In Guatemala, and many other countries around the world, it is thought that children born with disabilities are a curse. These children are left in their homes and are not provided with opportunities to be a part of society. Families will keep them in their homes and not treat them with proper love and care. Sometimes this is because of the stigma attached, and other times it is simply because these families do not know how to properly care for a family member with a severe disability. They have no opportunity to attend school much less to even be able to move on their own. Because of a lack of physical therapy, their bodies often become frozen in unnatural positions. However, in Guatemala, and many other places around the world, some organizations like Bethel Ministries are working to free people from the stigma that is attached to physical and mental disabilities. They are providing the disabled with wheelchairs!
I was able to participate in a wheelchair distribution in Chimaltenango, Guatemala on Friday (8/29/08). As many of you may know, I have a sister, Karen, who had Spina Bifada and lived in a wheelchair her whole life. She went to be with the Lord about 3 years ago. I am used to the world of Quickie wheelchairs and Jay seat cushions! So, my heart was really drawn to being a part of this ministry while in Guatemala.
I was amazed at how well the ministry was organized. Those families that want wheelchairs for a family member with a disability (child or adult) submit a small amount of paper work detailing the person’s disability and body measurements along with a photo. The family is then invited to attend a wheelchair distribution at a set date and time. The paperwork is then used to identify a wheelchair in the “wheelchair warehouse” that will fit the person’s needs. On this day that I attended the distribution, the wheelchairs were all brought in to a gym and lined up. About 50 wheelchairs were rolled into the gym. Chairs were also set up for families to sit in. The families arrived and were given a presentation on what was going to happen to distribute the wheelchairs and a gospel presentation was given. We were able to pray with those who wanted to be prayed for. About five stations were set up in the back of the gym to assist with wheelchair fittings. Each family came to one of the stations and witnessed their family member getting a wheelchair. Some patients took a long time to be fitted and others took only a few minutes. The most exciting moments came when those children that could use their hands put their hands on their wheels for the first time. They could actually push themselves around independently for the first time in their lives! These children and adults have spent their entire lives up to this point either sitting or lying on the floor or in someone’s lap. What a blessing it was to hear little Julio, who had Spina Bifada, exclaim as he pushed himself around for the first time, “Mi carro! Mi carro!” (translates to ” my car” in English). He had his own “car” for the first time! After the person is fitted for the chair, a photo is taken of them in their new wheels before they leave.
During the distribution I was able to talk with the families that came in and give candy and bounce balls to the kids. I was also able to pray for some of them. What a joy it was to be a part of this!
