Faith In Practice – 2026
Day 2: Carrying Others
Mark 2:3 (NRSV)
“Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them.”
Inspiring Quote
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Thank God the paralyzed man had friends who cared enough to carry him to Jesus. Someone once said, “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
This passage inspired the devotionals I wrote for this trip because every day at our Faith In Practice Village Clinic we see people carrying their loved ones. Family members bring fathers, mothers, and children to the clinic—sometimes literally carrying them in their arms. Many have been doing this for years, simply relying on their own strength. It is hard to imagine all the challenges they face.
That’s why receiving a wheelchair can transform an entire family’s life.
Through the generosity of Free Wheelchair Mission, wheelchairs are donated and our team assembles them. Their mission is beautifully simple: help carry others. In many ways, every doctor, nurse, and volunteer here is doing the same—carrying others through care, compassion, and healing.
Yesterday we met six-year-old Sarita. Her family carried her to the mobility clinic. Sarita loves life. She sang along with the music and filled the room with smiles. Oh, I forgot to mention that Sarita was born with spina bifida. Yesterday she received a special wheelchair that will help her move through life with new freedom.
After receiving her chair, Sarita surprised us by beautifully singing a karaoke song. When we were about to take a photo together, her parents insisted that our team be in the picture with them. As they left, Melissa, John, and I were in tears moved by this tiny person with a huge heart!
But the story wasn’t finished.
Sarita then visited Dr. Vicki and Nurse Gloria. Gloria asked her what she was going to do with the little desk attached to her new wheelchair. Sarita said she was going to draw and color. Gloria smiled and asked what else she planned to do.
Sarita answered without hesitation:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It was a sacred moment. That verse happens to be one of Gloria’s favorite scriptures.
Yesterday we thought we were carrying Sarita.
But in truth, Sarita carried all of us.
And her spirit will continue to carry us long after this trip is over.
Who are you carrying?
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for those who have carried me through life. Help me carry others with compassion and love. Amen.
