Wheels of Grace: Mission to India 2025

A mission to India with Wheels for the World – a ministry of Through the Roof  – has transformed lives with the gifts of mobility and the Word of God.

In March 2025, UK volunteers alongside local partners, pastors and charities worked together to distribute refurbished wheelchairs and mobility aids to people in need.

Mission Snapshots

• 🧡 Sundasi Devi (the lady in orange), previously crawling, now wheels herself with pride.
• 😇 Gourab, an 11-year-old boy with a severe disability, beaming a smile in his customised chair.
• 👣 The boat trip to South Khulna island to share Jesus' love – one mobility aid at a time.

A Message from the Team

As we reflect on our 10-day mission to India, our hearts are full of gratitude. God worked through every team member, every wheelchair fitted, every prayer shared. Over 100 individuals received mobility aids, and with them, new dignity, hope, and freedom—both physically and spiritually.

Thank you for your prayers, your giving, and your encouragement. You were part of this work, and we rejoice in the Lord together with you.

“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24

Mission Highlights

In every location, along with physical mobility came spiritual encouragement. Bibles were shared. Prayers were spoken. A church service brought joy and unity. Faith inspired local hearts.

Days 1 & 2: Preparation & Anticipation

Volunteers and local teams travelled to Kolkata, then gathered to sort and match wheelchairs, footplates, crutches, and walking aids. Spirits were high, and prayers were shared as the team prepared for their first day of distribution.

😄 Day 3: Joy Restored

The wheelchair recipients have been full of joy to be gifted wheelchairs and walking aids from Wheels for The World! A dear lady in orange clothing, living in a local charity shelter, who was crawling on her hands, received a wheelchair. Her smile told the story of God’s love in motion.

Day 4: A Day of Rest

On Sunday, our team enjoyed a day off, starting with a church service. Dr. CV, our local partner, shared his inspiring testimony. After lunch, we visited Mother Teresa's House. The day ended with a joyous celebration of Pastor Asis' birthday.

🌟 Day 5: Nakash’s Transformation

28-year-old Nakash, living with polio, arrived with his family, unable to walk. He was lifted into a new chapter of life with a fitted wheelchair. His radiant smile moved the team deeply. Praise the Lord for this joy and transformation!

Reaching the Islands

Later in the week, the mission extended to South Khulna Island and Jamamtara.

It took 2 hours each way to reach South Khulna by car and boat!
Wheelchairs, walking sticks, and crutches were distributed to people with cerebral palsy, amputations, and more. Marie, one of the four UK volunteers, shares her memories:

“The team had transport to South Khulna Island. This region is famous for Bengal Tigers. We did not see any though. As we arrived, we were happily greeted by the people waiting for equipment. At the start, we triaged all who those who had registered. We saw people with various physical disabilities, such as amputees, some children with cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities. People with polio, spinal injuries, and injuries from falls. 15 people were successfully given wheelchairs.

We were delighted to see a couple of other disabled people who were not initially registered and saw an 11 year old boy who received a self-propelled child's wheelchair. The boy had been patiently waiting until the end and was very happy. We gave out three lots of crutches and walking sticks. The day was filled with much excitement, noise, help from local pastors, great teamwork, kindness, care, and happiness.”

In Jamamtara, we were welcomed with songs by children from the Brethren Bible College. Some children with complex needs were measured for chairs we’d send on later. Marie recalls:

“The team & local pastors travelled to a village called Jamamtara. This is a very dry area as water resources are low. The round trip was 12 hours. We had a small selection of wheelchairs and walking aids. We met at the Brethren Bible College and school. We had a great welcome from the local school children and staff team. The children sang two beautiful songs. On the trip, we learned that "thank you" in Bengali is ‘Dhanyawad.’"

❤️ Final Day: A Mother's Joyful Tears, A Boy’s Smile

On Day 10, Gourab, an 11-year-old boy with a severe disability, was fitted with a specialised wheelchair. His mother’s eyes welled with relief as she saw her son seated safely and comfortably. It was a powerful reminder of why we do this work. Marie shares:

"We are so grateful for the strength, energy, and love that flowed through each person involved, from our team to the caregivers and the local partners.

Gourab and his mum had returned after an initial visit earlier in the week. With a few adjustments for the chair, he was seated well. His head being supported was the main concern. Gourab found waiting hard, but he left the centre a happy boy and in his new wheelchair!

We rejoice in the Lord’s grace and praise Him for all the lives touched by this mission."

 

🙏 Thank you for your support

All the support received means:
✔ 100+ mobility aids distributed
✔ Dozens of Bibles shared
✔ Countless lives touched by the love of Christ.

We couldn't do this without you. Together, we bring freedom in motion—both physical and spiritual.

"Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8