This story comes from Mark and Paige of Davis Lar Orphanage in Brazil:

Jonatas is a victim of spastic cerebral palsy.  His mother, with three other children to care for, found the task too difficult and left him with his aunt who has dedicated her life to Jonatas.  Today Jonatas, along with 19 other special individuals, are receiving their own wheelchairs donated by the Free Wheelchair Mission.  Every one has a special story, but for some reason Jonatas’ flirting eyes drew me.   

While this wheelchair will change Jonatas’ life drastically, it will be most liberating for his aunt.  Daily she struggles with leaving him tied in his hammock, or in a corner of the house, so she can do the simple things.  To take him to a doctor she has to carry the 60 pound boy, twitching and squirming uncontrollably.  She can’t take him on walks or even move him easily from room to room.  Now they are mobile. 

I asked his Aunt why she hadn’t accepted Christ, and she just smiled shyly.  When asked how this changes their thoughts on God, she answered, “I have been asking everywhere for three years for a wheelchair.  At the hospitals, the mayor, everywhere.  But now you say it is in Jesus’ name this chair was given.  I will definitely take Jonatas to church!” 

What is the first thing Jonatas wants to do in his chair?  #1 was going to church.  A close second, go to a concert!!  Yup!!  A typical 12 year old boy.