Longing to Belong: Wheels in Elburgon, Kenya
“Do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
A promise carried in the hearts of the team from the moment they arrived in Elburgon.
A Welcome That Spoke of Belonging
When the Wheels for the World team arrived in Elburgon in January 2026, they stepped into a celebration of song, prayer, and warmth. Members of the local church gathered to welcome them—an early sign of the deep sense of community the team would experience throughout the mission. The team were there to restore freedom and fellowship for local disabled people, through the gift of refurbished wheelchairs and mobility aids, which would enable those who could not walk to re-join their community.
There were some unexpected challenges, like our local partnership contact, Pastor Davis, being injured in an accident on his way to meet them! But all were met with grace and resilience, protected by God's guiding hands. Bishop Joseph stepped in immediately, guiding the team with kindness. This set the tone for a journey built on partnership, unity, and belonging.
Preparing a Place for Every Person: Sorting, Assessing, and Praying with Purpose
On the setup day, the team walked to the distribution site—tech bags in hand—to organise dozens of wheelchairs, mobility aids, and crutches. As Sarah led a reading from Luke 9:51–56, they reflected on Christ’s unwavering purpose and their own call to keep focused on serving with compassion.
The careful preparation wasn’t just technical work. Each Bible was labelled and made ready for anyone desiring Scripture in their own language. Therapy stations, prayer spaces, and a reception area were arranged thoughtfully so that every recipient would feel valued, seen, and welcomed. This mission wasn’t simply about giving equipment—it was about inviting people into full belonging within their families, churches, and communities.
Start of Distribution: Belonging in Action
Friday brought energy, joy, and a sense of holy anticipation. Working closely with local volunteers and translators, the team supported thirty‑six people with wheelchairs, crutches, and other aids. Each individual received not only equipment but also prayer, dignity, and community.
Among their stories were two especially powerful testimonies of belonging restored.
Samuel’s Story: A Pathway Back to Community
Samuel had lived with a double above‑knee amputation since a life‑changing accident in 2013. Once a driver, he longed to return to work and to reconnect with friends and his church, Challenge Church. But without a functioning wheelchair, even reaching the market was a struggle.
Fiona, a therapist, assessed him and selected a strong self‑propelled wheelchair. She encouraged him to practice balancing, but Samuel felt more secure using the rear anti‑tip devices, which the tech team adjusted to fit him perfectly. When asked what belonging meant to him, Samuel shared:
“This wheelchair will help me go to the market to find work. I’ll be able to see my friends again, and return to church.”
He also received a Bible in Swahili—something he treasured deeply.
Samuel’s mobility was restored, yes—but more than that, his place within his community was restored.
Josephine’s Story: A Growing Girl Held by Her Community
Five‑year‑old Josephine is bright, cheerful, and growing fast. Until this mission, her mother had to carry her everywhere—school, church, and even simple visits in the neighbourhood. The weight was becoming difficult, and the family felt increasingly isolated.
The team found a suitable, stable wheelchair for Josephine. Even though it couldn’t fold, its removable wheels meant her mother could manage it. Her mum’s relief was immediate and overflowing.
Her brothers and sisters were excited too—they couldn’t wait to take turns pushing her to school, church, and visits with friends.
This wheelchair wasn’t just a device...
It was Josephine’s doorway into belonging—with her siblings, her church, her community, and the world around her.
Reaching Lare Ward: Belonging Spanning Generations
Six people travelled more than 40 km from the village of Lare Ward to receive help. Among them was Esther, aged 102, accompanied by her youngest son, Daniel—aged 60. Esther thanked God for the wheelchair that would allow her to sit in the sunshine, visit neighbours, and take part in community life again.
Her story perfectly captured the mission’s heart: belonging is for every generation.
Jennifer, the story correspondent for the mission, shared this reflection:
"It is so special to be able to help people – and even more special to be able to help a village! We were blessed today to be able to help people from Lare Ward. They had been referred to the programme after their approach to their Member of Parliament, who was able to connect them to Bishop James, and on to Pastor Davies and this Elburgon distribution. ... All were supported by their families and came from various Christian denominations, and they all accepted a bible and prayed with Sarah, our volunteer pastor. "
Sunday Worship: Celebrating Unity in Christ
On Sunday, team members visited different churches, where they were welcomed like family. The joyful singing of children, youth, and choirs filled the services. The team was even asked to sing—responding with When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.
The preaching was in English with Kiswahili translation. Sarah, the UK volunteer pastor, gave a short address. Then Kathy the UK Team Leader shared a message about access, belonging, and commissioning, urging churches to embrace disabled people as full participants and contributors to the life of the church. The message resonated deeply.
Continued Distribution: Meeting Needs with Love
People arrived steadily each morning seeking help and prayer. Individuals from the local area, including care homes and children’s homes, received thoughtful, tailored assessments.
The technical team crafted creative solutions—including rebuilding the base of a worn single shoulder crutch for a boy who clearly preferred it over a pair.
Jennifer the correspondent shared this message as the mission drew to a close:
"We had very mixed feelings as we came to the centre this morning and prayed with our wonderful local team. We know that we have been doing God’s work in assisting many people, but we are also conscious that there is much more need that we can meet on this mission. Deuteronomy 3:18 tells us that we should not be afraid or discouraged."
Around extra 30 wheelchairs and several mobility aids were left with the local team for ongoing distribution.
Tools—including a drill—were donated to help the church continue essential maintenance and wheelchair repairs.
Time and again, the focus was not merely on mobility—but on restoring people’s ability to belong in their homes, churches, workplaces, and communities.
Partnerships That Build Community
Before returning home, the team visited Kenyatta University, donating equipment to support students with disabilities in accessing educational programmes. They also reflected on the vital partnerships that made the mission possible—church leaders, local government, Kenyan Railways (who allowed the church field to be used as a waiting area), and countless volunteers.
Belonging, once again, was something created together.
Carrying the Message Home
On 31 January, the team returned to the UK, grateful and changed. The words of 2 Corinthians 5:9 echoed:
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”
This Elburgon mission was more than a distribution of wheelchairs.
It was a living picture of what belonging looks like in the Kingdom of God:
Every person valued.
Every contribution honoured.
Every life woven into community.
And everywhere a wheelchair rolled, hope rolled with it, so that no-one was left with an empty longing to belong... all could access their community once again.
Could you volunteer for a Wheels for the World short-term mission?
We are always looking for people to share their skills and time to transform lives with love in action.
Find out more and join the journey: visit this page to read about international mission opportunities.
