It's Not About the Wheels

Wheels for the world is an international evangelical outreach that gives wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches to individuals in need around the world. Within the past few months, they distributed their 100,000th wheelchair. But talk to anyone involved in this ministry and they will tell you that it's not about the wheels. Instead, the purpose of Wheels for the World is to create opportunities to share the gospel and good news of salvation to these people. I learned firsthand from the team leader how this concept comes in to play.

Our little friend from the church, Richard, (previously unnamed boy from another post) can't walk by himself and we thought that if he had a walker he could most likely walk independently. So when I met up with the wheels team, I mentioned Richard and his need. Turns out, he was already given a wheelchair six months ago. The leader said, " it's probably destroyed by now." They understand these wheelchairs, especially in a place as remote as Haiti, will break quickly. The rocky roads paired with the lack of knowledge of how to take care of nicer things cause these chairs to quickly disappear. The team knows that. Yet they still continue to do outreach in the same communities year after year because of the gospel ministry.  With each wheelchair/walker/etc., a bible is given and the gospel is presented to the patient. The wheelchairs present the opportunity to have that conversation. 

Yesterday, we did a wheels mission in the poorest town in Haiti- City du Soleil. The drive there was a picture of close houses composed of canvas, metal, or even big sticks, horrid smells as the "sewer" system runs close to the town, and people scattered in the streets trying to make a living by selling whatever they can. Wheels is in this town for two days and we were there day one. We entered the church and it was packed with people. Somehow we had to transport 35 wheelchairs in to this room full of 100 people. Eventually, we were able to set up 4 different stations where people were fitted for wheelchairs. It was interesting to see the heart and strategy of the ministry. They wanted to give out wheelchairs only when it was necessary-- not because we didn't have enough, but because the team cares for the best of these people. The idea is that young kids or adults who are able to walk with assistance of crutches or canes should walk with that assistance so they can keep and develop that muscle, rather than sitting all day in a wheelchair. 

A 6 year old boy with one burned and deformed foot came in wanting a wheelchair. He sat in the wheelchair and his eyes lit up. But he was able to walk fine with crutches. He already had crutches that were 6 inches too short so he hunched over when he used them. 

(His old crutches shown above)

We ended up giving him new crutches that fit him. He enjoyed using them, but when he realized he wasn't leaving with the wheelchair, he started crying and stomped out of the church building, walking and dragging his crutches behind him. This was sad to observe but ultimately the physical therapist was concerned about his good. In reflection, I've realized that is a parallel of how God responds to his children. We don't get what we want and we have a limited perspective of the world so we get angry, upset, and frustrated. In our discontentment, we even question God. But God is all knowing and wise, and is concerned for our good in the bigger picture. I'm so thankful for a father like that who I can trust no matter what the world looks like. 

Being confronted with such brokenness and poverty has been difficult for our team throughout the week. What do we do with all this experience when we return home? How do we live each day knowing what the day to day life in Haiti looks like? Why has God been merciful to me in blessing me with life in the US when I am a sinner just like the people of Haiti? But in our devotionals, we remind ourselves of the eternal promises of God. Ephesians 2 talks about how we look forward to the "coming ages (where) he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus" (v 7). This hope is what we are sharing with the Haitians. Wanting to give them their part in the kingdom that cannot be shaken. So, I've learned that in this trip, it's not about the wheels.

To the left you can faintly see a rainbow from last night as well as a great view I the beautiful mountains in Haiti. God faithfully reminded us of His promises while we had our devotional last night.