This story comes from Scaria, one of our partners in India. Rickshaw drivers have a hard job and a hard life, and that can harden a person’s heart. Read how our mission is changing that:

Right in front of my office there is parking for over 100 rickshaws. Rickshaw drivers are considered to be very tough and not very friendly people in India. But your wheelchairs have transformed these drivers. These drivers are now friendlier to others. When they drive around, they look for people who need wheelchairs. When they see a disabled person who looks especially poor, they make it a point to ask them if they need a wheelchair. Many suitable candidates where found out by them.

One driver brought this man in the pictures to my office. The man’s name is Mr. Cheri. In simple words he is a beggar, but he does not want to admit it and sacrifice his dignity. They helped Mr. Cheri in getting a new life. He belongs to a village about 40 miles away. One of the drivers agreed to drive him and his new chair home! Other drivers pooled their money to help pay the fee, 250 rupees. Not much by your standards, but a few days’ earnings for them. They showed the willingness to share it.

When I asked Mr. Cheri if he had been praying to God, his answer was “Sir I always pray to God that none in this world should suffer like me. I never pray for myself, I pray for others.”

As Mr. Cheri left, I could see the happy faces of all the drivers who gathered there, helping him.