Disabled people in India suffer in ways most of us cannot imagine, and the gift of a wheelchair can bring about a radical transformation in their lives and the lives of their families.  In an ongoing partnership with Joni and Friends, an evangelical ministry to the disabled, our team will provide wheelchairs and training in their use to over 100 needy Indians.  The good news of Jesus Christ will be shared in the context of this compassion ministry.  Pray for open hearts and spiritual transformations!

MAY 30, 2008

Hello,
 
This will be our last email before we return home. Yesterday was the last day of distribution. We were blessed 198 times and then some more. We all made it through a week of over 100 degree weather along with humidity without any one getting too sick. Our mission was accomplished only through Gs grace. I never knew I could learn so much about a wheelchair, but being put on as a mechanic I had no choice. We gave one to a pastor and as he was recieving his chair he began to pray for our team and all those involved. There are so many stories to be told I couldn't begin to write them all down. Upon my return I will send you one final email with pictures and stories of how G worked in and through me and our team.
 
Thank you once again for your prayers. It was through your faithfulness in prayer that we made it through the week.

MAY 27, 2008

Greetings from the other side of the world,

Sunday we gathered with our brothers and sisters at a local church. In spite of the 100 or so degree temperature and humidity about that high we had an amazing experience. After the service we had men women and children come up to us and ask us to pray for them. What a joy and privilege it was.

Wheelchairs ready for distribution

Monday was our first day of distribution. Water is essential here. I drank at least a gallon of water today (no exaggeration). It is so hot and humid here if you just make the effort of standing up you sweat! So imagine what it’s like to be fixing wheelchairs and having to get up and down from the floor. I realize I really am getting old!

Today was more difficult emotionally that I imagined it would be. Walking up to the center and seeing all the recipients brought back all of the memories of last year of what I saw. To realize that there are so many people in need of something as basic as a wheelchair and had no way of affording just wrenched my heart. Please continue to pray for me. I know G’s grace is sufficient. It’s just so hard to see people’s bodies so distorted or limbs so unusable. The reward is when you see smiles on their faces and their loved ones. And then they want to shake your hand and they so graciously say thank you. PTL for that moment.

MAY 23, 2008

Hi Everyone,
 
Just a quick note to say thank you for your prayers while traveling. We made it here safely. The flight was uneventful (which is a good thing). I got plenty of rest. It is 9:15 Saturday morning we just had a great breakfast. We are enjoying the food already. Yummy! We will be heading to the train station for the last leg of our trip. We spent last night in Chennai and shortly we will be on the train for five hours heading to Ongole where we will be distributing the wheelchairs.
 
We have met the rest of my team and they are wonderful. G was gracious with the selection of this team. Having pictures of them and praying for them for the past several weeks made me feel like I have known them a long time. PTL
 
It is quite warm and a bit humid, but not unbearable.
I trust this email finds you all doing well. I will write again soon. Grace to you.