This story comes from Cebu City, Philippines, and our partners there, CHDI Philippines.

Our first recipient!  Joseph is a 13 year old boy who is the size of a 6 year old. Quiet and shy, he sat in his chair with an expression of wonderment. He cracked his first smile only after Jeannie D. brought out a package of Jelly Bellys.

We entered his neighborhood through a 3-foot narrow rocky path. His 11 siblings, mother, and neighbors stood around us amidst the cement, wood, and “half” constructed homes of their urban development. This was an “event”!

But here is the story behind the story. What joy we have seeing God already at work! We are joining him in his work!

Joseph’s neighbor, Lilia, has been sharing Bible studies with his mother and siblings. She had been praying for a way to relieve Joseph from crawling on the dirt, gravel, and mud of his neighborhood. She wanted to call GMA 7, a local television station, but felt God saying “No, just wait.”

God’s answer was on the way already! An ocean away, our team was preparing this work. Friday, upon her return from visiting family, Lilia heard of this wheelchair distribution from a former employee and friend. Through her church, the contact was made. Lilia’s prayers were answered in a way she could never imagine. “I could never afford this,” she says of the wheelchair, “this is God’s answer to my prayers.”

Joseph, youngest of 12, polio victim