CHIANG MAI, THAILAND — 12-year-old Pleng was born with cerebral palsy. Unable to afford a wheelchair for Pleng, her family resorted to carrying her, or just staying home. In addition to struggles with immobility, Pleng’s family suffered from shame, believing Pleng’s disability came from bad karma—a deserved punishment, or curse. When Pleng arrived at the Thailand Wheels for the World outreach in her mother’s arms, she received the wheelchair she needed, and so much more. That day Pleng and 230 other people received wheelchairs, and love, dignity, and acceptance in Christ.

John Nugent – President Joni and Friends:

The Joni and Friends team is here in Thailand in Chiang Mai, and this is Pleng. Pleng is a 10-year-old child. She has CP and her mother told us earlier it’s due to bad karma. Her CP was bad karma. It was due to her behaviour, it was due to her sin that caused her child to suffer from CP and that’s a burden that her mother carries.

This happens to be Pleng’s second chair. So her mom received a Joni book the first time around and she said she loved the book. It was encouraging to her and she thought that maybe one day she might be a believer in Jesus Christ.

Pleng is a fearless young girl. She is a lovely young gal and she’s very, very smart and we love her dearly. So we love you, Pleng. God bless you.

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About Joni and Friends

For 40 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical resources to people affected by disability around the globe. Ministry programs include Wheels for the World, Family Retreats, the Christian Institute on Disability, and church ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers inspirational media such as the Joni and Friends radio program and podcasts. To find out more, please visit www.joniandfriends.org.