The Luke 14 Project: Lifted from the Ground and Seated in Dignity

By Joni and Friends|Published On: October 19, 2020|Categories: Inspiration, Luke 14 Project, Stories|

Life is hard for children impacted by disability around the world. The Luke 14 Project relieves suffering and hardship for these children through the life-transforming gifts of a wheelchair, and the hope of Jesus.

Children like little Melissa in Peru desperately need a properly fitting wheelchair and to know they are loved by their creator. Struggling with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, seizures, and vision impairment, Melissa is dependent on her mother, Ruth, to move or to get out of the house. Ruth believed that her daughter’s disabilities were her own fault. She felt that God was punishing her—that He didn’t love her or Melissa.

But when Melissa received a wheelchair at our Wheels for the World outreach, her life was transformed.

“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

After taking her measurements and assessing her needs, volunteers, physical therapists, and mechanics worked to make sure Melissa’s wheelchair was the perfect fit. Melissa couldn’t help but squeal with delight when it was finally ready!

When she was lifted from the ground and seated in her wheelchair, she experienced independence for the first time. Now she can go to school, move freely about the house, and even help her mother in the kitchen.

Ruth shared, “She loves the wheelchair because she can now move by herself. She was moving through the living room…the kitchen…and she went to see me while cooking breakfast today. She touched me and said, ‘Mommy, Mommy, I’m here, Mommy!’ very thrilled. Watching her makes me happy!”

Melissa and her mom were shown the love of Jesus that day, and Ruth’s burdens were lifted as she learned the hope of the Gospel.

“God taught me that we can believe in Him, that nothing is impossible. It is possible! I received the Lord in my heart, and all my burdens were eased.”

Thanks to our Luke 14 Project partners, children like Melissa are receiving the practical help they desperately need. But what’s more, they get to experience the love of Christ and receive the Gospel message through the gift of a Bible in their language!

There are thousands of children just like Melissa who are confined to their homes, and sometimes even just one room. They desperately needing the independence that a wheelchair provides. You can give them the means to be a part of activities in their household or go outside and be in their community for the first time. Learn more about the Luke 14 Project today! 