Wheelchairs in Heaven?

By 7017444915 May 29, 2026
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 For many years, Ryan made his living as a truck driver. It was work he knew well, but when health concerns made it necessary for him to make a change, he found himself facing an uncertain future. In March of 2024, Ryan was referred to Hope Haven through Vocational Rehabilitation Services for help finding meaningful employment. Like many people starting over, the path was not immediate or easy. Ryan and his employment specialist explored many different opportunities, but the right fit had not yet come along. Then, in April of 2025, BioVerse entered the picture. BioVerse had partnered with Hope Haven before, both through in-house production work and by welcoming individuals on-site to help with production needs. When they began looking for an office assistant, Ryan came to mind. Although he had never worked in an office role, he had basic computer knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. A work trial was arranged, and almost immediately, it became clear that Ryan and BioVerse were a perfect match. Since joining the team, Ryan has become an important part of BioVerse’s daily operations. His supervisor, Lori Henning, shared that Ryan has shown “a rare combination of technical curiosity and a can-do work ethic.” He has embraced new technology, including AI, to help solve software challenges, and when production needs increased, he stepped onto the manufacturing floor without hesitation. Lori wrote, “He hasn’t just filled a role; he has enriched our company culture and reminded us of the value of a truly dedicated partner.” For Ryan, this opportunity was not simply about finding a new job. It was about finding a place where his skills could shine in a new way. His story shows us that when people are connected with meaningful work, they do more than just fill a role. They strengthen an entire workplace. Your support helps open the door for people like Ryan. Because of your generosity, Hope Haven can continue building partnerships with local employers and help people find places where their skills and strengths are truly valued. If you wish to contribute, plea se CLICK HERE to donate today. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and partnership in Hope Haven’s mission.
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Heaven. Have you ever wondered what it would be like–aside from streets of gold and “no more crying and no more tears? In this blog Hope Haven’s Religious Services Department  invites you to consider what Heaven – and Earth – is like for people of all abilities. 

David Morstad in his book “Whole Community” challenges one’s thinking about people with disabilities and heaven. Morstad mused “Is heaven a place where people who do not speak will be able to do so? Or is it a place where my own ability to understand will be perfected? Is heaven a place where people will no longer use wheelchairs? Or is it a place where barriers no longer exist? Who among us will be healed?”

A bit later he quotes writer Ben Mattlin “My lifelong experience with disability has made me a creative problem-solver and ironically perhaps a diehard optimist if only because I’ve had to be. It’s taught me a great deal about patience tolerance and flexibility. My disability is part of who I am. Are there no wheelchairs in heaven? I’m not buying it. For me it’s not a place where I’ll be able to walk it’s a place where it doesn’t matter if you can’t.”

 

Typically abled people tend to view the world through the lens of someone who is “able.” On this side of heaven it is impossible to know for sure what it would be like for anyone. But perhaps a more relevant point is the attitude that non-disabled people of faith bring into relationships now. And rather than a prayer for healing and restoration for others a better direction for prayers might be for wisdom to learn from those who have so much to teach and what can be done right now to make life for others here on earth a little more like heaven?

Morstad concludes “Most people with disabilities do not seek healing for the affliction we perceive them to have as much as they seek a wholeness in the world to which they could more freely belong.”

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