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They feel forgotten by their communities . But Jesus hasn ’ t forgotten them .
In developing nations around the world , we are distributing wheelchairs and Bibles through our Wheels for the World outreach . We ’ ve created Joni ’ s House ; that is , disability centers where we offer occupational therapy , provide medical supplies , hold Bible studies and discipleship programs , conduct job skills training , offer wheelchair maintenance , and more . We even partner with local hospitals to provide wound care , surgical support , and physical therapy .
At Joni ’ s House , we “ prove ” the power of the salvation message with evidence of Christcentered compassion . And I ’ m honored that our leadership and staff chose to call these centers Joni ’ s House – to have my name “ on the front door ” is such a privilege !
Serving the Most Vulnerable in Ukraine
We were about to break ground on a new Joni ’ s House in Ukraine when the war erupted in February . As Russian bombs dropped on Ukraine , disabled people became stranded in harm ’ s way . So we started serving Ukrainians with disabilities , only not in the way we had originally planned .
Our Joni and Friends ’ incountry coordinator , Galyna , began organizing evacuation efforts , even as Russia stepped up its rocket strikes . Galyna , supported by her network of churches and Joni and Friends partners in Poland , worked tirelessly and courageously to track down people with disabilities and evacuate the most vulnerable among them — hundreds , to date .
Now , even as Ukraine gets fewer headlines , Galyna and members of the Joni and Friends network continue to provide housing and food supplies for Ukrainians with disabilities . We are even planning a Family Retreat later this summer for relocated Ukrainians with disabilities and their caregivers !
Heaven-Bent
From the dark basements in Ukraine , to the foothills of the Himalayas , to the streets of downtown Los Angeles , people with disabilities are suffering unspeakably . Their needs are urgent , and so I am running ( or I should say , wheeling ) the race that the Lord Jesus has set before me . There are too many people struggling as I once did , 55 years ago when I crushed my spinal cord and became a quadriplegic . But no one is beyond the reach of our mighty Savior .
So in the days to come , you will find me running the race with renewed vigor . Given the countless thousands who have yet to hear the astounding message of salvation in Jesus Christ , we are answering the call of Christ to , “ Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in , so that my house will be full ” ( Luke 14:23 ).
So get engaged , be inspired , and join the movement … for we won ’ t stop until God ’ s house is full !