect wheelchair. And as you do, I’ll borrow Raphael’s words: “May God continue blessing you.” Give the perfect gift at joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends