God’s Abundant Provision
One day at the busy distribution venue, I noticed an old couple. The husband pushed his wife sitting in an old and shabby wheelchair. They came early in the morning, staying in a corner and silently watching all that happened, and their eyes were filled with longing.
I went over to say hello to the old couple and asked why they were here. The old man told me that they lived not far from here. Hearing that we were giving wheelchairs, they quickly came over with the hope that they probably could also get a wheelchair, because the one the wife was using was already dilapidated.
Every year, we work with Joni and Friends (JAF) to give wheelchairs to poor and disabled people in the northeastern region of China. We usually begin to find suitable recipients with the help of churches several months before the real distribution happens and our annual quota is usually limited.
Knowing that all wheelchairs were already planned out and there would be no extra for them, their eyes immediately revealed obvious disappointment. However, they still did not want to leave, thinking that if someone could not come they might be lucky to get one. From their eyes, I could see that they were expecting a miracle.
But by the end of the day, there were no wheelchairs left. Seeing the disappointed couple, I immediately went over to comfort them by ensuring that we would do our best to get them a wheelchair. Since that day, the figure of the old couple often appeared in my mind and I could not forget the disappointment in their eyes, and I began praying I could help them get a new wheelchair.
Thankfully, through the support of one of our partners ministries, we were able to get another supply of wheelchairs. Hearing the good news, my first thought was the old couple. I called them immediately and made an appointment to visit them the next day to determine the size of their wheelchair.
I was shocked by the sight when we got to their home. Not long ago, the wife had become bedridden because of her second cerebral hemorrhage. Learning that we came to measure for her new wheelchair, the husband was very excited. He told his wife:
“They will give you a new wheelchair so I can push you out for sunshine.”
We also talked to the old couple to further understand their living conditions. Although the old lady could not speak, we could see that her eyes were full of joy and gratitude.
At that moment, my heart was filled with a bit of regret, blaming myself for coming too late. On the other hand, I also felt grateful for making the visit. I was not only excited that they would have a new wheelchair, but more importantly that they still had opportunity to feel loved.