Oscar’s First Wheelchair

By 7017444915 December 23, 2025
For the entire beginning of his life, Luke lived life on the floor. We met him on our fourth distribution day in Kenya. His arrival at the site was quiet, but his story spoke volumes. Luke, 11, lives with cerebral palsy. Before he was brought to a children’s home for the disabled, he had endured years of neglect. He was tied up, unable to move around, and kept inside his home so his disability would remain hidden. When they found him, he was emaciated, in constant pain, and X-rays revealed a broken hip that had gone untreated for years. His caregiver, Don, brought Luke to our distribution site for the first wheelchair he has ever owned. Fitting his chair took more than two hours, but Luke smiled through every moment of it. He seemed to understand that his world was opening up for the first time. During the fitting, one of our team members stayed by Luke’s side, comforting him. She shared, “I spent a lot of time with him, praying and singing and just stroking the side of his face. And I think that’s one of the things that really got me, I don’t think he’s had much human contact. He would just lean into me, wanting me to keep going, and he grabbed at my hands like he didn’t want to let go.” Every wheelchair you help provide becomes a turning point - a chance for a child to sit upright for the first time, attend school, join their peers, or simply experience life beyond the walls where they were once hidden. For Luke, it meant being seen, supported, and cared for in ways he had never known. This Christmas season, you can give the gift of mobility and change a life forever. Your support ensures that the most vulnerable are not forgotten and brings dignity and hope to children who have endured far too much. Luke is not alone — children like him are waiting across the world. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40 You can change a life today. Every gift brings light into the darkness and gives children like Luke a future filled with possibility. Thank you for giving children like Luke, and so many others, a chance at dignity and hope. If you wish to contribute, please CLICK HERE to donate today. We are deeply grateful for your support and prayers as we continue our mission to serve and uplift those in need.
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Meet Oscar. Oscar is 28 years.

Everywhere he went he was carried by his father…

Until the day he came to a wheelchair distribution in Costa Rica – where he received his first wheelchair from Hope Haven International Ministries.

Due to his extreme Scoliosis and Cerebral Palsy the seating team had to build a cushion to support the curvature of his spine. When we adjusted his headrest and he was able to keep his head up without someone holding it his face lit up with the biggest smile.

He loved that he could be tilted in his chair and he laughed when we adjusted his footrests (his legs are very ticklish!) We worked on getting the fit of the chair the positioning and seating correct for several hours. When Oscar’s father asked if he could drive Oscar’s new wheels Oscar would communicate no.

There were lots of smiles some tears and most of all – there was the beautiful gift of human generosity and connection. Language barriers and cultural differences fade away and one person connects with another human spirit. This is the beauty of service. This is what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

If you want to volunteer for a wheelchair distribution trip with Hope Haven International Ministries or find other ways to get involved please email Martina at mcastle@hopehaven.org

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