When Hope Rolls In: Harriet’ s Journey from Surrender to Renewal
From Harriet’ s viewpoint, sat in her new wheelchair...
I came to church that Sunday with a quiet heart. At seventy, after living with polio since childhood and falling ill again, I felt my strength fading. Surrounded by family, I wasn’ t afraid— I was simply ready. I wanted to dedicate my life to Christ, to prepare for what I believed was the end. When the pastor mentioned a wheelchair distribution, I gently declined. What use is a wheelchair now? I thought. I’ m ready to go. But the following week, something changed. I met the Wheels for the World team— strangers who spoke with such warmth and welcoming, it stirred something inside me. Why do they care so much? I wondered. Their kindness made me reconsider.
That last day of the distribution I thought to myself that morning. Get yourself together and go, what do you have to lose. I went with a bit of dread, I received a wheelchair, a Bible, and a prayer. As I sat in that chair, I thought to myself, maybe I’ m not done yet. Days later, they visited me at home. I sang my heart out and danced, sitting on the wheelchair to honour them for how they had given me hope. I thanked them in my language, my heart was full and I will carry them in my heart forever:“ God has given me a new lease on life.”
Zeresi’ s Strength: A Journey of Determination
Two years ago, Zeresi came to our Jinja distribution hoping for a wheelchair, but our local volunteer Bernard gently encouraged her to try crutches instead, believing it would help build her strength. She embraced the challenge, and this year she returned with a radiant smile— her arms and legs stronger, her confidence soaring. Now, Zeresi moves freely, a living testament to the power of believing in someone’ s potential.
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