One hundred fifteen wheelchairs recently rolled off a ship at the Island of Tonga, changing lives for disabled people across the island thanks to a partnership between numerous groups initiated by a Nazarene mission leader in Alabama, USA.

Fred Faith, former president of Nazarene Missions International (NMI) for the Alabama North District, visited Tonga to help layman Donald Hunter in building a missionary house there. During the trip, he met with Nazarene missionaries In-kwon Kim and his wife, Jeong-Seok Kim, directors of The Mango Tree Centre, which provides rehabilitative therapy, vocational and social training, and spiritual formation to help not only the disabled but their families in Tonga.

In many South Pacific Island cultures, disabilities are traditionally viewed as punishment from God. Additionally, because of rampant diabetes, many have lost their legs.

Founded in 2005 after more than 11 years of service to the disabled of Tonga by retired Nazarene missionaries Duncan “Doc” and Charmayne Old, today The Mango Tree Centre brings together physical therapists, doctors, and other workers to serve the precious people who have been pushed to the fringes of society and burdened with undeserved shame.

For the rest of the story, see Engage magazine.