September 2004

Free Wheelchair Mission…
It Is More Than Wheelchairs!

Dear Friend,

After reading an article about Free Wheelchair Mission in the LA Times, producers Shawn Tessaro and Holly Vega, of Biscuit Filmworks in Los Angeles, were motivated to call us and offer their assistance.

Just two weeks later, more than forty-five of their friends attended a cocktail reception fundraiser. They heard about how I started Free Wheelchair Mission and the vision I have for it. As a result, $10,000 was raised at the event, and Shawn and Holly want to continue raising enough money to purchase a whole container of wheelchairs (550 at $22,500).

I so appreciate the efforts of Shawn and Holly and their friends, and I look forward to many more opportunities to hold events like this in Los Angeles and other cities in the United States. This Christmas we plan to have similar events in hundreds of homes across the nation! To get involved, look for details on our Christmas Celebration in the October Newsletter.

I challenge you to catch the giving spirit and think of ways to reach out to your personal and professional communities and encourage them to get involved in Free Wheelchair Mission.

FWM’s Trip to Peru a Double Blessing!

Last month, a team of adults (including myself) and teenagers traveled to Lima, Peru, to deliver wheelchairs. We were able to bring real hope and healing to hundreds of people who would otherwise have to crawl on the ground.

Upon arriving we met Robert Barriger, pastor of an 8,000-member mega-church in the capital city and one of Free Wheelchair Mission’s strongest distribution partners. Pastor Robert and his family have a powerful ministry to the “forgotten people” of Peru. Compelled by a desire to make a difference for those in need, this church reaches out to the needs of the poor right within their own community and across their country.

To date, almost 5 full containers have been delivered in Peru – that’s 2,500 children and adults who have received free wheelchairs and the gospel message through Pastor Robert’s team as a result of your generosity. Thanks for helping us make a difference in their world.

Faith, Hope, and Love On Wheels!

Team member Ines Franklin writes:

We went to Peru charged to provide the gift of free wheelchairs…eager to greet the recipients, hear their stories, and share their joy. We distributed 50 wheelchairs in Cusco and another 35 in Sicuani, and spent one day visiting last year’s recipients in Lima to find out how their lives were improved by the free wheelchairs. 

Each story was unique and touching, but all had one common thread — the unbelievable gratitude of mobility and dignity. They thanked us for bringing faith, hope, and love to their communities. They considered it an honor that we came.

We went to Peru to give wheelchairs, but we discovered that giving is a two-way street — their outpouring of love and appreciation was truly life-changing for us. We can’t wait to go back.

Interested in a Trip That Will Change Your Perspective?
You Can Make it Happen!

Want to take a trip that not only will change your life but also the lives of many others? The vision of Free Wheelchair Mission is to enlist people who want to make a significant difference in their world by helping the less fortunate. There is no better way to do this than by getting involved in FWM and taking a life-changing mission trip. I am leading another trip from December 13th – 20th. If you are interested in joining this mission trip, please contact me directly. I would love to have you join us.

If you can’t go, you can help us financially. Our goal is to purchase 4,400 more wheelchairs in October, and your gift of any amount would help make this possible. Think of it—together we can make a monumental difference for 4,400 people, providing mobility, hope, and a chance for a new life.

Think of where you want to go, what you want to do, who you want to impact, and how you want to change.

Then make it happen!

God Bless,
Don Schoendorfer

P.S. For additional updates and information, please visit our Web site at:
www.freewheelchairmission.org.