From the Heart

By |Published On: March 13, 2017|Categories: Wheels For The World|
From the Heart

Not long ago I visited the Metro-Davidson Correctional Facility near Nashville to thank the inmates who were skillfully restoring our used wheelchairs for Wheels for the World. When Ken and I entered the shop, we were amazed at all the shelves stacked with foot pedals, wheels, and armrests, all waiting to be used in a like-new, restored wheelchair.

After I shared my testimony with the prisoners, they were anxious for me to inspect their work. I slowly wheeled past rows of child-sized and adult wheelchairs. As I examined their workmanship, I noticed that every bolt was tight, every leather stitch was straight, and every inch of metal, shined and polished.

Then we looked up and saw Scriptures displayed on the walls. The prisoners painted the Bible verses as a reminder of the purpose behind their labors. I smiled when I saw John 3:16 – these inmates were so glad that the salvation message of Jesus Christ would accompany each one of their restored wheelchairs.

With tears, I thanked these prisoners for joining with us – and joining you, too – in telling people with disabilities who receive these chairs that “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” I love the way God uses our wheelchairs as a way of telling people with disabilities in third world countries about the Gospel of Jesus. And it’s happening because of you. Thank you for heeding the call… for responding to the desperate need… and for making it possible to tell everyone, including prisoners, that Jesus loves them!

–Joni Eareckson Tada

Learn More About the Joni and Friends Wheelchair Restoration Program

The wheelchair restoration process begins in federal, state, and private correctional facilities where inmates are trained to restore wheelchairs to like-new condition. At every step, our Wheels for the World program is designed to put the love of Jesus on display in an impactful way. From collection to restoration, to distribution, lives are being changed.

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