Joni & Friends' "Wheels For The World" Fundraiser 888-799-49-99
"This Christmas, help us provide the gift of mobility to a disabled person in a foreign land for just $150! So far, Joni Eareckson Tada and her ministry Wheels for the World have provided 52,342 customized wheelchairs to the disabled in 102 countries. Right now, you can help her place one more wheelchair into the life of someone disabled – giving them the gift of mobility – and you'll also be giving them the Gospel of Jesus Christ because along with every customized wheelchair is a Bible in their native language – you can do all of this for just $150 this Christmas by calling (888) 799-49-99."
Joni is a quadriplegic, unable to use her hands and confined to a wheelchair since her diving accident in 1967. However, she's the least "disabled" disabled person I know. She's written 35 books, over a million people a week hear her "Joni & Friends" daily 5-minute broadcast, her paintings (done with a paint brush between her teeth) are sought by collectors all over the world, and she's an accomplished vocalist! How's that for being "disabled?" She and her husband Ken have been happily married since 1982.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are 18 million disabled people around the world who need wheelchairs immediately. But the cost of a wheelchair in many parts of the world is equivalent to a year's wages, and that makes it impossible for nearly every one of these 18 million disabled to ever buy one. Often living in isolation and lacking simple mobility, the disabled are cut off from the world, and tragically, they're also even cut off from the local church. As a result, many never hear the gospel or experience Christ's love.
Each wheelchair is customized by a licensed physical therapist to fit each recipient. These are not dropped on a dock and distributed as a one-size-fits-all solution, each one is personalized – often taking up to 6 hours of work to customize just one chair.
Wheels for the World changes hearts and lives – and communities all over the world! They don't just drop in and drop off wheelchairs – they go back year after year to refit and follow up, to serve alongside local churches that provide follow up long after the team leaves. Their commitment is long and deep. At Joni and Friends, they don't say "goodbye," they say "We'll be back – see you soon!"
Wheels for the World, a ministry of Joni Eareckson Tada (joniandfriends.org/pg_wheelchair.php), aims to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the disabled around the world by providing wheelchairs and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. They connect the disabled with the church by improving disability awareness and by training local churches in a variety of disability ministries.
By the end of 2008, Wheels for the World will have distributed 52,342 wheelchairs to 102 countries and trained hundreds of ministry and community leaders, including people with disabilities. As a result, many have placed their trust in Christ, are experiencing new life and purpose with their new mobility, and disability ministry is growing all over the world.
In India, where monkey and snake gods are worshipped, WFTW team members take the Light of Jesus Christ into neighborhoods where the taboos of religion and caste-discrimination against the disabled are broken – and replaced by glorious access to God. The smiles and joy on the faces of recipients say it best!
Wheels for the World currently restores wheelchairs in 17 prisons in 13 states. Inmates restore used wheelchairs to like-new condition, learning to work together, perfect basic mechanical skills and produce a product they can be proud of. Cons are often moved to tears when they see a photo of a little boy or girl getting a wheelchair of their very own for the very first time.
Call 888-799-49-99 to give the gift of mobility – a customized wheelchair – for just $150.00.
Sponsor 3 chairs for $450 and get Joni's Christmas CD "Whiter Than Snow"
Sponsor 5 chairs for $750 and get a 4 tickets to the Curtain Call Dinner Theater.
Sponsor 10 chairs for $1,500 and get 2 nights at Alpenhorn Bed & Breakfast in Big Bear (one per hour)
Businesses that make a $2,500 gift get a $3,500 KKLA Advertising Package.
701 North Brand Boulevard, Suite 550
Glendale, CA 91203
Office (818) 956-5552
Frank's Assistant Nate Hanson nate@kkla.com 
